Dating in university can be really stressful for a lot of people. There are a lot of people who say that university is a time for experimenting with partners. You go through countless awkward first dates, potentially even more awkward second dates, coffee dates, dinner dates, Tinder dates, and more. If you’re using your university years to be free and flirty, good for you! Hookup culture can have its pros and cons. Sometimes you swipe right when you really should have swiped left. Sometimes your Tinder date turns into a little something more. The dating game is different for everyone. The dating game and university experience is also very different for the lucky people who may have already found their special someone.
Whether you believe in true love, soulmates, or just the power of a solid connection between people, some people are lucky enough to find their special someone in university or even before. In a time where we, as young ‘adults’, are constantly changing our beliefs and identities, staying in a committed relationship can be a lot of work. You might grow to have completely different opinions on politics, popular issues, or even the mundane things like music tastes. You’ll both probably get busy with school, work, or extra responsibilities that take up all of your time. But with a little bit of effort, a whole lot of communication and trust, you might just be able to make that long term relationship work.
I’ve been lucky enough to be in a relationship with an incredible person for the last three years and I owe him more than I could possibly express. Through the midterm stress, anxious moments induced by too little sleep and way too much caffeine, and even the celebratory moments of getting a decent co-op job, there’s only one person who I want with me holding my hand. Here’s why:
1. A sense of stability.
In a time where everything is in flux – jobs, interests, friends, you name it – having a long term partner can help you feel like things are not totally falling apart and you don’t have to start from point A over and over again. Things fall apart? At least you know your partner’s around to support you through the good and bad.
2. A sure-fire snuggle buddy.
Tinder has its perks but everyone knows how unreliable it is. I’ve thankfully always had my partner to turn to when I need a hug or someone to cuddle. I would take a night with him over a wayward Tinder night literally ANY chance. Who wouldn’t like being able to come home and hang out with your best friend?
3. You don’t have to pretend to be something you aren’t.
You should always be your true self in any relationship but at the beginning of a relationship you might try a little more. Once you hit the long term mark of a relationship, you hopefully feel comfortable enough to be your 100% self (no makeup/morning breath/sweatpants at 1:00pm on a Saturday self).
Are long term relationships for everyone? Heck no. Some people might never want to be in a relationship and that’s okay. If you’re interested in a long term relationship but haven’t found your person yet, don’t sweat it. There are over 7 billion people on this planet; you will find someone eventually. If you’re in my boat and think you might just have found that person for you, congratulations! I hope your future is full of binge watching your favourite shows on the couch, eating pizza together, and laughing at weird inside jokes together because being in love can be pretty damn great.
Do you have any tips on how you make your long term relationship last? Share them with us on our Facebook or Twitter!