The biggest expectation many people have when entering college is that they will find their significant other walking around campus, in class or at a party. For some people this is the case, for others they may not find their husband or wife in school, or maybe they will find someone who is somewhere else.
Oh, the horror!
Why is it deemed that dating someone who does not attend your school is equivalent to getting matched with that creepy person in the back of your class? It has its disadvantages, I am aware. I watch couples from afar around campus, and wish my boyfriend was with me to hold my books, save a study room, grab dinner with me, watch the soccer game or walk to class together. And then I think to myself how grateful I am that he does go to another school. Here are some things to keep in mind if your significant other does not go to your school.
1. New friends.
One of the best things about dating someone not at your school is that you gain a whole other group of friends and vice versa. I am fortunate that boyfriends friends are beyond welcoming to me as an outsider. It is a fortunate relationship to have, your significant others friends are taking a chance on you, do not mess it up. This also goes for you as well, being able to make your own friends at school is just as important as it is to get along with their friends. Your significant other has to get to know your friends too and you want them to be an accurate representation on the person you are at school. I know mine are.
2. Independence.
Being in your early 20's is all about growth and finding yourself. Remember that this is important and to accomplish that sometimes you need to do it alone. When having your boyfriend or girlfriend at another school it allows you to make your own memories at school and your own friends. You do not feel as though you have to use your significant other as a crutch or a reason why you cannot do something.
3. New experiences.
My boyfriend goes to a military school where there are so many different things that I am able to experience that I would not be able to if I dated someone from my school. I am able to visit a new place and see a different world from my own. I have the opportunity to attend important life events for my boyfriend. I get to have a college football experience. I am able to learn new things from him because of a different school setting. I mean, how cool is that.
4. Love.
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, and personally i find this to be true. When it comes time for your significant other to visit you or you visit them, it makes spending time with them that much more exciting. You learn that the little things become more important, the phone calls, goodbyes and the adventures. Love makes the relationship stronger, it is all in the little things when it comes to distance.
Whether you are states away or a few hours apart distance is hard, but there are the advantages of dating someone who does not attend your school, so don't take it for granted. Find the light in it all because you can gain so much more from the experience.
