It's fairly common for people to start dating when they are in their early to middle teens. In most cases they will date someone from their school or home town, and that can bring a certain level of comfort to the process. College dating is different in many ways.
Not only is college dating different in many ways, but college itself is filled with many changes. Most students are away from home for the first time, and they are meeting people from all over the world. They can find this to be somewhat overwhelming. In addition to all of this they are making the transition into adulthood, and they feel as though there is no safety net there if they should stumble along the way. In light of all of this, dating is just one small part of the big picture, but it's an important part.
One aspect of college dating that's often looked is the boyfriend or girlfriend who stayed back at home while the student is at a school far away. The college student may have promised to be faithful, and they have every intention of doing so, but then they find that the urge to date becomes too strong to ignore. This is a tough situation because they want to date while in college, but then they feel guilty about the person waiting for them back home. The best thing to do in this situation is to contact the other person and break things off gently. This will let them know that it's okay for them to date as well, and they can start to move on with their lives. Hiding it from them and trying to be sneaky is the worst possible thing to do.
Being in college is one of the best times in your life and it's quite common for people to develop long-term relationships while in school. There are, to be sure, more casual relationships as well, but the feelings can be very strong. Dating while in school is great, but it does have its fair share of challenges, too.
The primary reason for going to college is to receive an education (well, that's supposed to be the reason). So it's important that you focus on your studies and keeping your grades up. Many students also have jobs which take up a big chunk of time as well. If that sounds like you–going to school full time, working a part time job and dating–then you will need to plan your free time carefully, and prioritize the use of that time.
College dating has a downside and an upside. The downside is that it can take time and effort to find someone that you want to date on a long-term basis. The upside is that it's college and there is no rule that says you have to be in a long-term relationship. Whatever you do, do your best to enjoy this special time in your life.
I’m a couples-counselor and relationship expert. I was recently shocked to learn that many college couples are taking their relationships very seriously.
For example, an increasing number of college students are actually getting married while attending college. 7% of all college undergraduate students are married.
Almost 40% of all female college students are married or have children. The numbers are much greater for students over 25 and these stats will only continue to grow as the sheer number of mature students continues to swell in our troubled economy.
The question here becomes: is it possible to build and maintain an emotionally healthy long term relationship while attending college or university together? Are there proven tips and advice for enhancing and preserving romantic college relationships or are they always destined to fall apart due to things like peer pressure and competing interests and responsibilities ?
What I’ve learned is that couples in college relationships have to do exactly the same things that couples in non college relationships have to do, in order to maintain a long term and emotionally healthy relationship.
For example, effective couple-communication is essential for college couples. But what’s even more critical is the ability to prevent dangerous emotional and sexual cheating through setting up effective relationship boundaries.
Great post, – Thank you!