Modern Love: Redefining Relationships in a Dynamic World
Times are constantly changing. We tend to become comfortable with established norms, and relationships, including marriage, are no exception. When I was growing up, divorce was rare, so rare that I could count the number of divorced people I knew on one hand. Relationships were generally straightforward and often expected to evolve into marriage. However, today the landscape looks rather different.
When I notice those in relationships, many almost seem to lack the name or label of “relationship.” Couples are together, yes, but not quite fully present, and perhaps not indefinitely so. These arrangements also appear to be by choice of both parties in such a relationship. This seems far more common (though certainly not exclusively) within younger generations. This practice of not labeling a relationship with any official title, or people choosing to be together though with no intent to get married, has been colloquially named a “situationship.” There is no real science to it, and these situations are what they are. Yet it may be an indicator that our times, or at least what we traditionally understand as relationships, are indeed changing.
The Elements at Play
If relationships are indeed evolving, there are, of course, many reasons why. For both the young and even the not-so-young, this world can be challenging. We simply cannot ignore that factors such as the current or future state of the economy will play a role in how we interact with one another. Life is expensive, and due to economic uncertainty as well as rising costs, more people are focused on their daily living and managing expenses, and if they can, save money for themselves, and perhaps are not as interested in having an official dependent or financial partner.
We cannot say that money and earning a living are the only factors at hand. Traditional marriage and relationships do indeed still exist. Yet some people have experienced pain in their past concerning relationships and may not be fully willing to commit to that level again. Wounds may heal, yet scars can remain. Many of us have been through it.
Being in relationships, getting married, and having kids, all of these things require commitment, Yet the very word “commitment” now appears to be undergoing a redefinition. These days, commitment can also mean choosing to remain single or engaging in non-traditional (whatever we once considered traditional) relationships that emphasize individual freedom as well as emotional satisfaction.
Where We Are Headed
Of course, not everyone wants to go it alone. Many still seek partnership for support, love, and shared purpose. But serious relationships—especially marriage—require time, compromise, and sacrifice. These factors can feel at odds with a culture that increasingly values individual goals and self-actualization.
Additionally, advancements in technology and the widespread use of social media have significantly transformed the way relationships are initiated and sustained. We have adapted to meeting people in different, and yes, again, non-traditional ways. With this ease of connecting to potential partners, we may have crafted a field of more instant gratification, all with more options that may feel overwhelming at times, or at least changing how we view traditional relationships overall. More people may shy away from commitments that may not last or live up to their expectations, often opting instead for relationships that provide greater freedom and lower emotional stakes.
Everyone is different. We cannot be certain what the future holds for relationships. Although it appears the new style is calling one’s own shots, labeling our relationships as we want to, or not labeling them as we want. All walks of life are becoming more permissible, so too may be the path of how we exist with one another.
Lest We Forget
I am a lawyer, and have handled many divorce cases for my clients over the years, and all the same, I confirm that I am a romantic, and yes, I do believe in committed relationships and marriage. Go figure that out; even if it seems strange, I still know that life and love are all about connections. Maybe we simply can’t answer the question of “what we want” until we meet someone and fall in love. The weather changes when the heart changes. It could happen.
Although traditional commitments may seem less common today, the need for meaningful connections remains a core aspect of our human experience. It’s part of what makes life worth living. As our world continues to evolve, so too will the approaches to intimacy and commitment in relationships. You can do you your way.
Attorney Spotlight: Michelle Piscopo - Philadelphia
With this edition of Attorney Spotlight, I am pleased to feature one of our esteemed Philadelphia colleagues in Blank Rome’s Matrimonial & Family Law group—Michelle Piscopo.
With more than two decades of legal experience, Michelle is a highly valued member of our Matrimonial & Family Law team. A graduate of Widener University and the Temple University Beasley School of Law, Michelle has successfully handled numerous cases involving significant marital estates. Her skill, dedication, and deep understanding of family law make her exceptionally equipped to manage even the most complex matters.
Before pursuing her career in law, Michelle studied psychology—an academic foundation that continues to inform her empathetic and client-centered approach. She thrives on working closely with individuals, guiding them through some of life’s most challenging moments. Matrimonial law is a natural fit for Michelle, as it allows her to combine her legal acumen with her passion for helping people.
Michelle understands that divorce cases often involve intense emotional dynamics. She excels at helping clients separate emotions from the critical financial and legal decisions they must make. In many ways, her role resembles that of a counselor as she listens, supports, and helps clients feel heard while managing expectations and focusing on practical outcomes. Her goal is always to help clients move forward with clarity and confidence.
Outside of her legal practice, Michelle enjoys travelling and recently visited Turkey. She has also visited South America and hopes to travel more whenever possible. She also enjoys fitness workouts and spending time with her dog, Scout.
© 2025 Blank Rome LLP. All rights reserved. Please contact Blank Rome for permission to reprint. Notice: The purpose of this update is to identify select developments that may be of interest to readers. The information contained herein is abridged and summarized from various sources, the accuracy and completeness of which cannot be assured. This update should not be construed as legal advice or opinion, and is not a substitute for the advice of counsel.
