It’s the final countdown. You’ve begun fantasizing about handing in your last final and kissing this semester goodbye permanently. You’re thinking about packing up your stuff and visiting all your favorite spots one more time. Suddenly, a queasy feeling starts to creep up on you. Why the added anxiety? Well, kissing the semester goodbye also means kissing your guy goodbye – especially if your hometowns or summer plans are nowhere near each other. It’s the bittersweet part of summer. On the one hand, you get the feeling of accomplishment from finishing classes. On the other, you have the added stress of answering the ultimate question: Do you stay together over the summer, or put things on hold?
The good news is you aren’t alone in feeling this way. Collegiettes everywhere face this same dilemma every year. Because every relationship is unique, there is no “right” answer. And it can be especially difficult when you can’t quite put a finger on how your guy feels about it. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could just be inside of his head for five minutes to figure out what he wants to do? Well, we don’t have psychic abilities, but Her Campus does have the next best thing: we’ve compiled quotes and opinions from guys across the country on summer relationships!
Call It Quits
Let’s face it. Some guys (and girls too!) just aren’t into the idea of being committed to someone that they can’t see regularly. They aren’t crazy. The survival rates of long distance relationships aren’t pretty. Here are a few guys’ thoughts on why they think staying together over the summer is a no-go:
“Last summer my girl and I were in a good spot, but I knew we weren't going to stay together in the fall. I made the decision that I wanted to have some more freedom since the end was in sight, and it was the best decision I could have made. I had tons of fun that summer, and I'm pretty sure she met some other guys too that she wouldn't have met otherwise.” –Ethan, sophomore, University of Northern Iowa
"I just got out of a long-term relationship that was honestly stretched out way too long. We were fine during the year when we saw more of each other, but during the summer we both got really involved in different lifestyles. By the time we got back to school, stuff just wasn't the same. It's been really hard and we just were too different.” –Brett, junior, Louisiana State University
An Open Relationship?
An open relationship can mean different things to different couples. The working definition for this story is that you’re in a relationship, but still allowed to hook up with other people. It’s a controversial subject with opposing viewpoints:
Go For It:
“I honestly think an open relationship is the way to go with a problem like this. My girl would be jealous if she knew I was out with a group and there were girls there. And I would feel insane pressure not to do something that she wouldn’t like. An open relationship takes off the pressure and lets you have fun before you reconnect in the fall.” –Kyle, freshman, University of Arkansas
Avoid At All Costs:
“An open relationship is the stupidest idea I’ve ever heard. Being in a relationship with someone where you have permission to hook up with other people is NOT a relationship. If you’re with someone, it should be because you want to be with them and no one else. If I wanted to hook up with whoever I wanted, I’d be single.”-Ryan, sophomore, University of Missouri
