If you're a college student in a relationship, you have probably experienced at least one of the following things.
Some individuals don't understand how you balance college and a relationship.
You have been asked, "Are you sure you want to be dating in college?"
Perhaps you have been told you are going to miss out on the full college experience if you are in a serious relationship, but don't be so quick to overthink college dating.
I am about to enter my sophomore year, meanwhile, I have been in a relationship since entering college. Not once I have felt I am missing out on the college experience.
My college experience won't be the same as what has seemed to become the stereotypical college student's experience. You won't find me drinking myself beyond my tolerance every weekend. I won't be flirting or bouncing from guy to guy. These are not activities I am interested in anyways. I would prefer to remember my exciting college nights as opposed to waking up the next morning not remembering a thing.
You will most likely find me in the library, studying hard and working to my best ability. You can find me in my Monday morning 8 a.m. class looking overtired from last night's study session or Netflix marathon. I'll be in the fitness center attempting to stay fit and stress free. My friends and I will meet for breakfast, lunch and dinner in the dining hall. Procrastination will forever be something I'm fighting. My friends and I will go to concerts, on shopping trips, dinner dates and more through these four crazy years. I'll be stressing over the countless exams and papers.
The truth is, you can do all these wonderful and stressful things while being in a relationship. But, there is one secret to getting the full college experience while being in a relationship.
It needs to be with the right person.
Now, you're probably wondering what I mean by the "right" person.
If you're dating in college at some point you are going to have to choose between studying and hanging out with your boyfriend or girlfriend, but honestly, this isn't very different from choosing between going out with friends and your school work. The right person will understand if you're too busy to hang out.They won't steal you away from your studies.This person will only want the very best for you.
The right person won't hold you back. They will help you become more confident. This person will encourage you to try new things. They will support the things you are passionate about.
If you're dating an individual like I described having someone special to share this time with can be quite the blessing. When you're stressed you will always have someone to confide in. While trying to decide on a major you will have someone to bounce ideas off of no matter how crazy they get sometimes. College is an exciting time in your life and now you will be able to share it all with someone close to you.
Just because other people may think dating in college may not be the best idea, don't swear it off for good. If you meet someone or already meet someone who supports your dreams, try to manage college and dating. But, if they don;t support you, if they don't understand when you're busy and especially if they get in the way of your studies, let them go. If your significant other is getting in the way of your education, they don't want the best for you and in my opinion, they're not worth keeping.
Remember, dating is tricky no matter what, but dating in college isn't impossible. You can have a very fulfilling, exciting and rewarding relationship if it's with the right person.
So, best of luck to all the college couples out there! Don't let other individuals' opinions discourage you.
Feminism Redefined
