Reflections & Revelations: A Journey Through My Thoughts

Advienne que pourra

The 21st century, the one we call the century of revolution and evolution. Yet, oddly enough, all this progress hasn't really touched the human soul, nor our critical thinking. Technology is advancing at an incredible pace, but at the same time, our values seem to be degrading just as quickly. Principles that used to be normal are now exceptions. Even though this "before" isn't so far in the past, the changes our generation has experienced seem enormous. How, then, can we preserve our fundamental values in the face of the erosion of the principles that once united us? Let me be clear: this text is just my way of thinking. It's not an attack on anyone, nor is it a manifesto filled with hate.

I've always believed in love, seeing life as a couple as something simple, romantic, and passionate. But reality is often more complex, especially when families get involved. It's not just two people coming together, but two worlds, two different upbringings that must learn to live together, God willing, forever.
In this ultra-connected world, everything has become more accessible. We can't deny that this accessibility is a huge problem for our generation. I'm sure many of you remember those school lessons where we were told about technology and the Internet, this "web" meant to bring us closer, to unite us across the globe. But what they didn't tell us is that this very web would become a trap, an illusion that, instead of bringing us closer, would drive us apart. This virtual connection got caught in the threads of that web.
Today, seduction has become child's play. Behind a screen, you can sell dreams to someone, present your best self, until reality hits when you finally meet. And then, it's often a disappointment. I keep telling everyone not to have high expectations, but it's much easier said than done. I'm guilty of not following my own advice. Whether before or after meeting someone, we cling to this perfect idea we've built of the other person. This person becomes a glimmer of hope, the one that makes us believe that maybe, this time, it's the right one.

But it's this accessibility that's killing me, making me doubt the future of humanity—if we can still call it that. We live in a world where everything revolves around visibility, where love is reduced to a few likes, to photos posted online. A world where, to avoid responsibilities, all you need to do is block someone and disappear. We've reached a point where even breaking up has become so easy. You can just ignore someone, stop responding, and poof, you vanish. No need for explanations, no confrontations. Imagine for a moment: you're in a room with the person you love, and without a word, they get up, walk out the door, and you can't do anything. That's our reality. We're forced to endure in silence.
Writing all this, I overflow with ideas, but I'll focus on what touches me the most today. Gentlemen, I'm talking to you. Don't take my words as an attack, I assure you they're not. But help me understand: why is it so complicated to love sincerely today? Is it a problem of upbringing? A lack of affection? What kind of trauma is our male generation going through? Maybe we can help you, because after all, behind the greatest of men, there's often the defining influence of a woman who, in one way or another, helped shape his destiny.

When I talk about accessibility, I mean the ease of getting everything online: nudity, affection, attention. Everything is there, available at a click. And that, that penalizes us, women, because asking for the bare minimum—respect, sincerity, compassion—has become a luxury. We don't want to be loved for what we show, but for who we really are. We don't want the fake, we want the real.
Today, dating has become a trend, almost a game. Many women today still hold hope, still search for true love, feeling like they're looking for a needle in a haystack. Everything seems upside down. Hoping to receive flowers has become an act to justify. Going out to dinner with someone to get to know them turns into a debate over who should pay the bill. Everything is complicated. We live in a society where everyone questions their role in the couple. It's sad to see how such technological evolution has led to mental regression.
The most painful thing is feeling used, not for who we are, but just to satisfy a need, a desire. Seduction, charm, it's become too hard, apparently. Why focus on one person when it's so easy to flutter elsewhere? We're not even talking about conquest anymore, but a rooster contest.

And yet, I still have hope. I believe that there is a man out there who will love us for who we are. Above all, I have faith in God. I know there is goodness somewhere, even if sometimes we have to go through trials and disappointments before we find it. It's just a matter of time. We need to learn to love ourselves, to know what we don't want, to build ourselves, not only as women but as whole individuals. That way, when the time comes, and when we least expect it, we'll be ready. Ready to be loved properly, to know what truly makes us happy, and to dare to say "no" when something displeases us. We will know how to distinguish the sincere from the manipulative. The smooth talker will be nothing more than an entertaining podcast, one we'll listen to without being fooled, laughing internally at the absurdity of his words. Then, we'll be ready to love, without any fear.

Amen.

                                      -TheShine