In today’s society we are told we can love anyone. Cinderella stories are embraced, and we are encouraged to look for love outside of our own social class or rank. Money and social position no longer determine who we may and may not date. Although this is a widely accepted truth, to what degree does class really affect our relationship choices? Have we really evolved so far, that we are able to transcend the ties of money, obligation, and class rank?

We are all a part of some select crowd, whether based on family, finances, or social groups, we all find ourselves surrounded by others who share similar qualities. It is easy and common to date within our own set of friends. When you do this, there is no need to leave the comfort of the group in search of someone in another crowd. Dating someone within another group immediately leads to troubles with acceptance. Questions like, “Do my friends like him?” or “Do his friends like me?” rush through our minds, which cause insecurities to come up.

Suddenly, an entire new stress is added to the relationship, making it harder for the relationship to be successful. Why is it that we have to work so hard to just slightly different than ourselves? If you both like each other, then why should it matter if you come from different social groups of financial backgrounds? Yet, somehow those seemingly insignificant components always factor in eventually.

Perhaps the ease and convenience is what drives people to date those similar to them. The relationship is more likely to work, when acceptance isn’t such an issue and the person is already a part of your life. Yet, you have to wonder, how many great people are we missing out on simply because they are categorized in a different group than ourselves?

Although we are taught to believe that groups, money, and ranking don’t matter, they still seem to heavily dictate who we chose to be with. Whether we date those who resemble us because of convenience or the pressure of society, family, and friends on our relationship choices, it seems that for the most part we are still unable to transcend the groupings of society for love.