As if college isn’t already scary enough with having to decide what we want to do for the rest of our lives, we are also  old enough that it is normal, even expected, to be thinking about long-term relationships. Most of us have it in the back of our minds, regardless if we want to or not, that any person we talk to or date could be someone we could spend the rest of our lives with. The ultimate question is, how do we go about finding this “right” person?     

The phrase, “opposites attract,” is used way more often than it should be, because we are not negatively or positively charged; we are not magnets. Relationships are more likely to be successful in the long run when you share lots of common interests. For example, one of my previous relationships consisted mainly of playing COD, settling arguments by playing late night games of horse, and going on dates to the NCAA tournament or NBA games. This was an idealistic relationship for me, because I love spending my Saturdays watching college football or beating boys in basketball. 

When we look at common interests in this particular relationship, it is pretty clear that we could have agreed on numerous things in our future. For example, when we have to decide whether we should buy a more environmentally friendly car or UNC basketball season tickets, I think we both would agree a little extra pollution wouldn’t hurt. Even further, there are numerous other small things that could be deal breakers. Taste in music, food and outside interests, in general, are so important when going on dates, hanging with a group of friends and especially, the ever-so-scary, living together.  

If you are going on a couples road trip and they want to listen to opera while you want to listen to heavy metal, there is a problem. If you love vegetables and your significant other only eats fast food, that is another. If you are at a party for your boo and everyone is discussing art while the Duke- Carolina game is on -- that is a lot of unnecessary pain and completely unacceptable. The list goes on.  

There are endless little things that opposites disagree on that eventually build up to bitter arguments. Not to mention, after five years of dating or marriage, long conversations about something you could care less about may get a bit old.    

My final message is: don't settle. Don't stay with someone because you are scared there is no one else for you. Go out there with that dream girl or guy you have in your mind, and find 'em. My six-foot-seven, basketball playing, beach music loving boy might not be out there, but I am definitely going to try to find him.