Over the course of the semester, the Love n’ Longhorns relationship column explored students’ love lives on campus.
Keeping a happy, healthy relationship in college proves difficult with social media and academics. This column reflects on what was learned throughout the time spent talking with students about their “do’s and don’ts” of dating in college.
Long distance
In “Dan” and “Serena’s” relationship, students learned that being in a long-distance relationship is hard, but with communication and effort, they can last — despite the stigma that long-distance relationships out of high school are built to fail. Currently, Dan and Serena are happily together, traveling nearly 1,500 miles to see each other every couple of months.
Do: communicate.
Dating apps
“Sally” and “Harry” met on a dating app, proving everyone who believes dating apps are useless wrong. In college, dating apps are notorious for hook-up culture, not relationships. With a quick and easy swipe right or a like on someone’s profile, singles match in an instant. However, Harry and Sally sparked a solid relationship after several dates. Even if a date goes wrong, Sally argues that dating apps are good for simply meeting people. In her case, meeting Harry turned into a smooth-sailing relationship.
Do: take risks.
Rivalry couples
Agreeing no one knows what “gig ‘em” even means or frankly what a Sooner is, rivalry relationships are not quite like long distance. For “Juliet” and “Romeo,” being college rivals didn’t faze them, even attending rivalry games together and wearing each other’s merch. The two showed that rivalry relationships do exist, even if they come with unwarranted jokes about the other’s school.
Don’t: make dumb, upsetting jokes.
Single?
For those single, some are scarred from past relationships, and some don’t feel the need to focus on one. “Carrie” displayed a bit of both. Claiming that commitment is hard to come by, Carrie plans to stay single until she graduates. She learned that being single isn’t scary. Having fun with and focusing on friends can make the time spent in college that much sweeter.
Don’t: be scared of commitment.
To date or not to date?
Dating in college can be scary and disappointing. College is known to be the time for exploration: going on dates, making new friends and mistakes.
Don’t let bad relationships define college. The Love ‘n’ Longhorns series displays the right and wrong way of dating, but also helps to emphasize the many outcomes and how college is the perfect time to find that special someone.
