College has taught me that no matter how hard you study, or how many hours you spend in the library, or how much time you put in to reading your textbook until all hours of the night, some subjects just won't make any sense to you. The two subjects that I found to be the most confusing would be chemistry and the art of dating. The science behind finding "the right one" is seemingly impossible, similar to the science behind understanding chemistry. Although they are equally as perplexing, they are similar in many aspects.
1. Opposites Attract
Similar to an ionic compound, a compound consisting of a positively charged cation and a negatively charged anion, opposites can have a strong bond. Having qualities that compliment your significant other can help to add edge and dynamics to any relationship. If, however, these difference are a little too different, such as acids and bases, you will quite literally end up with salt water.
2. There Is A Lot To Lose, Yet A Lot To Gain
Dating doesn't always go your way. Sometimes the person you thought was right for you ends up being a dud. Similar to an increase in the oxidation state of a molecule where electrons are lost, things won't always go our way. But there is often room for an increase in a reduction state, or the chance to gain electrons. Not everything is a loss; there are always lessons to be learned and knowledge (or an electron) to gain.
3. Fact Of The Matter Is Nothing Is Unchanging
Matter is able to exist as either a solid, liquid, or gas. These can be manipulated by pressure and temperature. A cold, neglectful temperature and high, scolding pressure can result in a hard, inactive solid. Very hot temperatures and an absence of pressure will result in very unstable and wandering gas molecules. A liquid, however, is created by compromise and "happy mediums" to best suit the matter. Liquids are compressible yet steady and easily controlled. It is important to keep a liquid state in your relationship in order to find that "happy medium".
4. The Name Game
The only thing harder to put a label on than an ionic compound is to put a label on the guy you've been seeing for a couple of weeks. Luckily, there is a formula for naming ionic compounds that comes with a big long list of suffixes and prefixes that you add on to the names of the elements. Unfortunately there is not a cheat sheet for naming a new relationship. Until a better system has been developed, we are stuck waiting for the terrifying question of "what are we?" and the awkward conversation to follow.
5. Reaching Equilibrium
After the torture of many obligatory blind dates, a handful of random Tinder meetings, and 6.022x10^23 days of loneliness and desperation, you will finally find your equilibrium. Equilibrium in chemistry is when the forward process and reverse process of a reaction occur at the same rate. In the dating world it means that you will find someone who will be there for you no matter what comes your way. Not all reactions have the capability to reach equilibrium, which is important to remember when dating around. Don't give up hope, there is a Lutetium Vanadium out there for you somewhere.
