Modern day love is people getting into relationships based on visual and sexual attraction. People seem to take relationships as something temporary and don’t really see a long term future with the person. Based on what I see it is also more complicated and there is less trust. This  is also seen in courtship, a period of dating. People date with the intention of gaining experience and is less formal then before. When dating people get to know each other and when they have been together for long enough they decide to get engaged. An ideal relationship would be one in which both parties are understanding and respectful towards each other, and are also honest. There has to be communication and both people should feel excited and committed to the relationship. Courtship has changed from what is depicted in the stories we read because back then dating was very formal. Men were the only ones who could confess their feelings and ask out the women. When courting men and women could not be alone they had to be accompanied by a friend or family member. A relationship was also based on status and what the man could. If I was given two more weeks I would add more evidence and try to incorporate another book. The most influential reading for me is “who needs friends” by Richard Ford because it made me think about my friendships. It made me reflect on what I expect from a friendship and what my friends might expect of me. The least influential is “why I write” by Joan Didion because her reason as to why she writes is different from mine. So I don’t feel  any connection to her or her story. Narcissism is the belief that you are better then everyone and that the world revolves around you. Lovesickness is a state of depression caused by a love that can not be obtained.