You Shouldn't Focus On Getting In A Relationship In College | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
relationships

Instead Of Focusing On Getting Into A Relationship In College, Focus On Yourself

Movies and TV shows portray a different view on romantic relationships in college, but I've learned that it is not essential to be in one.

762
girl laughing

It is easy to get caught up in wanting to get into a relationship in college, but this is the time you are supposed to figure out who you are. Don't let your friends or social media pressure you into the mentality of being in a relationship.

In high school, I was the person to always have a boyfriend. I dated a boy from my freshman year to the beginning of my senior year. Then dated another boy for a couple of months later my senior year. This was the last time I was in a serious committed relationship and, mind you, I am now ending my junior year of college. During those four years, I was so consumed with the vision of love as a teenager. You see all these romantic comedies that take place in high school and you want to have that relationship.

When I started college, I was wanting to have every college experience that I had seen in the shows and movies. Then I realized it wasn't realistic and not in my best interest to do so. I was more focused on school and maintaining my scholarship than worrying about boys and relationships.

As time went on, I found it within myself that I was relying on needing a relationship. I learned that I have more time to myself to focus on school and just me in general. In high school, I always had someone, and yes it felt nice, but it wasn't me. At the time, I felt like that I hadn't figured out myself yet and it would be beneficial to do so. You are stuck with you and only you for the rest of your life, so make the best of it. Learn to love and accept yourself as you grow. Don't go looking for a relationship when it isn't meant to happen. Relationships happen naturally and you simply can't force one to happen. It is commonly known that you can't love someone else until you love yourself.

In college, you start getting consumed with so many responsibilities between your grades, wanting to find a job, keeping a social life, and staying healthy. With all this summed up, you start to figure out what kind of lifestyle is best for you. You develop the strength to be strong on your own.

For example, I have plans for applying to grad school, taking the GRE, obtaining an internship, and keeping on top of my two jobs. Adding a relationship to this would drive me crazy. I can't even keep up with myself. I have realized that it's okay to just focus on yourself.

I noticed that in the past I lost some friends because I was in a relationship. College is the time that you will grow your friendships as well as create new ones. Sometimes in relationships, you can lose your friends because of your significant other. If you are single, you don't have to worry about that.

With all of this being said, it is okay to be single. You can focus on yourself and grow without fear about leaving your significant other behind. Go out, be selfish, be yourself, and enjoy life. Life isn't about having a relationship status.

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

To The Cheerful Person On Their Rainy Days, You Are Valid

The world is not always sunshine and rainbows, and you do not have to be, either.

227
pug covered with blanket on bedspread
Photo by Matthew Henry on Unsplash

Ask friends of mine to name a quality about me, and one a lot them will point out the fact that I am almost always smiling. I like to laugh and smile -- not to quote Buddy the Elf in April, but smiling is my favorite! It is probably my favorite go-to expression. However, what a lot of people do not see is that I have my down days. I have days when smiling and laughing is a real struggle, or when I have so much on my plate that going out of my way to behappy takes more effort than I have stored in me. Be it a symptom of college and growing up or a facet of life, I cannot always be content.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

11 Struggles of Packing for College

It would be so much easier to just pay someone to do it for you

297
a room with boxes and a window

1. Figuring out when to start

Timing is key, you don’t want to start too early or too late.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

15 Times 'Parks and Recreation' Has Summed Up Your Life

Relatable moments from one of the best shows I have ever watched.

233
parks and rec
Liz Keysmash

Amidst my hectic college career, I always find time for one thing, even on the busiest weeks: Parks and Recreation. This show has made me laugh and has made me cry, but most of all I have related to this show more than I would like to admit.

Here are some "Parks and Rec" moments that relate to life struggles that just about everyone faces.

Keep Reading...Show less
April Ludgate
Facebook

April Ludgate from Parks and Recreation is notorious for her "I don't care" attitude. She speaks her mind without caring what anyone thinks of her. Fans love her because she isn't afraid to be herself. April can seem cold and negative, but she's really just fearless and strong-minded. And despite her sometimes harsh words, April truly cares about the people she's closest to. These are all reasons she is the epitome of a college student. April complains whenever she has to do any kind of work, but ends up doing the work anyway. April Ludgate is the ultimate college student spirit animal.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

11 Ways To Live The Best Life You Can

Life is full of twists and turns, but you have to keep going.

55
girl bike

Life is all about twist and turns, sideways and which ways. Nothing is permanent, so we should take risks, and chase our dreams. We are taught at a young age many lessons that will follow us into adulthood. What we aren't taught is how to feel, and how we handle those emotions. We just have to figure them out ourselves, and that's not fun. In my 21 years of living, I have come to know that way too many people can't handle emotions, or the fact that not everyone is dead inside like them. When you're like me, and you have zero control over your emotions, it's hard to feel comfortable around people who aren't so in touch with themselves. As much as I would like to feel nothing at times, I've accepted who I am and the fact that I can cry over practically nothing. So, there are some things in life that you just have to do.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments