While I realize relationships are great, I, for one, am tired of hearing about them. I’m tired of seeing articles like “15 ways to spice up your love life”, “How to plan the perfect date night” and “How do you know he’s the one” posted across my timeline, because I don’t want that. No, I’m not saying to try and win over a guy with the cliché idea that taking it off the table will make him want a relationship. No, I don’t harbor ill feelings towards guys and relationships or secretly yearn for someone to hold my hand in a sad movie; at least not right now. I honesty just don’t want one. I know, I know, some of your mouths are dropping but hear me out. College, in the recent years, has become a unique experience for females on campuses across the country. With the latest wave of feminism, we’ve reached a time where we’re encouraged to chase our dreams, to travel and to have booming careers. Yes, I know I’m still in the minority in this argument but I have a sneaking suspicion that I’m not the only one. So here are my top five reasons why it’s perfectly acceptable not want a relationship in college.
1. Relationships are a lot of hard work and right now we want to put that energy into work.
Yes, relationships can be amazing but if you’re willing to attach yourself to a person you owe it to them and to your relationship to put energy to making it work. With more collegians focusing on their careers that leaves less time for relationships and we realize that and aren’t ready to make that sacrifice yet.
2. We don't need a relationship.
In the age of Tinder, Netflix, and social media the need for a relationship is non-existent. We can talk to a guy and hang out without ever having to settle down or have something serious. This means no stress about lying, cheating, meeting the parents or any other relationship drama. We're simply free to be ourselves.
3. We don’t see a relationship as a solid enough to put our time into.
Like so many of fellow millennials, we’ve seen marriages fail and have witnessed how easily people can grow apart. If relationships are just a prerequisite to marriage, why waste the time? We aren't willing to put our time into something we've spent so long believing will fail.
4. We’re in our 20s and constantly changing.
We’re the generation of the Internet. We’re exposed to every change and every new fad. With that smorgasbord of opportunities to try new thing, we’re constantly changing -- changing hobbies, beliefs, and styles. If we can’t commit to a pair of jeans or a diet how on earth do people expect us to commit to a person when a better version might come along?
5. Point blank, we're busy.
Millennials are facing a time when more is demanded of us than any previous generation. We’re expected to have 10+ years of experience to get coffee for people. We’re constantly trying to build connections, and even the most relaxed event is seen as an opportunity to network. With all of that stress, it's no wonder we don't prioritize dating.
However, even though we aren't ready to settle down and make a commitment quite yet, that doesn't mean we won't be ready one day. Whether it leads to a long-term relationship or marriage, eventually we'll be ready, and because we've stayed focused and know who we are, hopefully we'll be in a much better place to welcome love and commitment.
