A conversation between Gen X and Gen Y.

Culture

The aroma of grilled steaks hung heavy in the air as Beau flipped them on the barbecue. Jerrod and Michael, younger colleagues of Beau's, lounged in patio chairs, phones in hand, swiping through dating apps.

"Man, Beau," drawled Michael, not looking up from his screen, "haven't you gotten tired of the same old, same old? You have been seeing Tina for, what, three years?"

Beau chuckled, a dry sound. "Tina and I, Michael, have something you wouldn't understand. It's called commitment." Beau, 57, stretched out in his chair, his eyes reflecting a lifetime of experiences. His divorce after thirty years of marriage was a lingering pain, but he had found solace in the companionship of a woman he had been dating for three years

Jerrod, 37, smirked and shook his head. "Come on, Beau. You're living in the past. This is Atlanta, man! The dating scene here is incredible. Why tie yourself down to one woman when you can enjoy the company of many?"

Michael, 35, nodded in agreement, his grin mischievous. "Exactly. Variety is the spice of life. Why settle for vanilla when you can have rocky road, mint chocolate chip, and strawberry all at once?"

Beau chuckled softly, not in mockery but in the way a father might when he hears his children boast about the new trends they don’t fully grasp. "It's not about settling, brothers. It's about finding someone who sees you at your worst and still wants to stick around. It’s about building something real."

Jerrod leaned forward, his tone teasing but laced with curiosity. "Okay, Grandpa, tell us. What’s so special about monogamy? Why waste time on just one woman?"

Beau took a deep breath, thinking carefully about his words. "It's not a waste, Jerrod. It’s an investment. Think of it like this: when you spread yourself thin, you never really get to know anyone deeply. You miss out on the layers, the depth of connection that only comes with time and commitment. Sure, dating around is fun, but it’s superficial. When you truly commit to one person, you create an unbreakable bond, a partnership where you grow and evolve together. There's something to be said for loyalty, Jerrod. Building a life with someone, trusting each other."

Michael scoffed, raising his glass. "Sounds nice and all, but it’s 2024. People aren't built for that kind of commitment anymore. Everyone's got options, and why not explore them?"

Beau smiled, the lines on his face deepening. "Options are fine, but they don't lead to fulfillment. Look, I’m not saying everyone should get married or that monogamy is the only way. But there’s a richness to it that you can’t find when you’re constantly chasing the next thrill. It’s about depth over breadth."

Jerrod looked thoughtful for a moment, then shrugged. "Maybe you’re right, Beau. But right now, I’m happy exploring. Maybe one day I’ll settle down, but for now, I’m enjoying the ride."

Beau winced. Theirs was a conversation he wasn't prepared for. Dating in his fifties felt awkward in the beginning. He met Tina on a dating app and starting a relationship with her felt like learning a new dance with rusty limbs. But now he was comfortable and thankful for what he had.

The conversation descended into a generational clash. Beau, fifty seven years old spoke of shared dreams, of weathering storms together. Jerrod; thirty seven and Michael thirty five countered with the freedom of exploration, the thrill of novelty.

As the steaks sizzled, a comfortable silence fell. Beau realized he wasn't going to change their minds. Maybe they were right, Atlanta was a buffet, but he wasn't hungry for just any dish. In Tina he had a home-cooked meal, something nourishing.

"You guys enjoy yourselves," Beau said finally, a hint of resignation in his voice. "But remember, freedom can get lonely sometimes."

Jerrod and Michael exchanged glances, a flicker of uncertainty crossing their eyes. Maybe Beau, the old-fashioned dinosaur, had a point. They dug into their steaks, the silence thicker now, punctuated only by the clinking of silverware. Perhaps Atlanta's buffet wasn't as satisfying as they thought.