the relationship escalator

you ever wonder who made up the laws of dating? flirting > dating/sex > becoming a couple > moving in > getting married > buying a house > having kids ... there's nothing wrong with it aside from the fact that its... expected? the relationship escalator is so pervasive in society that interacting with or expressing interest in others tends to carry the weight of 'what's to come'. its like when people say "i date to marry." what about dating to like idk sit shoulder to shoulder at breakfast or something. can we relax for a minute...? its more fun without goalposts in the way