'The Best Man' Premiered 20 Years Ago
10 Ways Dating Has Changed Since ‘The Best Man’ Premiered 20 Years Ago
Source: Kevin Winter / Getty
Today marks the 20th anniversary of the classic film The Best Man which changed the game for romantic movies and Black movies alike. Fans still remember all the pre-wedding drama that Mia and Lance went through before they got to say their I do’s. But it was all worth it in the end.
These days, it’s all about chilling, texting and Netflixing. Back when the film debuted in 1999, it wasn’t unheard of to show up to someone’s house to talk to them in person, versus shooting them a text message or a DM. Today’s generation could stand to learn a thing or two from the Best Man era of courting and dating.
Check out these 10 ways dating has changed since Lance and Mia fell in love and jumped the broom:
1. The Internet
The rise of the Web may have been the biggest threat to traditional dating, ever. Nowadays, you don’t have to leave the comfort of your bed to meet your future partner. Simply download a dating app and get to swiping.
2. Texting
Although texting can be convenient when you’re in a rush and can’t really talk on the phone, there is less direct interaction with your partner, which could cause a strain in your relationship. Luckily, there were payphones back in Lance and Mia’s day.
3. Catfishing
Along with the Internet came many deceitful tactics to cover up personal insecurities. Anyone can lie about their age, weight, how they look or where they work these days. Beware.
4. Equal Opportunity
Before the 2000’s, it was the norm for men to have more control over how dates progressed and they got to choose who and when they wanted to date. However, today’s women can just as easily walk up to guys and ask them out or slide in their DMs and get the digits. Liberation!
5. Chivalry Is Dead
With women being just as upfront about their wants and needs as men these days, some guys no longer feel the need to pull out a lady’s chair, open doors, or give up their seat for women like 20 years ago.
6. Options
Back in the 1990’s, men and women usually chose a potential partner from within their immediate surroundings, like Mia and Lance in college. With social media, every woman and man knows their options are plentiful, which makes people easily move on to the next best thing.
7. Music
The music of the 1990’s was totally geared toward romance, intimacy and passion. People actually looked into each others’ eyes and slow danced — unlike today when it’s uncommon to hear many songs that aren’t inspired by the strip club. The soundtrack to The Best Man included Lauryn Hill, Maxwell and Case. You won’t hear artists of that caliber on a soundtrack today.
8. Social Media Lurking
Trust is a very crucial part of any relationship. But with the ability to see your partner’s every move on social media, things can go from zero to toxic, real quick. In the movie, Darius was suspected of cheating after a girl called his place in the wee hours of the morning. Imagine if social media existed back then,and Mia would’ve started lurking in his DMs — she most likely would’ve found more than one woman he was talking to.
9. Creativity
The 90’s poetry scene was a fresh yet familiar outlet for a lot of young Black creatives to share their innermost feelings in fellowship. It was easy for a guy to get the girl he wanted by just using his words the right way, like Darius. These days, you’re lucky to get a text back from your crush.
10. Transportation
Back when Lance and Mia were dating, there was no such thing as calling someone a Lyft when you were over them. You had to ride the entire date out, In 2019, ditching a bad date is only an Uber away.
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10 Ways Dating Has Changed Since ‘The Best Man’ Premiered 20 Years Ago was originally published on ioneglobalgrind.staging.go.ione.nyc
