Through both observation and cultural knowledge of young adults, it seems many college students devote large amounts of their social time in college to the hunt for their hopeful significant other. Many students have adopted the ideology of, “If I can’t see myself marrying them, I’m not giving them the time of day.” This mindset restricts individuals from possibly embarking on a relationship of just pure love and bliss.
It is unlikely one will find their soul mate in college because of such common circumstances, like barhopping and cheating. College is a better place to find happiness within yourself and others, and less of choosing and locking in your future love life. College bars aren’t usually the best of places to meet your future spouse. Telling your children that you met your significant other in the “Boom Boom Room” of an establishment known for its particular smell and stickiness might raise some red flags. A place like this is not somewhere to sit and wait for your dream lover to whisk you up on a carriage or, more realistically, his cab.
Cheating is also a relationship breaker in college. You’re constantly surrounded by 20,000 other people -- or an individual in the relationship -- who might not respect the concept of a committed relationship. Applications, such as Tinder, don’t help cheating either. Being plugged in to social media is a large part of college, and it can be a dangerous place to find someone who looks better online than your current romantic partner.
Many people also forget that a person usually leaves college a different person than they were when they started. The four years spent trying to attain a degree include personal growth on an emotional and professional basis. Instead of taking time to get to know a potential mate, get to know yourself.
Become someone you truly admire, love and respect, and only then will you be able to give those three things to someone else. Now is the time to learn your own values and ideals so you’re ready to match them with someone later in life. But for now, seek a soul mate within yourself.
