College is full of new and exciting opportunities, which for many people involve romantic and sexual experiences. Hook-up culture, dating apps and the freedom to experiment are all common aspects of the typical college field of romantic and sexual opportunity. Tinder, Bumble, clubbing and much more breed a romantic experience that is not always guaranteed or even expected. Some students have even expressed disinterest in this lifestyle and instead, seek something more guaranteed regarding their relationships. With this idea, The Marriage Pact was born. Cassidy Bergen and Samantha Rosenburg, students involved in the launch of the program here at Florida State University (FSU), detail the Marriage Pact’s methodology and benefits.
Her Campus (HC): Cassidy, what can you tell us about the inner workings of The Marriage Pact?
Cassidy Bergen (CB): It has been created, introduced and run by students at universities all over the country. It’s not a binding agreement, so you don’t have to actually marry your match in the end, but a lot of participants have ended up dating or at least maintaining a friendship with their matches.
HC: Samantha, from your perspective, what are the benefits of The Marriage Pact?
Samantha Rosenburg (SR): Something I find really beneficial about the Marriage Pact is that you’re filling out a survey that matches you directly with someone who has similar interests, career goals and more. Also, with COVID-19, it provides a fun activity and an easy way to meet new people with similar interests, especially for new students. It’s kind of like a backup plan, in case you’ve needed it.
CB: I agree. I think another part of it is that these matches are already students at FSU, so it makes it much more convenient when matching students together.
HC: That sounds awesome! What does the application process look like?
CB: It’s 50 questions, and it takes about five minutes total. It asks specific questions about your personal preferences and who you are. It is inclusive, so regardless of your sexuality or how you identify, it’s all about you and your individual likes and dislikes. The questionnaire will launch within the third week of March, which is coming up soon!
SR: The questions are based on psychological and sociological research about what’s important in predicting a long-term successful relationship. The questions also tap into values that are fundamental in order to be successful with your specific match.
HC: Awesome, so would you say people take this process more seriously than dating apps and other college experiences?
CB: The overall purpose of it is in the name, The Marriage Pact, but one of the questions specifically targets the individual’s interest in being in a relationship. So, if you take this while in a fully committed relationship just for fun, you’ll get the same results as someone looking for a life partner right now. You’re going to be algorithmically matched with someone with similar intentions, so again, it’s all about you and your preferences. People have used this and found a true partner, but others have received their results and decided not to ever meet their match. It’s all about what you put into it.
SR: Yes, I do think this works! Essentially the algorithm gives you one set match based on your answers to the questionnaire. You can check out some success stories and additional information on their blog!
CB: You can also follow them on Instagram for updates on matches and launches. I’m really excited for this to launch and for everyone to experience it, and shout out to my match; if we’re still single in 15 years, hit me up!
SR: Forget 15 years, hit me up now!
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