Today, college is viewed as a place more for a single lifestyle and hook-ups. I'm not saying that anything is wrong with that, but hooking up was never really my scene to be quite honest. I also never dated much in high school, which I think was because I didn't want something that would be a waste of time, and allowed me to really figure myself out and what I wanted out of the next chapter of my life, I wanted absolutely no distractions. But now being in a relationship, I realized that college should be the prime time for dating.

I think that college should be the prime time for all people in their twenties to date. Dating should be seen as fun, light and freeing, but the term "dating" itself has changed within the past several years or so. People are not going out to get milkshakes, going out dancing unless there's bump and grinding or going to the movies because even that seems to be too much of a commitment. The term dating itself is seen more of a serious notion now, so people just say they are "hanging out" until they officially "define the relationship." Dates are almost a luxury now and someone has to completely feel that you are worth their time which only then can you truly be "dating." Why are we so afraid to say that we are dating someone? Casual dating is not a bad thing, but it has seemed to disappear as an option altogether. It is kind of an all or nothing deal. Is the fear of things not working out preventing us from risking taking someone to grab a cup of coffee after class? Or is being seen as a serial dater such a fear that we do not even mention casual dating? In my personal opinion, there is nothing wrong going out on a few dates to figure out what you like or if you can see yourself with a person. I think of dating as getting to know someone a little better and it is just a nice outing until you and the other person want to take steps further than that and see one another more. I got lucky to have found someone on one of my first dates of college, but I think we should all be a little more open to dating casually.

Our twenties are definitely the time to get to know a bunch of people, why the heck not? Going on dates can be an enjoyable experience simply by dressing up, going out to do something and socializing with another human being. We shouldn't just "hang out" with the person you like because as a woman, "Netflix and Chill" invites get really annoying really fast. Take a girl on a real date, and also women should be okay with asking a man on a date because there is absolutely no shame in that either! Let's stop being afraid to try something and go find yourself a date this Valentine's Day!