After my boyfriend decided to rush a fraternity, I took the liberty to look up some articles about dating a frat guy. I was interested in what it would be like to date one. I'm currently in a sorority, and I am starting to understand the crazy time commitment as well as the amazing perks and joys of being involved in Greek Life.
Most of the articles I read painted a simple picture: "Frat guys are horrible and your boyfriend will either cheat on you with a sorority girl or become uninterested and leave."
Needless to say, after reading multiple articles with this message, I panicked. But then a thought occurred to me: these articles are aimed at girls who are unfamiliar with Greek life, not those who are already Greek.
I'm glad articles for non-Greek girlfriends exist, but it didn't help me out.
So, this article goes out to all of my fellow Greek ladies who want to know more about the reality of dating a frat guy.
1. Just like you, your boyfriend is going to be very busy with his frat.
As a sorority girl, you understand the time commitment a Greek organization demands. You have weekly chapter meetings, study and volunteer hours, as well as bonding and recruitment events you have to attend.
I'm sure you've been told the following: "Joining a Greek organization is the time commitment equivalent of taking another 2-3 credit class!"
Yeah, that holds true for your boyfriend as well. He still has to go to mandatory events and your time together WILL become limited. It is best to talk to your boyfriend about this when you can and work on setting aside time for each other.
2. He may distance himself a bit from you, and that's OK.
Frats require a lot of time, effort, and energy during rush and the pledging process. If your boyfriend tends to distance himself when he's stressed or busy, then this may happen to you. Distance is okay, I promise!
Distance makes the heart grow fonder and when you two do spend time together, you will appreciate it more. Joining a fraternity can be very hard; it is best to give your boyfriend space and be as supportive as possible. If he distances himself from you, use that time to get closer to your friends and/or sisters!
3. He is going to have easy access to alcohol.
For the vast majority of fraternities, alcohol will be something that flows pretty freely. Your boyfriend will drink and be around people who drink, too. If drinking alcohol is an issue, it is best to address it ASAP and lay down some ground rules.
4. He is going to party with other girls.
We know that frats have closed parties with sororities all the time. Well, even if your sorority is partnered with your boyfriend's frat, the frat will more than likely be having other closed parties that don't involve your sorority.
Girlfriends can attend almost any frat party, even closed parties if you're affiliated with the sorority. It can get odd if you show up at a different sorority's party. Be respectful of the other sorority.
Attend open parties, or only go to a few closed parties. Your boyfriend can attend your own sorority's parties some weekends, and you can go to his. It is best to plan out your party scene if you party together. If it doesn't work out, go out with your sisters instead!
5. He won't be quiet about his brothers and how awesome his frat is.
It's kind of cute to see your boyfriend so excited about his brothers and his frat, but after he won't shut up about it for an entire week, it can get annoying. Be supportive of his new friends and obligations, but don't be afraid to tell your boyfriend when to give you a word in edgewise, or when to focus on you for a little bit instead.
6. You will befriend some of his brothers, and he will befriend some of your sisters.
There are great perks from your boyfriend being in a frat, the best one being more friends! You will have plenty of brothers to befriend, as well as the brothers' girlfriends.
Guy friends are awesome to have, especially when both you and your boyfriend are mutual friends! Hopefully, your boyfriend will do the same with you and befriend some of your sisters, and he will become "one of the boyfriends" of the sorority.
7. You will have more access to parties and formals.
Frats party a lot, and as a girlfriend, you'll more than likely be going to plenty of parties with your boyfriend. Also, formals! Yes, you get your own sorority's formals, but now you can attend your boyfriend's formals, too!
8. You'll be able to do fun/philanthropic events together.
There are lots of Greek Life events on campuses nationwide. When your sorority hosts an event, you can get your boyfriend to bring his brothers to support you, and vice versa! There are also fun on-campus events you can attend together, like mandatory Greek Life meetings, speeches, or even events like Greek Week.
9. You'll get to wear your letters together, and you'll slay as a couple.
Honestly, Greek letters look good alone, but when you're holding the hand of someone else who's wearing letters, they look extra great! Slay as the true Greek couple that you are with your awesome letters.
10. Your relationship will be tested countless times on both ends.
But no matter what, if your relationship is strong, you love each other unconditionally, and you are meant to be together, nothing will ever interfere with your bond.
