+22 Most people want to be in relationships merely to conform to Societal Norms. amirite?

by pacochajailyn 4 weeks ago

I don't date much and don't really care to, but I do sometimes think how nice it would be to have a partner who I get along with. It's pretty obvious why people want one so bad. I think it's human nature to want to be loved, not a societal norm. Otherwise we wouldn't have had relationships before this current society, which isn't true.

by Melodic_Tip_5097 4 weeks ago

Even if you want to get scientific, love and partnership are evolutionary traits we've developed because they give us an advantage. It is entirely human nature to want them.

by Kschamberger 4 weeks ago

If someone lived a life and never had a deep attachment or connection to look back on and recall warmly, what would that someone feel like at the end of their life? Maybe a terror that they never really lived at all, and are now dying.

by Educational-Dig 4 weeks ago

Lol check back in 50 years. Idk if I'll ever have a deep enough attachment to anyone to want to put up with the effort of being with them.

by Melodic_Tip_5097 4 weeks ago

You can let the person go then. That's what I did. Grief ensues. Then you recover from the storm and the love returns.

by Educational-Dig 4 weeks ago

You say that now, until you meet that person who just completely shatters your worldview in the best way possible. Seen that happen many times.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

Humans are social animals. Social animals feel comforted by other members of their species, and can get lonely if isolated from other members of their species for too long. The same can be said for other social animals other than humans, like dolphins, great apes, elephants, whales, dogs, etc.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

Sharing your life with someone, truly having a partner for the good and the bad is a special thing. Every decision in my life feels lighter and less stressful because when we jump, we jump together. I cannot imagine going back to being single.

by haleyhand 4 weeks ago

I think it's less human nature and more human ego, which can be influenced by culture and their surroundings. Just look at all the breakups and what that does to the average person. Most animals would just move on if their mate left, or died.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

Having your heartbroken isn't just an ego being bruised. I think that minimizes the intimacy, love and connection people share. Friendship breakups are just as gut wrenching when it's somebody you have been close to for many years.

by brody89 4 weeks ago

Why are people in relationships still often feel lonely, which then causes them to cheat? They need a specific sort of intimacy, or a stimulation. That is the ego needing its validation and to be "loved". And love, which is not an emotion but more of a product of civilization, as we see the ideal loving relationships from others and we started to expect the same from people that we are involved with, then we get upset when people have a different idea about relationships. Similarly for friendship. We expect this, we expect that, we expect good times to last forever... But once things don't go our way (maybe a friend took a job and better their life), our ego feels hurt. I think human ego is the root cause of loneliness. We expect way too much out of life, yet we barely do anything to make our own lives better. Kill the ego, better yourself first and foremost, then people comes... If they don't, that shouldn't concern you, neither.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

Not necessarily. Having your needs unfulfilled doesn't always mean that it's going to be ego, I think that's a pretty reductive and emotionally mutilating way of thinking. People don't feel lonely in relationships because of ego, often they feel lonely because of incompatibility, or a partner who doesn't care about them. Sometimes people feel like the relationship that they're in, even if it's lonely, because would you rather have a mediocre meal or starve? The reality is, humans are social creatures. We need other people, we need love, and we need social bonding because those are the traits with which we evolved. We don't have ego because of society, we have society because we are inherently interconnected and it is a necessity to healthy survival. Likewise, people don't cheat because they're lonely most of the time. They cheat because they're selfish and they've never faced consequences for it. If you raise somebody to think that their poor behaviour won't be punished then they simply continue that behaviour. The validation is secondary to the actual crux of the matter, which is fundamentally a disregard for their partner and other people. They could easily seek validation and break up with their partner and still have the comfort of dating apps and sleeping around. They don't want that, because it's not about validation. That's the excuse. It's about being selfish and wanting what they want at the expense of their partner. In many cases for cheaters the thrill is in the secrecy, in pulling a fast one on somebody who loves them. That doesn't come from a place of loneliness. I'll be very frank, I think what your positing about people in terms of ego being the central issue to social ills is very simplistic and largely unhelpful to actual understanding of why people behave the way they behave and why they are let down when things go awry. Your ego cannot be killed. You cannot emotionally mutilate yourself and be functional. Disappointment with failures in people meeting your expectations isn't a problem of ego, it's a problem of mismatched needs and that doesn't mean that you need to punish yourself for it or view it as wrong when you are upset. Likewise, it isn't inherently a problem just because of social programming. Sometimes things are problems because everybody has a brain that functions differently, and depending on the amalgamation of their upbringing and experiences in life, they require different things to feel safe or understood. By and large most people aren't doing nothing to improve their circumstances, they are working as best as they can with the hand that they are dealt and the understanding they have of the world based on how they were raised. That isn't because of ego inherently. It can be, but it isn't everybody's problem. The root of loneliness is loneliness. Loneliness exists because human beings evolved to work collaboratively to survive, and when you are alienated from the things that feed those circuits, your body will respond. If you do not eat, you're hungry. If you do not drink, you're thirsty. If you don't go outside, you become deficient in vitamin D. If you are not adequately socialized or loved you become lonely. The solution isn't to kill the ego anymore than the solution to hunger is to tear out your stomach. You can't think your way out of a fundamental lack of nutrition, even psychologically. At most what you'll do is numb yourself or dissociate from your emotions. But they'll still be there causing havoc in the background and potentially making you sick.

by brody89 4 weeks ago

I can only say some people see it an achievement, a trophy, not something they truly desire for what it is.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

"im already in the dad phase" i once heard my brother respond to someone...

by Efficient-Place 4 weeks ago

I think you are somewhat right that societal pressure can definitely compound the pain of being single and some people just want to get into a relationship so they can prove something to the people around them. But I think for the people that really really want to find a relationship it more has to do with people wanting to feel loved and important to someone and create their own family/life with someone. To find their tribe. Some people don't even have good friendships or have difficult family upbringing. Some people don't have a lot of support at all and romance is their closest thing to love that they feel they can get in life. Or for some it's more of a practical thing like they want someone to do life with so they can for example have a baby or have an easier financial opportunity etc. everyone has different reasons for it but I think in general human beings don't want to be the odd one out… the one standing on the outside looking in at others having fun and being in love. Most of us want to experience love, and as an adult, that's more likely to come from romance than friendships.

by Inevitable-Movie 4 weeks ago

Platonic love, and the various types of non-romantic love, are real. But I'm not sure it is ever enough. Would that person always feel like something in life was missing? I'm definitely a romantic soul.

by Educational-Dig 4 weeks ago

I have some of the most fulfilling and blessed friendships. They feel closer than family and understand me heart and soul. I still crave romantic love. So I would say yeah it will always feel like something is missing.

by brody89 4 weeks ago

A platonic love can be truly beautiful and a real blessing. Maybe only in one's soul does a person know if they have lived well and have that peace of mind about the life they have lived, in old age looking back on it all.

by Educational-Dig 4 weeks ago

Nope, it's fine. Asexual and aromantic people exist.

by Additional_Apple_609 4 weeks ago

Yes, of course they do. I didn't say they did not exist. Only you really know, inside, if it's fine or not.

by Educational-Dig 4 weeks ago

I don't think u need to be wired asexually to be ok alone.

by Exciting-Response 4 weeks ago

That's true. In fact, being ok alone is a great boon to building a healthy relationship in the future. Otherwise, codependency and unrealistic expectations can follow.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

I find that no matter how prepared I am I always change myself when in any relationship. Friend, partner, I'm never the EXACT same person I am alone

by Exciting-Response 4 weeks ago

Oh, agreed. To love is to be changed, as they say. What I'm getting at is that you should be a stable, well-rounded individual single before entering into that relationship. I think we're coming at the same idea two different ways.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

Agree actually. Even if that somewhat contradicts what I wrote. Everyone is different in these ways.

by Educational-Dig 4 weeks ago

Something tells me you're having a hard time finding someone to be in a relationship with

by Ok-Account8278 4 weeks ago

Me too, but I also don't want one simply due to "societal norms"

by Leather-Walk 4 weeks ago

Not everyone wants a relationship. There's way more to life than chasing people.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

People don't give up the rest of their life to be in a relationship. Romantic relationships are a huge part of the human experience. 99.9% of everyone do or at some point did want to be in a romantic relationship

by Top_Professional9698 4 weeks ago

That's not true at all. My partner literally pulled me out of depression. Moving in with him was the best thing I've ever done for my mental health.

by No-Advantage 4 weeks ago

Duh. But writing a giant rant about how most people just want a relationship cuz societal norms screams copium.

by AntiqueSpare3286 4 weeks ago

QED.

by Overall-Storage6742 4 weeks ago

For me, I found one, she ticked all the boxes I wanted for a partner and I didn't compromise for less. (Also, for record I'm not a guy). I didn't date for societal reasons, I found someone who met my expectations.

by Odd_Tangerine 4 weeks ago

No. There's a difference between "people that are happier alone exist" and "most people are happier alone".

by Life-Sentence-7018 4 weeks ago

No he's not proving OPs point. People who are comfortable being single and simply don't wish to be in a relationship likely don't feel the need to justify this position with sweeping accusations about society at large. They likely say to themselves "hmm, I don't like this thing most people seem to like, odd" and then carry on with their day the way people who don't like bacon carry on with their day.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

It's okay until your friends set you up with someone to fix you. It took me a decade to find someone to fit the standards I wanted for a relationship.

by Odd_Tangerine 4 weeks ago

Well this thing OP is talking about is a social norm that people judge you for not following. You're missing the point on why folks like OP would even come out and say it. If it was a "it's either this or this 50/50" thing then yeah I'd agree with you.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

When single people self-congratulate themselves, most of the reasons are based on fallacies: relationship takes away their freedom (not true in a good relationship), sexual variety is their right (aka quantity over quality). All things being equal, the percentage of people who are truly happier single (and not just deluding themselves) is small. Most people want to be in a good relationship because they understand it's a much better compromise People often mistake the wider possibilities you gain from being in a good relationship to "social expectations". In comparison the things that you can do as a single that you can't in a relationship are few, and the others are unhealthy

by Hodkiewiczroy 4 weeks ago

When people are self congratulating themselves it is usually this: because they are happy not following a social norm that isn't for them that many people are pressured to do. It is "hey I'm happy doing this so you don't need to do it too if you don't want to" The proof is in reality when everyone acts like a failure for being single because they are afraid of being judged. People cave into peer pressure all the time without realizing it and every person on this earth has insecurities. It's not because they are lonely, because there are several ways to deter loneliness.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

Cope lol, like people are never bored at work, school, sitting in the car, in bed, etc. People are "out living their lives" aaaalll the time.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

Its societal norms because its a part of our instinct. We have hormones for a reason and it gives people the urge to be in some form of relationship. Hormones are crucial to enable bonding between mother and child so the mother has the will to raise the child. Over time the pair bonding hormone also worked with mother and father so in early humans he typically wanted to stay a part of the community and ensure the wellbeing of mother and child. Putting hundreds of thousands of years of evolution to "people only do what they see" is a bit short sighted to say the least.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

Exactly, humans are social creatures, who for centuries have partnered up.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

It's been a little more than centuries lol. Even animals display social traits-- this probably goes pre-human.

by Kschamberger 4 weeks ago

Yes

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

Nature is supposed to be dominated, not defaulted to.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

Apropos of nothing, squire, I think one should rethink the way one writes. Verily.

by Any_Pain 4 weeks ago

In fact most people aren't even happy with the person they marry or in a relationship with

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

I would say it's because people are not raised to be comfortable alone or be confident in themselves. Every time I see someone seeking a relationship it's almost always to soothe the major loneliness and insecurities they face. I actually highly value my alone time and would recommend all people to be comfortable with themselves before engaging in a relationship, if you don't there will indeed be loads of problems and massive downfalls when it does end.

by Wooden-Air 4 weeks ago

I think it's more of a fact that we are social animals. And I speak it as an introvert, I do like people but I like spending time alone 600000x more. Even I from time to time need human interaction. Not everyone will also thrive alone, because of their character. I feel like by saying "people should be comfortable being alone" we are trying to erase extroverts. When not everyone will thrive being alone. Or so I hear.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

I'm an introvert but I do want to spend my life with a certain special person. It's not that I hate being alone, I enjoy it, but there's something about such an emotional connection that I'd definitely want.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

Or we've been told since we were 10 that being single was a sign of a failure. If I was ever judge for anything besides my love life, maybe I wouldn't have cared so much. Now idc but 20 years is too long

by Character_Box 4 weeks ago

lol no. Definitely an unpopular opinion

by Major_Street3864 4 weeks ago

You sound really young to be honest. No one with any life experience would say something so stupid.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

I agree with this, it feels like most people just want to have a relationship for the sake of having a relationship. That being said, I hope everyone does find somebody to spend the rest of their life with. I found my partner of almost a decade now, and were still going very strongly. Absolutely recommend it, just make sure that your doing it for the right reasons.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

"Most"? No.

by Mean_Resource 4 weeks ago

I'm comfortable by myself and with someone, my partners the same. That's why we have been together thirteen years. I've never bounced from relationship to relationship like some people I know do, and I've never gone looking for one.

by valentine15 4 weeks ago

I feel like there is some truth to what you say but this is like a multi layered issue. Many people would be better off not being in relationships but are whatever reasons. Fear of being alone, financial ones, etc. Some people are completely fine being single some aren't, some of it is maybe social pressure. Like when friends and family ask if you're seeing anybody, as if that is the only valid way to live your existence.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

OP you might be aromantic. Most people (alloromantics) have an inherent desire for romantic experiences and relationships, even without societal expectations. If you're seeing people desire relationships, but you don't experience romantic attraction at an allo person's level, then its easy to think they're just doing it because they were told to

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

I think it's actually just about companionship and being lonely. Once most of your friends are coupled up and eventually start having kids, you don't see them much. And unfortunately couples tend to hang out with other couples. Same with when you have kids. That and life just gets so hectic, it can be really lonely to not have someone to just share life with and come to and talk about your day. It's the types of conversations that are deeper and where you can really just be yourself that you miss when you don't have someone. And sure some friends may fill this position at times but it's not really the same.

by Practical-Cap8066 4 weeks ago

Definitely not the case for me. I love my partner and we're best friends.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

Do we only eat, because we know it is a social norm to do so? If so, will the fact that many go hungry eventually lead to that as a norm? Do we drink to conform, or hydrate? Do we breathe to fit in?

by Emardanissa 4 weeks ago

I would say major difference from a "need" to a desire. While humanity as whole needs to reproduce, not all people "need" a significant other.

by Wooden-Air 4 weeks ago

My point is, biological imperatives are not social norms, they are biological imperatives. Relationships are a function of those imperatives, some of them breeding related, many of them more about survival and unit building for greater perceived security. These aspects drive the desire for relationships far, far more than what society thinks of them as concepts.

by Emardanissa 4 weeks ago

People need to learn to be more comfortable with being alone. Being single is fantastic, you can do whatever you want whenever you want with zero relationship barriers. You have way more free time to do the things you love.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

Stuff like this, is often projection and not willing to consider other people are different than what OP expects.

by FewAd 4 weeks ago

Most people want to be in relationships because this is biology and the human nature, it's that simple.

by bernita44 4 weeks ago

We simply desire sex and tribal instincts to fit in.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

You have it backwards, the social norm is to be in a relationship because most of the people want to be in one.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

I just want to be in a relationship because I am a very physically affectionate person and not many people are quite comfortable yet with men being affectionate in a non-sexual non-romantic way I want to cuddle while we watch stuff. I want to give you a hug to say hi when I see you. And crap like that but society doesn't really let men be like that so I seek out a relationship to obtain that kind of treatment/the ability to give that kind of treatment myself

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

Are you saying loneliness is a manmade construct? lol.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

This but I think it's mainly with people staying with someone they're not compatible with because they don't want to be single. They just don't realise being single is ok and acceptable

by Independent-Fold-999 4 weeks ago

The lady doth protest too much, methinks. Also, use proper grammer if you want to sound smart.

by marksroman 4 weeks ago

The title is actually true, if it wasn't for societal norms I wouldn't even think of dating. I'm very happy alone.

by Asleep-Past 4 weeks ago

I would've agreed to OP if they said 'SOME people...' rather than 'MOST people.....' You're possibly one of the exceptions.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

i think this is basically true except you're forgetting that people want to spank that ass while it rides as well.

by Few-Recognition-7710 4 weeks ago

Living alone is great; living with a partner you truly love is heaven on earth.

by Ok_Championship_6146 4 weeks ago

There is a lot of this. Most? Who knows. Sometimes couples are really in love and deeply attached. Which doesn't necessarily make them happy though. Lovers quarrels, dealing with everything, infidelity (very common).

by Educational-Dig 4 weeks ago

I think people get MARRIED to conform to societal norms. Relationships are just natural, at least in adulthood. Teens maybe just peer pressure.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

Most people seek romantic / sexual / intimate relationships. It's practically built-in to our nature to do so.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

That's a lot of words for "wash your ass"

by Kleinbrenden 4 weeks ago

This explains why I dont care. When you work and live alone you get used to being alone

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

Spoken like a person who's never had a genuine relationship.

by Individual-Zombie 4 weeks ago

It's societal norms. Not everyone wants to be in a relationship. What's that one that people love to throw around? Oh yes: ‘you'll be happy when you meet someone'. Lots of unhappy people in relationships.

by LimeOk4515 4 weeks ago

I'm aroace so I don't entirely know how it feels to yearn for that sort of thing as much as you might, but I have seen people saying that getting into a serious and dedicated relationship was the next phase of their life, as if it's an inevitable event. You don't need a relationship to be happy, there are more ways to love. I understand the appeal completely, but getting married isn't a set event like puberty. I think the whole single = sad and couple = happy thing should end, maybe that's just me. I wouldn't doubt for a second that there are people who only get into a relationship for societal validation.

by ComprehensiveCry 4 weeks ago

I'm single and love it (army 46). However, when I tell people this these are some of the responses I get: "Oh, you just haven't found the right one yet!" "It'll happen when you're least expecting it!" "It's ok to be sad, you'll find someone!" "You're just saying you're happy…I know you wish you had someone!" "No one can be truly happy alone!" "You don't want to be a bitter old' cat lady do you?" And those are just SOME of the responses I get! It's so hard for the general public to realize that people can be happy alone. I have 3 adult kids I hang out with. I have a wide, diverse friend group. I have a plethora of hobbies. One set of my parents live down the street and the other is 4 hours away. My brother lives 15 minutes away. And I have my 2 dogs to love on. My life is full and complete. I'm not looking and I'm not dating. I don't get why people can't just accept that.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

I just want some cheeks tbh...

by qdoyle 4 weeks ago

Some people just hate humans in general, they are deciving and dangerous animals.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

I think that many of not most people crave this genuinely. But not all. And that's the point.

by Overall-Storage6742 4 weeks ago

Saying that something isn't important because it's "socially constructed" or a "social norm" is never a convincing argument to me and I don't get why people use this as a dunk all the time.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

Do you really think this is the case for most people? I feel like you're just making a basic observation and then spicing it up by exaggerating how frequently you think it happens.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

Relationship for the sake of being in a relationship would just suck tbh. While i agree it's a good thing, i don't like it when people treat it like an achievement of sort.

by Joshgerlach 4 weeks ago

A good relationship is something good to aim at. When you get one it's incredible.

by emertz 4 weeks ago

Some people just don't need a conventional relationship. Some people stay single most of their lives or have great friends to share their lives with.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

I think evolution and darwinism would disagree but what to I know..

by Zemlaknya 4 weeks ago

if you are 16 maybe

by Express_Bookkeeper71 4 weeks ago

Most people dont want to be lonely. Some do fine alone, I function a lot better in a relationship than not.

by heathcoteperry 4 weeks ago

I was never loved by my family, I was bullied in school to the point where people didn't even want to be around me. My actual friends outside of school I am their friend when there's no other better options, even though we know each other since we were born. I was always left out. And as bad as it was with male friends it was even worse with females. So yea after soo much time being alone and having noone who cares about me I'd like to meet a person who cares about me and actually likes me, wants me in their life. I want to feel wanted for once that's it. I couldn't give less of a fck about what society as a whole thinks about me all I need is just one person.

by Easterprosacco 4 weeks ago

Nah, its a built in function.

by vgoodwin 4 weeks ago

Yeah i agree. Relationships aren't for me

by tcorkery 4 weeks ago

You mean, we're not social animals and would rather live and die alone, than to spend our lives with someone who gets us, laughs with us, compliments us, loves us, shares adventures with us etc ? I think you're just telling yourself what you need to hear to feel better, or maybe you do prefer to be alone, but to assume everybody isnthe same as you, seems wrong. I'd agree if you were talking about marriage... That is something that feels unnecessary, taxes aside, but having someone to cuddle and love that loves you back... That's better than any video game.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

Nah, most people want to get F'ed

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

I wouldn't say most. But yes some of us wanted relationships because we were expected too and then found we had no bloody clue what to do with them.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

I think you meant to say have kids

by Happy_Bumblebee4776 4 weeks ago

people have been in semi-monogamous relationships since we evolved, this is how we roll as a species, not as society. Reproduction is optimal with two people one supporting other and raising 2 or more kids together, it's biologically driven, not socially constructed.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

For a lot of young people anymore financial pressure is a big factor in relationships, it's practically impossible to live on your own and getting a partner to live with is one of the easiest solutions to the problem. I've known several unhappy couples since Covid started that have no alternative to staying together due to housing situations.

by vonruedenyvette 4 weeks ago

I actively avoided relationships my whole life because I didn't want to be stuck with anyone just because that's what everyone eventually does. Then I met a guy for a random NSA date. We had a great time, good chemistry, and I genuinely enjoyed his company. We continued talking (which I never did after most dates), and now we're married. So, no, I'm not in a relationship because I followed the norm. I actually rejected the norm until I met someone I wanted to be in a relationship with.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

I think op is being pressured into having a relationship by friends and family. OP you be you and have a nice day.

by Odd_Tangerine 4 weeks ago

This is extreme

by Glittering_Ad_5546 4 weeks ago

I think you're conflating two different things. I think societal norms do perhaps make individuals who are single CAN feel pressured/depressed because they are not be in a relationship. However, for people that are in fulfilling relationships it is not about validating societal pressure. They are indeed two happy individuals individuals, so long as the relationship is healthy.

by Holiday-Attitude2006 4 weeks ago

No they don't.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

I have been heterophobic for most of my life, but considering giving dating a shot just because I won't get the chance latter. Otherwise, the pressure from everyone else is annoying. I might have done it sooner if people didn't pressure me.

by Zenavonrueden 4 weeks ago

I'd have to strongly disagree. If you look at loneliness in people currently and especially during covid it generally trends towards nost people wanting relationships/companionship. Now is that having close roommate(s)? A girlfriend/boyfriend? A spouse? Yes there are types that prefer solace and complete freedom but the ones the happily choose that are more rare than you think I feel the TRUE, and where things generally go wrong, societal/cultural/familial pressure is generally more towards marriage and kids.. A man isn't considered a desirable man if he does not have means to provide for wife and kids. A woman isn't considered complete if she doesn't have a sucessful husband and children. I don't agree with the status quo and MANY people who are unhappily married, let go of ambitions to have kids, or generally rushed through their prime to enjoy midlife crisis will grudgingly agree. Many people will also tell you marrying the love of their life and raising beautiful children to be functioning individuals is their crowning achievements in life. Comes down to being honest with yourself, what makes you happy and what you truly need from another if you so choose.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

Doubt it. Doing things together is vastly superior to alone. Especially if you don't have friends or are a guy. Because guy friends mostly just want to get drunk or are gay. US Society makes it very difficult for guys to go say have dinner and not get drunk but just for the company. Personally I hate group activities of over 2 people especially if it's a larger group of guys.

by mullerkaleb 4 weeks ago

There is a more interesting question to ask, about whether it is a social thing inherited from others, or inherited from culture. Are we more than our culture? Or are social patterns embedded into our very agency?

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

If that where true why is it a social norm in the first place?

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

I mean, I guess?

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

Someone people do use it as a status symbol. I felt like I had GFs that didn't love me for me just dated me as a check list item or something. But when I think about it, it's way more complex than that.

by Fickle_Initiative744 4 weeks ago

Have you recently watched The Lobster by any chance? If not I think you might like it.

by savannamarks 4 weeks ago

Realized this young..after I got my widdle heart bwoken the reality of it really set in

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

You just discovered human beings are social creatures

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

Never heard of biology before?

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

Op has never been in love

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

Nah, I'm just lonely and desire to be loved (again). It's been too long.

by swiftmaritza 4 weeks ago

I think "most" is an exaggeration. Maybe not you, but so many people genuinely crave that relationship connection and want that special companionship. Seeing people around us get into relationships can just make the loneliness or need more apparent, but that's not really the same as this herd mentality thing you make it to be. It is true there is a general pressure on people to seek or be in relationships, but that doesn't meant that's "why" majority do it.

by OddFront1314 4 weeks ago

Honestly, are there anything we really want to do for only ourselves? Is there someone we want to impress or show our achievements to that provides us with motivations?

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

Honestly, are there anything we really want to do for only ourselves? Yes. For me, it's quite literally everything Is there someone we want to impress or show our achievements to that provides us with motivations? Myself. That's all the motivation i need

by Worth_Train 4 weeks ago

No they just get lonely

by Jazzlike_Wonder_9839 4 weeks ago

Humans are social creatures who seek out close relationships. This also just in, water is wet. Duh

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

It's more because people are sad and pathetic and can't live with themselves

by Worth_Train 4 weeks ago

This can be demonstrably debunked it's not an opinion, it's just incorrect. We are a social species and we have a chemical and emotional drive to form romantic relationships derived from an evolutionary need to reproduce.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

Only ever see single and lonely people complain about relationships 😂

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

It's almost as if we are evolved to want to mate

by Annabel08 4 weeks ago

It gets very lonely when you are old without a partner. People see their friends less and their family more when they are old. If you don't at least have a partner to do things with it can be very sad. We are communal animals.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

Yeah - I think what you are missing is that a lot of people are just simply lonely. And want a partner no matter if they are right for them or not

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

A lot of people do, but I think that if they didn't, they'd end up wanting it for different reasons. A good relationship is incredibly awesome. Evolution also inherently ingrains the desire for procreation into our genes, since people who are genetically wired to want it are gonna pass on those genes more.

by Amani95 4 weeks ago

Somebody whipped out the thesaurus today.

by greenfelderyess 4 weeks ago

Um no. I want sex and someone to talk to. It's really not complicated

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

This reads like AI. The last run-on sentence just doesn't make sense to me.

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago

I luckily found somebody that it is the peanutbutter to my jelly. I get where you're coming from but the fact that you're coming from that way is the problem. Fins out who you are and then be that. Be free in knowing you are. You don't nothin yet

by Anonymous 4 weeks ago