Friday, January 31, 2014

Romance on College Campuses

By: Gabriela Borzachini

I remember coming into college people would tell me all sorts of things that go on during your college years and what to expect. Of course my parents told me to be safe because they knew from experience what happens in college. I heard a lot about how “casual sex” was very common. I did not really know what this meant before coming here but now I see it and it is evident. Dating in college is a thing of the past. A professor of communication, Dr. Crabtree says, ‘”In the 1950s people in college often married while still in school or immediately after. Today it seems the age of marriage is much later.’” [1]Times have certainly changed. Most college students seem to be infatuated with hooking up rather than taking the time to date someone. Many students feel like they do not have time to be in a committed relationship with someone but they still want to have that feeling of intimacy.
What made these new ideas about sex and romance in college come about? Well our society today is much more open to talking about sex, we have been more accepting of homosexuality and other sexual orientations, and our ideas about sex in general has grown tremendously since the 1950s. [1]
            While men often try to push sex on women, women can also be interested in hooking up as well, instead of having a relationship. Many women in college actually prefer to focus more on their studies than have a relationship and hooking up is a way to have the best of both worlds when it comes to sex and romance. Many times alcohol comes into play when casual sex happens. Many women find themselves more likely to say yes to any kind of sexual activity when they have had a few drinks in them. [2]
            In the end, everyone is different. Some people think being in a relationship during college is the way to go if given the opportunity. Other people prefer to date around or hook up with someone when they need intimacy. A person could be happy either way. I know plenty of people that marry right out of high school or continue to date all through college and are perfectly happy. I know from personal experience that for myself it is very hard to maintain a relationship while in college. This is especially true for long distances. I am sure it is just as hard if your significant other goes to the same school or lives in the area. Sometimes it might be better to wait till after college when you find a job and you can settle down. I believe that as long as you are happy then that is all that matters.


[1] Snoddy, Olivia. "Romance in College: It's Complicated."The Mirror, Online edition, sec. The Vine, December 07, 2011. http://fairfieldmirror.com/2011/12/07/romance-in-college-its-complicated/ (accessed January 29, 2014).

[2] Taylor, Kate. "Sex on Campus: She Can Play That Game, Too." The New York Times, Online edition, sec. Style, July 12, 2013. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/14/fashion/sex-on-campus-she-can-play-that-game-too.html?pagewanted=all (accessed January 30, 2014).

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