Does Anyone Really Die for Another Anymore?

"Substitute" a word that seems harmless at first glance. It simply means "something that replaces another." In the context of objects, it feels practical, even helpful. But when it comes to people, relationships, love, and promises this word becomes dangerous. Perhaps terrifying. Today’s world is slowly becoming one where everything is replaceable even human bonds, feelings, and memories — and that too, all in the name of convenience and happiness.

Just yesterday, something happened that made this concept hit home. We had two pet dogs close companions since their early days. They would play together, eat together, rest together inseparable. Then one of them died unexpectedly. The other dog was unusually quiet the next day, lying here and there as if searching for his lost friend. But the moment we brought home a new companion for him, he became his old cheerful self again. The same energy, same playfulness as if nothing had ever happened.

At first, I thought, “Well, he’s just an animal.” But the very next moment, a more painful thought crossed my mind "Humans are doing the same thing now, aren’t they?"

Later that day, I came across a social media post from a girl celebrating her birthday. She looked joyful, surrounded by gifts, cake, laughter, and company most notably, with her second fiancé. For a moment, I paused and wondered,
“Where is the first?”

And I remembered he was the one who had loved her deeply. Who was terminally ill and undergoing dialysis. Who wanted nothing more than for her to be by his side in his final days, as his wife. He had made promises, loved sincerely, and had been willing to give her the world. And yet, when he asked her to marry him, her response was chillingly practical:
"I’m doing my training balancing both marriage and practice is too difficult for me right now."

That single sentence was more than an excuse it was a reflection of a larger truth. When love is weighed against personal convenience, convenience often wins. Today, that same girl is happily engaged again, laughing and posing for pictures. No sign of remorse, no pause to remember. No tribute to the man who once meant everything to her.
Even more surprising is the fact that she is now engaged to the brother of her late fiancé. The same family, the same roots just a different name. What’s worse is that this engagement, too, seems to be dragging on. Long engagements, parties, meetups, photos, public celebrations all while the wedding is postponed for vague reasons. One has to ask: What kind of traditions are we following now?

We, who once belonged to a culture where engagement was sacred, where seeing one's fiancé before marriage was considered improper we now use engagements as open invitations for meetups and extended ‘trial periods.’ The very customs that once protected the dignity of relationships are being replaced by a new culture of delay, emotional detachment, and public display.

This particular girl is not young or unaware. She is a qualified nurse educated, trained, and mature enough to understand the depth of love and the responsibility of commitment. Yet, she chose ease over emotion, modern comfort over old-school values.

But the issue isn’t just this one girl. This is a social pattern. We are witnessing a generational shift one that celebrates individual freedom, but often forgets moral accountability. We are raising individuals who see relationships not as lifelong commitments but as convenient connections. People are quick to replace others lovers, friends, even family just like we replace phones or shoes.

Is this just one isolated story?

No. This is a societal crisis.

This is a trend.

This is the new normal, and we are either part of it as victims, spectators, or contributors.

We must begin to understand:

Love requires sacrifice, not comfort.

Engagement is a commitment, not a license to delay.

Relationships are responsibilities, not Instagram content.

In the end…

Today’s events have made two things painfully clear:

1. No one really dies for another anymore.

2. Substitutes whether people or things eventually make us forget our grief.


3. When relationships become rituals without feeling, society begins to fall apart.
A humble plea to parents:

If you have engaged your daughter to someone, do not delay the marriage unnecessarily. Using education or training as reasons to postpone weddings can lead to confusion, emotional damage, and moral drift. Educate your daughters, yes but also raise them to value commitment, sincerity, and emotional responsibility.
let us all commit to restoring the lost meaning of relationships.
Let’s revive sincerity.
Let’s bring back the sacredness of promises.
Let’s teach our children that love is not a convenience — it is a calling, a responsibility, and above all, a trust.