5 Reasons You’re Better Off Not Dating In College

Today’s college relationships get so many different nicknames, its impossible to discern what’s happening behind closed doors with just a word. From “hooking up” to “seeing each other” to “a thing,” a third party can only assume that you’re having sex and that you like it. In the frenzy that has become the college version of dating, antiquated “dates” no longer hold the same appeal. Here’s why you should quit the title, and just stick to the “fooling around” you’re used to.

1. Dating isn’t the same anymore.

Traditional courting used to be valuable when 20 year olds were getting ready to settle down and start a family. Now that people are no longer waiting to get married, it seems unnecessary to start looking for a potential spouse in college. Your grandparents may have met as kids, but your peers will likely meet their significant others more towards their thirties.

2. College is a time for individualism.

Moving away from home and starting life on your own is supposed to be an opportunity to discover yourself, not someone else. Everyone has that friend who completely changes after finding a significant other and denying themself the college experience.

3. Hookup culture is accepted in college.

When you get to the real world, one-night stands become less and less appreciated while relationships become more popular. In college, the “walk of shame” gives way to the “stride of pride” allowing young people the opportunity to embrace hooking up with less shame and concern. Though hookups don’t appeal to the entire college population, those in exclusive relationships don’t get the option to try the “college” way of life.

4. Dating can be a distraction.

College is a stressful and busy time for students between self-discovery, challenging academics, and finding jobs or internships. All these new obligations are a full-time commitment and leave very little room for balancing a real relationship. You may be better off waiting until you have more time and effort to devote to another person.

5. Traditional dating enforces gender norms.

While modern society has acknowledged fluidity on the gender spectrum, there’s a lot of stigma that goes along with the original courtship process. Guys are expected to pay for dates and initiate plans while girls are expected to be docile and polite. These social rules are antiquated and unreasonable, but are sometimes still expected on dates.