Young love

The emotions of love, infatuation, and the intensity that accompany “young love” seem as though they’re straight from a movie. Makes you think how these movies get their ideas…

It’s a new, warm sensation—pure and without ulterior motives. In youth, love is untainted by the complexities of the adult dating world. When we’re young, most of us have nothing of tangible value to offer—no money, no fancy cars, no houses of our own, not even a five-year plan. All we can offer is ourselves and the unshakeable love we have.

As a youngster, our concerns are whether our mom will let us play World of Warcraft after school or who’s going to pick us up after practice. The last thing on our minds when we look at our partners is whether they earn a certain amount of money, drive a luxurious car, or boost our self image—concerns that, unfortunately, often become central to adult relationships. This shift doesn’t mean that we should be cynical about adult dating; rather, it puts a spotlight on the transformation in our priorities and perceptions of love.

As adults, when choosing a partner, we weigh numerous factors, and the purity of our affection becomes influenced by various external conditions. It’s the honest reflection of adulthood’s realities; as we move away from the simplicity of childhood, we leave behind the honesty, non-materialism, and an uninhibited curiosity that defines our experiences. Our adult lives, with their complexities, force us to consider how a partner might affect them, for better or worse.

It’s not that adults are insincere, but there’s a notable shift from the sincerity of youth. Children speak their minds, openly express their feelings, while adults often choose their words more carefully, beat around the bush one would say. Our priorities evolve; our once unblemished innocence becomes shaped by our experiences, and the pursuit of love is laden with conditions.