Your twenties go by fast. They go by so fast, in fact, that you may not notice the changes that occur in your dating behaviours as you prepare to become a poor, poor old man. (Because let’s face it, we all know it’s over once you hit 30. Woe is us.) Balderdash, you say? Perhaps you should take a look at this list and see what resonates. Don’t get upset now. You were a dumb kid in your early 20s, anyway.
| Dating in Early 20s | Dating in Late 20s |
| Has sex all the time. | Fights to balance his energy between sex and the gym. |
| Believes that an incredibly loud atmosphere will help him get to know someone better. | Has to constantly ask date to repeat himself over the noise. |
| Six beers. | One beer. |
| “Cuddling” means “sex.” | “Cuddling” means “cuddling.” |
| Free for frivolity pretty much always. | Has to forever crosscheck work schedule before committing to a date. |
| Thinks he’s poor. Goes for concerts, movies, and indoor rock climbing anyway. | Really is poor. Opts for Netflix and cooking dinner. |
| Hardcore vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free/paleo/organic. | Gave up. |
| Freely tosses around the word “queer” with dates. | Realizes that some people may not be comfortable with certain terms. |
| Date primarily features talks about current trends and events. | Date primarily features reminiscing over the 90s. |
| Lots of giggling and goofy noises to fill the void. | Long, awkward silences. |
| Happy to eat all the bar food ever. | Nope. Stomach doesn’t like anything fried after 8pm. |
| Assumes the guy checking him out across the room is into him. | Assumes the guy checking him out across the room is somebody he already fucked and just can’t recall. |
| Wants to put together a fuck flowchart. | Really, really doesn’t. |
| Feels there are still plenty of fish in the sea. | Has rounded all the way back to the exes of exes. |
| Buys new sex toys. | Buys new sex toys…to replace the old ones. |
| Bar and dinner dates last until 3am. | Bar and dinner dates last until 10pm. At best. |
| Doesn’t understand the concept of straight people paling around gay bars. | Still doesn’t understand the concept of straight people paling around gay bars. |
| Has overnight guests fend for themselves. | Always has new toothbrushes in the bathroom and eggs in the fridge. |
| Doesn’t feel the need to get checked for STIs. | Does. |
Do you think dating in your early 20s is vastly different than dating in your late 20s? Sound off in a comment below!
