"You're young, you should focus on yourself."
"Serious relationships in college never work out."
"You're missing out on so many things by focusing so much on one person."
If I had a penny for every time someone had a comment to make about my relationship, I would be able to pay off my student loan debt. It seems as though everyone who isn't in a serious relationship in college has something to say to those who are. From people my age to people in their 40's or older, I've heard it all from every age group. Maybe it is because I am young and people tend to think that young relationships do not prosper or they hold young people back from their full potential. But why? Why do people believe that devoting time to someone you care about isn't healthy or is a "waste"?
I am currently in a long distance relationship and any of you who have ever experienced one know it takes a lot of effort. Between finding time to FaceTime among both of your busy schedules and planning when you will see each other next, it takes up a lot of your time. Relationships that aren't long distance take a lot of effort too. But what does being in college have to do with how serious your relationship should be or how it affects your life?
I still go out with friends and have a good time, I always make time for myself and doing things I enjoy such as working out or drawing, and I focus on my schoolwork and get good grades. But I also devote a good chunk of my time to my relationship and here is why: It makes me happy.
These days, it seems as though everyone has something to say when it comes to the things that make people happy. People have the mindset of, "Well, if it doesn't make ME happy, why do other people do it?" I devote a lot of time to my relationship because I love to. I love putting effort into something that I get a lot out of in return. Because I put in so much effort and devote so much time, I have a best friend who I can count on 100% of the time. He's there for me during my best and worst days, he makes me laugh when I want to cry, and running into his hugs every time I get to go home makes it all worth it. He's my best friend and so what if he's my boyfriend too?
I focus on myself, my health, my grades, my family, and everything else that needs attention in my life. But I also devote a lot of time to someone who means a lot to me. I don't "spend too much time" talking to my significant other or "get too caught up" in trying to make something I care about work. I put time and effort into the person I care about most and I don't regret it for a second.
