College Is For Finding Love (With Yourself) | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

College Is For Finding Love (With Yourself)

Because, let's face it, who is going to love you better than you?

92
College Is For Finding Love (With Yourself)
https://pixabay.com/photos/woman-person-sunset-dreams-alone-491623/

Relationships are fun and all, but for a minute, let's all just remember that there are only two ways they can end: you either break up or you get married. It's kind of scary to think that at twenty years old, you might meet the person you spend the rest of your life with. It can also be exciting — you have the rest of your life to love this person and you found them so early! That rocks! That being said, it can be daunting to juggle academics, social life and becoming a young professional with the needs of your partner.

College is a lot. There is no sugar coating the influx of responsibilities that every week seems to bring. It seems that once my "one bad week" ends, another one is starting and before I know it, we're taking midterms and making spring break plans and suddenly it's the end of the semester. That's not even talking about extra responsibilities from clubs and on-campus jobs and also looking for the perfect summer internship, preferably in New York City. Adding a relationship and all that pressure is just asking for trouble.

Now, I'm no expert on marriage, but if I learned one thing about relationships, it's that breakups SUCK. It's not just that you're not dating anymore, it's the not talking, the way none of your hilarious inside jokes are funny anymore, and most of all the constant reminder that a piece of your heart is missing and walking around campus without you. Yeah, it sucks. And honestly, who wants to deal with that on top of all the other stresses of college?

I get it though, I really do. I've been in my fair share of relationships in high school and college and it's so nice to have someone who cares and wants to know all about your day. I learned how to care for, worry over and love another person so fully and entirely, that I completely forgot to do those things for myself. I let my grades slip a little, gave up going to the gym as often as I enjoy and put so much emphasis on the inflections of their texts, that I neglected the way I communicated to friends I loved.

When it all came crashing down, I was lost. I didn't know what to use my phone for if it wasn't texting my now ex-boyfriend. I didn't know how to spend my evenings because I always spent them with him. Dealing with that fall out on top of finals and everything else was so overwhelming, I contemplated whether or not the entire relationship was even worth it in the first place.

One thing college is good for is change. It lets you explore parts of the world and parts of yourself you never had the chance to before. You might come into college sure you're going to graduate as a biochemistry major, and at the beginning of your sophomore year, decide that psychology is more your speed. Or you come into college, swearing up and down that you'll do musical theater until Hamilton becomes less popular (let's face it, that's not happening for a long time), and within a year, decide writing for the newspaper is your thing.

One thing is for certain, a lot of changes in college. Academically, you find new interests, socially new friends and professionally, new opportunities. You mature through these new experiences and figure out "how-to-adult" with other students who are on the same page. And yeah, dating is fun! Date, get to know people and see what happens. Through all the bad times and the good times, you'll figure out what your "type" is. Yeah, you'll have your fair share of breakups, but try to view them as a learning experience ­­— Ariana Grande's "thank u, next" should inspire you to thank your ex after each and every failed relationship for the lessons they've taught you about yourself and about what you value in a relationship.

At the end of the day, yeah, they suck, but as I said in every relationship, you're either going to break up or marry that person. Yeah, Jackson is cute, but he doesn't have any drive and you want someone with a passion. Joe is sweet, but he doesn't communicate well and often leaves you feeling frustrated. Breakups aren't all bad.

College is full of changes, and maybe one of those changes will be finding your happily ever after. But don't beat yourself up if it isn't. There is so much of you to love and so many things to explore that I guarantee, not having a significant other isn't going to make or break your college experience. And, chances are, your Prince Charming will fall in love with you while you're doing what you love.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Relationships

The Unwritten Rules Of "Talking"

What is "talking?" How does one "talk?"

4451
girl holding phone
NYCPRGIRLS

Now that it seems “talking” is the new way to date, and will stay that way until another idiotic term is used to describe the people who can’t settle down and just date someone, I feel as if it’s time to go over the unwritten rules of “talking.”

Rule 1. Having feeling without feeling.

Keep Reading...Show less
The Stages of Having FOMO in College
iamthatgirl.com

Are you one of those people that gets super upset when you miss out on anything? Well, you may have FOMO, or fear of missing out. In college it’s not hard to experience FOMO every once in a while. You just love doing everything and anything, so hen you have to miss out on something it's the worst possible thing in your mind. Whether you’re sick, have to work, or have so much work to do you could cry – FOMO will hit you hard in college.

Keep Reading...Show less
Vivien Leigh
Revelist

I've lived a whole 21 years with an RBF (Resting Bitch Face), so naturally, I go through most of these struggles on a daily basis.

And before you ask, yes I'm fine. No, I'm not mad. This is just my face, so take it or leave it! To those of you who have been #blessed with an RBF, you'll probably relate to these more than you'd like to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Iconic Duos: Timeless Legends

From Luke and Leia to Beyonce's twins...

774770
Luke and Leia from Star Wars, a iconic duo
Lucasfilm

“Name a more iconic duo... I'll wait." OK, well, if you insist. In no particular order, here's a list of 100 iconic duos that seem to be timeless.

SEE MORE: This Is The ICONIC Disney Sidekick You Are To Your BFF, According To Your Zodiac Sign

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

A Candid Letter to My Best Friends Ex

Because this is the real form of torture you deserve.

1300
middle finger
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

What's up Asshat,

I've composed a list of things that I wish upon you, and they're harsh and cruel. These things are things that I wouldn't wish upon my worst of enemies, not even that Starbuck's barista who always screws up my order, not even him. You fall into a whole other category of hate. You surpass Starbucks barista. Congratulations, I'm actually a pretty nice person, making you worthy of every single bit of torture I wish upon you. What are these things I wish upon you you might ask?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments