Judging the love lives of others has to stop. Everyone has their own reasons for things, so I have never understood the fuss over being a college student and also being in a relationship. As my first year of college is quickly coming to an end, I have been thinking about those that say it's a bad idea to be in a relationship while you're in college. It can be done, there is nothing wrong with it, and for some it works out perfectly fine. These are some of the many misconceptions that I can guarantee are not true for all couples.

College is a time to "find yourself" and you can't do that while you're in a relationship.

For those that are in a happy, healthy relationship, you know that you can figure yourself out while also having the support of your significant other. The key here is to find someone who helps you grow and encourages you to be the best possible person you can be! You can figure yourself out and realize what you want to do in life without anyone stopping you. As a matter of fact, no one should be stopping you from establishing your goals. If you have someone in your life that isn't letting you mature and grow, it might just mean that it's time for something to be re-evaluated.

You'll never go out and have fun.

Of course you can be in a relationship and have fun! For me, my relationship just adds to the fun. You have someone that you can plan fun dates with or outings. There are definitely times when you and your significant other might have a different idea of what "fun" is. That might be video games, a night of relaxing, a party, or going to the movies. Either way, you can still have fun with your boyfriend/girlfriend or just have a night with the guys/gals. You should always be enjoying yourself whether you're in a relationship or not!

You'll miss out on people to hook up with.

This seriously has to stop. If you are content in your current situation and you feel happy and loved, why look anywhere else? Also, please keep in mind that the "hook up with multiple people" lifestyle isn't for everyone.

You won't make any other friends.

My boyfriend and I have mutual friends as well as friends we have made on our own. Even if you spend a lot of time together, you should always remember to branch out and meet people with similar interests. School clubs/organizations, classes, and social events are great places to make friends in college. There will be many times when you will make friends without your significant other and that is okay.

You'll break up after the first semester.

While you might spend more time together and even begin to argue, it doesn't mean you weren't meant to be. Some might find that it may be better to go their separate ways, but that won't happen to everyone. Don't set a time limit on yourself, but rather enjoy what you have going.

You'll fight all the time.

If you fight all the time, you can always talk about your differences and understand that eventually there will be several times where you disagree on something. Being around each other more often (or if you're long distance, seeing each other less), might cause more arguments but being in a relationship while in college doesn't guarantee that you won't get along.

Your grades will drop.

Love should never come in the way of a man or woman's success. Being in a relationship is not a good excuse for letting your grades go down, or not dedicating enough time to school work. It's even nice to help each other study or encourage the other to get their work done on time.

Remember, you shouldn't have to choose between doing well in life/school or staying in a relationship. You can learn a lot from each other and about people in general. To those that might be going off to college and are hesitant about staying in a relationship, give it a try - it could work out for you. To those that are in a college relationship and it isn't working it - do what's best for you in the end. To those that have managed to balance school and love - keep up what you're doing! If you enjoy being single - also keep up what you're doing! No one should be shamed for enjoying single life or in enjoying a healthy relationship. As long as you are happy and receiving love and support from your significant other, or enjoying time to yourself, the opinions of others shouldn't matter.