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The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at USF chapter.

I’m going to start this off by saying that I’m not your go-to gal when it comes to relationships. I’ve only been in one actual relationship which didn’t end well. I have been in many casual “situationships” but nothing serious. However, I do long for someone I can call my partner. 

I started college last fall and to say that my experience so far has been chaotic is an understatement. But in the midst of chaos, there was one constant, my search for love. 

It’s nearing Valentine’s Day and I still haven’t found the “perfect” one. My whole life I’ve been searching and I thought someone would come along by this point in my life, but now I’m not so sure. 

I hear many stories of couples meeting their soulmates in college, getting married, and starting a family. It’s only the second semester for me so maybe it will happen but honestly, I’m not feeling very optimistic. In the world of dating apps like Tinder, hookups, and “sitautionships”, I feel like not many people are serious about a solid relationship. 

This is not to say it will never happen, and for those of you who are in relationships, good for you! Genuinely, I am happy for you, and for the ones who aren’t, don’t lose hope because of one person who’s being a Debbie Downer. Nonetheless, chivalry is dying and it is getting harder to find someone willing to put in the time and commitment for a relationship. 

And for this reason, I am skeptical of dating in college. I’m not so sure if it’s worth it. Many people have told me that I may be missing out on the experience of a lifetime, but honestly? I’m willing to wait. College is so much more than romantic or sexual relationships. I am not wasting my youth by not dating as a young adult. I have many fulfilling relationships in my life which I am living my youth with. 

That’s not to say if the opportunity for a romantic relationship to start enters my life, I won’t decline it. I’m currently talking to this guy in my class which I find myself attracted to. But at the same time, I’m not going to force it like I was earlier to live up to the best years of my life. The best thing to do, at least for me, is to let things take their own course and see how they play out. 

Ishani Gutta is a writer at the Her Campus South Florida chapter. She currently writes about a multitude of topics ranging from social issues to pop culture. In addition to Her Campus, Ishani is an active member at multiple clubs including pre-health, fashion, and fitness. She is a freshman at the University of South Florida, majoring in Biology and on the Pre-Medicine track. In her free time, Ishani enjoys going out for runs, crocheting, baking, and going out with her friends. She loves exploring new places and wants to travel the world one day.