Dating back in the 1970s was completely different from today, with a whole new set of rules and expectations. People listened to advice given by magazines, well-meaning parents, and society in general. These outdated rules will make you chuckle (or cringe) at how things used to be. Here are 8 old-fashioned dating rules from the ’70s that you definitely won’t hear today.
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The man always had to make the first move
Women were expected to sit back and wait for a man to approach them and ask them out. Taking the initiative? That was considered way too “forward.”
No kissing on the first date
Even if you had an amazing time on a first date, kissing or more was seen as too “loose” or forward. People were seriously stressing over basic affection.
The guy always had to pay
Splitting the bill on a date was completely unheard of. Men were expected to pick up the tab for everything, including dinner, drinks, and even gas money.
You had to play hard to get
Showing too much interest was considered desperate or clingy. The dating advice then? Play it cool and make him work for it, even if you’re really into him.
Double dates were the “safe” way to go out
Especially for younger people, it was often considered more “appropriate” to go on a group date. Being alone together too soon raised some serious eyebrows.
Wait by the phone for him to call
Technology wasn’t a thing yet, so the girl would sit by the phone waiting for her man to call her when he said he would. Calling him first or too much was a no-no.
Men were supposed to be the “dominant” one
Gender roles were traditional and super common in dating. The guy was the one expected to plan, lead, and make major decisions in the relationship.
Women were judged for how many people they dated
Men could go around “racking up the numbers,” but if a woman had more than a couple boyfriends, people talked. Double standards were alive and well.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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