What used to be like a teleserye—with a serenade, a letter, and a thrill like a bulalo that takes a long time to soften. But now, because of 5G, unlimited data, and social media, many people's love lives have suddenly become digital disasters. There are new ways to avoid commitment: ghosting, seen-zoning, and the classic “I'm going home.”
Ghosting is when you suddenly disappear like a bubble. Yesterday you were talking to me, your sweetheart, you had plans to go to Jeju, and now, it's gone—no goodbye, no reason. It's like a teleserye where the main character suddenly goes to Canada. But in real life, you're the one left behind, staring at the chat while Regine Velasquez song plays in the background.
The Seen-Zone is the one that was read but not replied to. You thought about your message—funny but sweet—and then all you received was “Seen”. It was like a door had been closed in your face. It hurt so much, like a song by Zack Tabudlo: “Ah, I don’t love you anymore.”
“I’m going home” is the most polite exit. Didn’t like the date? I’m going home. Ugly in person? I’m going home. No vibe? I’m. Home. There’s a little closure and respect, unlike ghosting. Sometimes there’s even help from mom or BFF who will call for an “emergency.”
Nowadays, women are more independent. They are no longer afraid of being single. They want a man who has sense, respect, and goals. If you don't have that, sorry, next time. But it's not just women who are hurt—there are men who also become victims of ghosting and seen-zone.
Modern love in the Philippines is like a Netflix genre: there's drama, rom-com, horror, and sometimes thriller. But amidst all the confusion, maybe the answer is simple: honesty. If you don't want it, say so. If you're not interested, don't keep it up. Because sometimes, a simple effort can be the beginning of true love.
