The Norms of Romance
Stub • 188 Words • Love/Romance • 04/03/2024
This article is part of the Abolishing Romance Anthology.
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Relationship Escalator (you move on from one step to the other in a linear progression):
- You date non-exclusively
- You date exclusively
- You get married (can move in before or after)
- You buy a house together
- You have kids
read more on the relationship escalator
the relationship escalator has changed a little bit over time, but not all that much
- there might be slight deviation in the order but people are generally expected to follow it linearly
- within each piece of the relationship escalator are norms/expectations for people in those roles
Norms on who you can marry
- Same race - outdated but still racism
- Same class - still kicking but not as explicit
- Opposite sex - outdated but still homophobia
- Only one person - Monogamy is still strongly held but polyamory is gaining traction
Norms of what you do when married
- Move in together - almost no discourse in opposition
- Buy a house together - small opposing voices about buying vs renting
- Sleep in the same bed/share a bedroom - small alternative voices
- Share finances - some opposing voices
- Have kids - some empowerment for DINKs