A study by Brian Ogolsky and his team evaluated college students' perceptions of romantic relationships over a decade apart, revealing that the first stage of relationships, termed 'flirtationship', remained consistent. In both 2012 and 2022, this stage involved mutual interest, with participants noting the significance of assessing compatibility. While technology has altered interaction methods, fundamental human behaviors in relationships, particularly the uncertainty and vulnerability during this phase, have persisted. The initial stage often occurs online but still requires personal validation of attraction to advance.
The first stage, unanimously, was what Ogolsky and his co-authors called a "flirtationship." As one participant described it, "One of you has expressed blatant or intended interest. You know you like each other, and this is where it ends if one doesn't reciprocate flirtation."
Despite countless changes in society, the essence of the flirtationship stage hasn't budged. This is likely because the need to assess compatibility is foundational.
Collection
[
|
...
]