Movies and TV shows demonstrate that “happily ever after” is achieved when a couple finally comes together. This romanticized idea of happiness is unrealistic. Teens need to be able to appreciate the love in their lives that does not come from a romantic partner.

            Today’s teens are obsessed with the idea of having a girlfriend or boyfriend. Intricate fantasies of cuddling on the couch while watching cute movies, holding hands in the hallways, or kissing in the back row at the movies are apparently so blindingly overwhelming that people cannot see the love coming from their friends and family.

Modern teens need to get over their infatuation with romance. Love comes from many sources, including friends, family, or even affectionate pets. There is obviously nothing wrong with being in a romantic relationship with somebody who you care about, however, it is immature to want a romantic relationship just for the sake of having a boyfriend or girlfriend.

            “It’s mostly girls that are whining about how they want boyfriends,” Hannah Grosspietsch, sophomore, said. “Yeah, it’s nice to have a boyfriend, but you don’t need to go crying all over the internet about how you want one.”

            Twitter is a breeding ground for teen desperation. Many popular Twitter users frequently tweet things that encourage teens to feel entitled to a romantic relationship. For example, Twitter user @relationships preaches unhealthy expectations to a primarily female audience of over 767,000 followers.

“Before I go to sleep I always picture what it would be like to fall asleep in your arms. It’s probably the best feeling in the world,” tweeted @relationships. “I just want to cuddle and watch movies with you.” Tweets like these encourage teens be constantly obsessing over romantic relationships.

“People are feeling pressure from those Twitter accounts, but you don’t even know the person behind them. They’re probably a main reason for putting out the ideas of wanting a boyfriend so badly,” Grosspietsch said.

Another problem plaguing today’s teens is their unrealistic expectations of what comes along with being in a romantic relationship.

“If you still carry her bags, open the door for her, tell her that she’s beautiful, and show her respect…you’re a real man,” tweeted @relationships. Tweets like these are especially horrendous. Obviously, there is nothing wrong with playing the role of “prince charming” if the man wants to, but tweets like this preach that women deserve special treatment.

Women are not inherently so special that they are entitled to have men to carry their things or open doors for them all the time. These expectations completely counteract the feminist agenda, suggesting that women are too helpless to perform basic everyday tasks without the help of a man. Contrary to what @relationships thinks, by no means is a man less of a “real man” if he refuses to contribute to these degrading fantasies.

            Superficial romantic relationships will not solve any problems. Romantic relationships are not the only way to feel happy or accepted. Do not overlook the love already in your life.