The dating game

By Ashley Goodwin
For the Times West Virginian

FAIRMONT February 10, 2008 11:12 pm

— Some people spend their whole lives looking for that special someone.
Sometimes we find our significant other during college. Do college students lose out on the college experience if they’re in a relationship?
William Salerno, a sophomore at Fairmont State, agrees it is fine to have a relationship in college, but he disagrees with having high school relationships cross over during college years.
“I feel if relationships are formed while in college, they are OK. But not so much if they cross over from high school.”
Salerno is looking for a relationship during college, but he is happy being single at the moment.
“Relationships in college are not a bad thing at all if the intentions are right,” said Gabe Jones, Fairmont State senior. “I do think, however, sometimes people date just to date because everyone else is doing it.
“I am single and, no, I do not feel the need to have a girlfriend in college. It is not a necessary thing at all. Unfortunately, I think people date just for the status reasons, and I think that can be dangerous.”
Heather Buchanan, a sophomore at Fairmont State, drew on her experience as a single female student.
“I think having a relationship in college can be a good experience. You have the opportunity to meet new people and if you’re lucky enough to find somebody, it can be a burden on your schoolwork.”
She might want a relationship during college, she said.
“I think that if the right person came along for me, then that would be great. But as of right now, I am doing fine in college being single and being able to hang out with my friends more often, and even being able to focus on school more than if I was in a relationship.”
Hannah White, a sophomore at Fairmont State, met her boyfriend on campus and has been dating him for a year now.
“Being in a relationship in college helps you get prepared for what’s ahead,” she said. “I think most people meet their future spouses in college, and having someone there with you going through the same things as you draws you closer as a couple.
“I feel that I am definitely getting the college experience dating someone. Part of my freshman year, I wasn’t in a relationship and got to have all the ‘single’ fun, and would much rather be in a relationship.”
“Relationships are right for some people and not for others,” said Fairmont State freshman Nathaniel Stalnaker, who has been dating his girlfriend for two years.
“Before I met my girlfriend and we started dating, some of my best time soul searching and finding myself was when I was single.
“I was never one to really look for the college experience anyway. As long as I kept my grades up, I was fine,” he said.

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