A few days ago, I came across an article entitled, “You Shouldn't Be In A Serious Relationship In College." And I say, to hell with that. Be in whatever kind of relationship you want in college. If you want to be in a relationship with yourself, do that. If you fall in love and want to be in a serious relationship, do that. If you want to go hook up every weekend, do that. If you want to date around, do that. College is your time. It is YOUR time to be selfish - you don’t have kids, a mortgage, or any other large responsibilities. Do what you want to do.

College is a time for self discovery, exploration, and having a good time. These are all things you can do while in a relationship. I've found out more about myself these past six months than I have in my entire life and I did it while in a serious relationship.

Serious relationships in college seem to get so much hate. Nearly every time I meet someone new and they ask, “how long have you and your boyfriend been together?” My answer shocks them. 1.5 years - longer than the time I’ve been in college - and I’ve never looked back. I get the typical responses, “don’t you want to see what is out there?” “Why are you giving up your college years to someone who may not last?” “Won’t you regret this in 50 years?”

When my boyfriend and I started dating, neither one of us expected to still be together today. I was one semester away from graduating high school and he was a semester away from graduating college. We didn’t even know if we were going to be in the same city after graduation. What I’m getting at is that we didn’t exactly want a serious relationship, but it happened and I am so glad it did.

My boyfriend is my best friend. When I moved into my college dorm, had literally one friend, and felt utterly alone, he was there. My boyfriend encourages me to try new things and break my comfort zone. My boyfriend pushes me to be the best person I can be each and every day. He is my number one fan and never stops encouraging me. I’m lucky to have found a partner like him, so why would I give that up just because I’m in college?

If you’re in college, don’t shy away from a serious relationship if it finds you. It doesn’t have to work out, but you shouldn’t avoid something just because “it’s not the right time” - there will never be a right time for anything. College is your time to do what you want - make the most of that. If you want to be in a serious relationship, be in one. If your partner brings you joy, why should you pass that up? A good relationship is nothing to be ashamed of, even if you are in college.