“Ring by spring” is the common expression in college that you and your friends laugh about whenever relationships come up. But soon you come to a realization that there are plenty of people within the next five years who could be engaged-- they will literally have a ring by spring. Others are removing themselves from petty high school relationships, or swooping in to embrace the comfort of a relationship. What is it that makes us want to be in a relationship in college?
Age. You’re getting older and once you’re in college, your brain hits hyper drive noticing that time is running out. You see others in relationships around you and pressure ensures. But don’t give into that pressure. Under pressure many make the wrong decisions. There is so much pressure in college to be in a relationship or preparing for your life, that it may be better to take a step back and find yourself first in your college years and experiences.
Being single your freshman year of college may be the best thing for you to grow. College is a time for growth, mentally and emotionally. Singleness allows you to see the world by yourself before someone else comes in to the picture. It allows growth, which most people need. In college you learn responsibility, time management and most importantly you learn about yourself. You are allowed to experience things that if you were in a relationship, you may not fully appreciate.
You don’t have to worry about anniversaries. You don’t have to explain yourself. The only tears you may shed will be from laughter. You can focus on reading your textbooks and not trying to comprehend the other's text messages. Personally, you have more time to hit the books instead of sometimes being distracted. You have more time to build your friendships and understand why you’re friends with them. And can we all talk about the subject that hits college students hard? Money. You don’t have to worry about spending money on date nights or the present you have to get them for your yearly anniversary. You got that money now, to spend on movie nights and ice cream, on guy’s night out or girl’s nights in.
Being in a relationship can be great in college. There is nothing wrong with being in a great relationship. It can also be great to be single. They both have upsides and downsides that you will figure out when you experience each. Overall, singleness does allow you to experience the world and grow in yourself i which, during this transition of teenage years to adulthood, may be for the best. You can only grow in yourself by yourself-- no one else can experience things the way you do, discover the world the way you do, love the things the way you do. It is literally a “single” experience. So, for those of you who feel the pressure of having a ring by spring: don’t. Embrace the freedom you have and discover who you are first.
“There is nothing braver than the person who would rather walk alone than with someone who is unworthy of them.”
