When I read and hear about the ways young women relate to men I have to question the source of their learning. Most of us still learn what we know about relating from our families–namely our parents. It’s tough to hear and read about young women allowing young men to use them and of how young women use young men as well. All of this, they would argue, in the name of “fun and freedom“.
What kind of freedom is this that results in an unhealthy detachment from others, and instead fosters a preoccupation with self-interest that makes it difficult to create and sustain quality relationships? Freedom to or freedom from? Being deeply social beings, freedom from responsibility to others is not a good idea. Freedom to disregard what is proven necessary for personal and interpersonal wellbeing is not a good idea either. So, then what is this brand of freedom that young adults persue? It’s interesting that not many can define this freedom very well. How then can they live it well?
