The 80s were the days when dating had a charm all its own. No swiping right or left, no endless text messages, just good old-fashioned romance. Looking back, it’s clear that dating in the 80s had some real advantages over today’s tech-driven world of romance.
From mixtapes to mall dates, there was something special about courtship in that neon-colored decade. In this blog, I’ll share 10 ways dating was actually better in the 80s, and why some of those old-school methods might be worth bringing back.
No smartphones at dinner
In the 80s, dinner dates meant giving your full attention to your partner. There were no phones to check or notifications to distract you. Conversations flowed more naturally, and you really got to know the person sitting across from you. This face-to-face time built stronger connections and made first dates more exciting and meaningful.
Calling on a landline
Calling your crush meant working up the courage to dial their home number. You might have to chat with their parents first, adding a level of politeness to the whole process. This also made each call more special and intentional. The excitement of hearing the phone ring and hoping it was your crush can’t be matched by today’s instant messaging.
Mixtapes as love letters
Creating a mixtape was a labor of love. You carefully chose each song, thinking about the message you wanted to send. It took time and effort, to make it a truly personal gift. Receiving a mixtape meant someone really cared about you and put thought into expressing their feelings. This creative way of sharing emotions added depth to budding relationships.
Mall dates
The mall was the place to be for dates in the 80s. You could window shop, grab a slice of pizza, and maybe catch a movie all in one place. These dates were casual and fun, perfect for getting to know someone without too much pressure. The bustling atmosphere of the mall also provided plenty of conversation starters and people-watching opportunities.
A slower pace of relationships
Relationships in the 80s often moved at a slower pace. Without constant texting or social media updates, you have time to process your feelings between interactions. This slower pace allowed for more natural relationship growth and less pressure to define things quickly. It also builds anticipation for your next date or phone call.
Asking someone out in person
In the 80s, asking someone out usually happened face-to-face. This took real courage and made the moment more meaningful. You had to read body language and react in real-time, which built important social skills. Successfully asking someone out in person gave you a real sense of accomplishment and set a positive tone for the date.
No online dating profiles
Without online dating profiles, you discover things about your date organically. There was no checking out someone’s entire life history before meeting them. This led to more genuine conversations and the excitement of gradually uncovering shared interests. It also meant you were more likely to give people a chance, rather than dismissing them based on a profile.
Dancing at clubs
The anticipation of waiting for a call from your crush was both exciting and nerve-wracking. This built a sense of excitement in the early stages of dating. When the call finally came, it felt more special because of the wait. This patience and anticipation are often missing in today’s world of instant communication.
Passing notes in class
Passing notes in class was a thrilling way to communicate with your crush. You had to be sneaky to avoid getting caught by the teacher. The anticipation of unfolding a note and reading a message just for you was incredibly exciting. This simple act of writing and exchanging notes fostered a sense of connection and shared secrecy that texting just can’t replicate.
Roller skating dates
Roller skating rinks were popular date spots in the 80s. They offered a fun, active way to spend time together. Holding hands while skating around the rink was both romantic and practical. The upbeat music and neon lights created a lively atmosphere perfect for breaking the ice on early dates. Plus, helping each other stay balanced was a great excuse for physical contact.
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