I took the road less traveled

“I believe that two people are connected at the heart, and it doesn’t matter what you do, or who you are or where you live; there are no boundaries or barriers if two people are destined to be together,” Julia Roberts. Some people believe campus relationships are all about having fun and passing time as we outgrow four years together. It is not easy in an environment where feelings are disposable, hook-ups, one-night stands and friends with benefits are the order of the day.

Having a stable relationship in campus is one of the hardest thing I have had to go through. I was in the YOLO team until my best friend fell in love. At first it did not bother me but with time I got tired of being always the third wheel when he was taking her out for lunch or to the movies. My friend, let’s call her Angela was my inspiration to be in a relationship and that is when I met Kerani (not his real name). Actually we met on a blind date set by Angela’s boyfriend and few weeks later we were in a relationship. That was in first year second semester, I am now in third year and our relationship is growing stronger.

I’m all for campus relationships it gives you experience and relationship tips that no one could ever teach you. Whether it works or fails you will still be a mile ahead of that girl or boy who was too afraid of trying. I take it as a platform to know someone better, a perfect way for networking feelings. People take it to be a waste of one’s young years I would have said so sometime back however, this time I can disagree. You can have the best of both worlds like going partying once in a while with your girlfriends while he hangs out with his male friends and still be able to keep your relationship stable. One of the things that kill campus relationships is being too clingy, you are always in class together, the shop, cafeterias, I mean the more you do same things over and over, boredom crops in. You need to give each other space.

Being in a relationship at this young age teaches you a lot about yourself, you are able to know your expectations, when one does not live up to them. It also makes you not deal with campus stress of dating. You know you have someone so you will not be all on your phone texting your best friend to tell her that the guy you have been eyeing has not texted. When he texts you be like “gosh, he texted, should I reply? Hell no! Let me keep him waiting like he did, no! No! No! If I do so, he will think I’m not interested and I am. Let me make some tea then I reply.” In a relationship you do not ask yourself if what you are doing is good or bad because you are sure, no second guessing.

Being in a relationship in campus is not as screwed up as we all think. It depends on how your mind perceives it and what the heart wants. If you want to be single throughout go for it after all you are young, independent and in a research platform but again if you get the chance I suggest that you try being in a relationship, learn to take chances. “Nothing is perfect. Life is messy. Relationships are complex. Outcomes are uncertain. People are irrational,” Let that quote from Hugh Mackay be our slogan. Always take the road that is least taken.