The Change of Love Concept: How do the 80s and 00s define love?

During morning runs, I am occasionally drawn to the conversations of young friends around me. In this fast-paced era, the love that children pursue seems to be vastly different from our understanding of the 80s generation. So, what exactly is love?

For us born in the 1980s, love is a responsibility, a sense of responsibility, and a promise to work hand in hand with each other to spend the future together. I remember that era, we often gazed at the starry sky with longing, and a vow was as precious as gold. The beauty of love lies in supporting each other until old age after experiencing the hardships of life, and in the warmth of guarding each other in mundane matters. Nowadays, children seem to be more concerned about dazzling appearances and instant passion, seeking a sense of freshness and immediate satisfaction.

This does not mean that the younger generation's pursuit of love is superficial. In fact, their understanding of love is also constantly evolving. In the environment of social media, love seems to have become more unobstructed. Couples share their sweet moments on the platform, and liking and commenting become their way of expressing love. However, such public interactions also make many young people pay more attention to external impressions and evaluations from others, lacking a quiet introspection and deep understanding of their own emotions.

Behind seemingly glamorous love, there is inevitably a psychological burden. Young people often feel anxious due to more influential external voices, such as expectations for a "perfect partner" and definitions of a "romantic state". This often puts a lot of pressure on them when establishing intimate relationships.

In a sense, the love views of the post-80s and post-00s generations adhere to two extremes: the post-80s generation advocates traditional love concepts, while the post-00s generation forms a love understanding that is in line with their own values in the context of the new era. Different environments, cultures, and lifestyles have created different views on love. These two generations can influence and learn from each other, enriching each other's life experiences.

In an era where this topic is prevalent, understanding the similarities and differences in these love concepts can help parents and the younger generation have a better dialogue, and also make us ponder together: is love meant to satisfy momentary passion or to accompany lifelong responsibility? Perhaps the answer to this question does not require boundaries, but rather an intertwined process.

Whether it's the romance in the hearts of the post-80s generation or the longing for freedom in the post-00s generation, love itself is a bridge that connects different perspectives on life and values. Understanding each other may be the only way to find true happiness on this journey.