Should you go the distance?

Seventy-five percent of college students have been in a long distance relationship, according to a study conducted by Penn State. Now that’s a statistic I can believe.

I think I’ve just about seen it all when it comes to long distance. You have the girl who transfers to be with her boyfriend, the couple that breaks up over Thanksgiving break, all of the cheaters that swear they’re going to break up with their significant other next weekend (every weekend), and so much more that I really didn’t need to hear about. 

I like to think I have a little more merit in this area than just what I’ve heard around town. I too was a freshman girl with a boyfriend back home, driving almost every weekend to see him and neglecting my friendships in turn. It didn’t work out and that’s more than okay.

But when I say I beg all the incoming college freshmen I know not to rush into a relationship their first year, especially a long distance one, I am truly pleading. But they shake their heads at me thinking, “It didn’t work out for you but my relationship is different.” Darn youths.

College relationships are hard enough. Throw distance into the equation and things get serious quick. We seem to hold onto the idea that we’re destined to meet our soulmates in college, especially in the Midwest.

The reality is most of us are still very underdeveloped and have more regretful make-outs in grimy frats and bars before we find “the one.” It’s easier to justify extreme sacrifices with the mentality that it’ll pay off in the end. Chances are you’ll just end up with a lot of miles on your car and missed memories with friends. If you’re lucky enough to find your person in college, great, but don’t bank on it and compromise a fundamental period of your life. 

Distance doesn’t ruin an otherwise good relationship. It merely breaks what is meant to be broken. Relationships work if they’re meant to and that includes distance. The right person will go the distance and it won’t be complicated or painful. If you find someone that makes the distance seem easy, then you’ve found a good one. If not, there’s no shame in downloading Tinder for the fifth time. Well, maybe a little shame.