Many people are involved in a committed relationship in college. Many people are also criticized for it. They are told that they “aren’t any fun," or that they spend too much time together to hang out with their friends. Let me prove those people wrong:
I have known my boyfriend for four and a half years. Although we haven’t been together all four years, I know that this person is good for my soul. As an adult, I am the only one who gets to choose how I spend my time and who I spend it with. Yes, I spend a lot of time with my boyfriend. Yes, we go out a lot together. We are also some of the most involved people in our college community.
This is the case for a lot of couples in long-term relationships. In my situation, I’m involved in many organizations and projects and serve many leadership roles. My boyfriend is involved in career-related projects and loves to go to many of the events happening around our campus.
No, we do not hide out in our apartment. No, we don’t blow off time with our friends. No, we don’t do absolutely everything together.
As it so happens, my boyfriend and I get along with each other’s friends incredibly well—my roommates have embraced him as a part of our family. Most of the time when we go out, we go out with friends.
We also have alone time. We don’t spend every night together, and we don’t have every meal together. We aren’t in the same extra-curricular activities and we study independently. We agree that quiet time for the soul is extremely beneficial.
But that doesn’t mean that it isn’t an amazing thing to have someone who loves and supports you by your side most of the time. When I’m feeling upset, sick or in need of support, he is there. When I succeed in something small or reach a large goal, he is there to share the moment with me.
Being involved in a committed relationship isn’t boring. It isn’t something that makes you anti-social or takes you away from your community.
If it’s the right person, they are an asset. They make you better. They are your compliment.
If being in a committed relationship is right for you, there’s nothing wrong with that. If it’s not for you, there’s nothing wrong with that either. To each their own. You do you. So think again next time you pass a quick judgement on people who have had the privilege to experience this happiness just because we’re in college. They aren’t “doing college wrong” or “lessening their experience." Being in support of someone can only improve a friendship. Everyone has the right to choose what kind of college experience is best for them.