You probably have seen many different movies about how awesome college relationships can be, and even though everyone hits a rough patch, they always find their way back to each other.
Let me be the bearer of bad news to inform you that life is not like 90210 or Gossip Girl. In fact, imagine if Elle Woods from Legally Blonde never met her husband while attending Harvard after she was dumped. What if she was left heartbroken and confused and that’s it? While there are couples fortunate to find each other and create a solid “happily ever after” post-college, the remaining (and substantially large) percentage remains with a lot of single men and women who know exactly what they want in a partner, but for some reason still haven’t met their match.
Do not rush to be in a relationship.
Many of your friends may be in a relationship, but do not feel like you need someone as well to validate you. In addition, don’t think that you have to have a date to be with your friends. Word to the wise: Most guys hate double-dating, anyway.
Take Your Time!
College is the time to really figure out who you are as an individual. Until you can truly understand yourself; you cannot fully commit to another person. Enjoy the single life for a while. That does not mean you have to continuously get wasted and have one too many one-night stands (no judgment). All that means is to meet different people and discover new things you like and dislike. Try new foods and travel. Enjoy yourself completely because let’s be honest, we all have our whole lives to be tied down with one person forever. Date yourself first.
Do not succumb to the pressure of dating from your family.
Every time you go home to visit, you can expect your loved ones to eagerly ask you about grades, organizations, how you’re holding up in general and of course the one relative you don’t really care for will ask the inevitable, “Are you in a relationship?” question. You will get that question every time you go home. Every time. Not sometimes. Every time.
Be forward-thinking.
For all of the relationships that are both healthy and lasting, the main objective is to have a proper balance of living in the moment while also thinking about the future. You’re young and in love, so every moment with your significant other should be cherished. However, college does not last forever. Both parties should be aware of what will happen after graduation— especially if you live in different locations. Another tip: Communication is key!
There will never be enough tips for a relationship because every couple and every individual is different. However, if nothing else, always remain optimistic about every possibility.