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It’s the same, old story many college girls experience: The boyfriend is back at home. Promises to stay together, FaceTiming, counting down the days until she goes back home to him; it is the typical scenario, and we, along with every adult we have ever talked to, know how this can end. That being said, there are some relationships that are strong and last—cheers to those who end in love and happiness and mutual agreement!
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However, for many girls like me, these relationships end. And lots of times, it is not about being unfaithful or “just wanting to have a good time.” It is about deciding to chase our own dreams. In my own experience, my ex was holding me back from truly being myself and embracing my own beliefs. Breakups happen for many reasons, but the most beneficial ones are those that allow freedom and a chance to truly get to know oneself.
Freshman year is meant to be about meeting new people, having new experiences, and living in the moment of newfound independence. But for some, leaving for college means more than just leaving Mom and Dad—It’s also facing the reality that maybe high school love isn’t meant for life. This realization hits hard; I cried for a day straight before I left for college, not because I didn’t want to leave home, but because deep down I knew leaving my boyfriend meant the inevitable end. The first few weeks of college are supposed to be about saying “hello,” yet the big “goodbye” can be the greatest challenge. Making that painful choice can leave young women feeling lonely and vulnerable; the safety net is gone, and now the big, scary world is out there.
But the world is there for you to take. I’m here to say that it is going to be okay, and it is inner strength that led to this difficult but necessary decision. Making that choice to leave that person, no matter how sweet and reassuring he was, marks the beginning of YOUR life, not your life with him. This is a realization I went through these past few weeks, and while I have spent a lot of time alone just watching Netflix, I have come to the conclusion that being alone means doing things for yourself and realizing exactly what you want. Being newly single is strange and unnerving, but now having the chance to discover myself makes it possible to achieve these amazing goals.
So go out there and celebrate yourself!
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Do things for yourself, relish in the conclusion that although you have cut ties with an important person, YOU are the most important person in your own life. Now you can do anything and not have to be concerned with anyone else’s life. Besides, he was pretty lame, anyway.
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