College relationships fall on one of three spectrums—those who actively embrace and support the idea, those who feel indifferent, and those who think the idea is often counterproductive. Those under the third spectrum tend to look at college and relationships from a more rational perspective.

Spectrum three individuals can be rather brutal in this sense. When it comes to being in college and thinking about relationships, all emotional impulses and decisions are replaced with rationality and some selfishness. Those on the third spectrum understand that relationships are important, but the priority will always fall on the end goals one has for going to college in the first place. These end goals are what puts a college relationship at the very bottom of a spectrum three’s priority list:

1. Putting yourself first

College is the time to be unapologetically selfish. We’re here to better ourselves and create the foundations for our futures, so choosing to avoid a relationship is a vital step to reap as many benefits as possible. Having the ability to do, say, and act on what you want as an individual in college is an utmost priority. We came to college strictly for our personal benefit, and that’s how we plan to finish.

2. A killer GPA

No one wants to pass up dinner and a movie to study, so if the opportunity presents itself, you can bet the average person will negate their academic priorities to enjoy a date night. Not saying those on spectrum three don’t want date nights, but we know that bad grade is permanent while dates can come at any time. Therefore, grades and other responsibilities will always come before a relationship can even be fathomed, especially with thoughts lingering about things like getting into grad school.

3. Living healthy—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually

College is notorious for pushing students to the edge of insanity and sends many diving off the cliff into many unhealthy habits. Trying to balance a future while remaining physically healthy, mentally in check, emotionally stable, and spiritually connected is incredibly time-consuming and… practically impossible. Especially when trying to add a relationship to the mix.

4. Complete freedom during social events

College is all about making connections and life-long friends, and you can’t do that as well when you’re tied down. Many people consider a girl freely socializing at a bar or frat party questionable when she has a boyfriend and visa-versa. Relationships change the social etiquette and kill that freedom of being able to talk to and associate with whomever you want. You would never know it, but that pretty girl your girlfriend would be mad that you talked to at semi-formal could be your life-long best friend... or your future employer.

5. Landing that internship you’ve always wanted

Why else would we pass up date night to get some extra studying done? Everyone in college should be aspiring toward that amazing internship opportunity that will help land you that dream job. Rationally, this is SO much more important than a college relationship.

6. Finding comfort in being alone

It’s easy to depend on someone, yet so hard to find comfort in being alone. An important factor many is understanding is that no one will be there for you permanently except yourself, so it’s best to go ahead and learn how to do that now.

You have to be comfortable being independent and alone, especially if you’re working to climb the corporate ladder before working to walk the wedding aisle. It’s rational to think that the person you have in college will have completely different career expectations and goals than you. Unless it happens to work out where you both end up in the same place, that distance is probably going to kill. And then you’ll be alone, except now while away from all your comforts.

7. A JOB

If the free-time you have is going to a relationship instead of a job then some priorities may be in question.

Again, it’s time to be unapologetically selfish. Build that resume. Get some job experience. Gain some independence. Learn the value of a dollar. Spend that dollar treating yourself. Take the responsibility that comes with being an adult and implement it now.

8. Staying as stress and drama free as possible

Relationships = unnecessary stress and drama

Some are already trying to balance so much that adding the emotional stress and excess drama that comes from a relationship does not fit into their life equation. It's better to be stressed and dramatic about that project proposal coming up instead of what a significant other is texting you about.

9. Following your dreams without the influence of someone else

Personal happiness comes in all forms. Finding fulfillment through self-establishment and career building instead of in settling down early is definitely valid. Personally, I’d rather find myself and what I’m meant be before thinking about finding someone else.

Being able to chase your dreams after working so hard to build the foundation for those dreams is idealistic when looking long-term. One can’t deny that relationships are incredibly important to develop, but they should never rank over chasing personal goals. Having the freedom to pursue whatever dreams you may have without having to conform to another person is important despite how selfish it comes across. Permanent futures are far more important that temporary college relationships.