Why am I still single?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By: Lauren Alford

Staff Writer

Juggling school and work often leaves no time to find and keep a relationship, but faculty gave advice for those who are looking.

A survey conducted in 2010 by the Pew Research Center stated that college graduates are more likely to marry than those without a college degree.

So, what’s getting in the way of finding a soulmate?

“I want to spend time to get to know and love myself before I try to support someone else in that way,” Brianna Thompson, individual studies major, said.

According to an anonymous criminal justice major, education is more important than being in a relationship.

Other students simply don’t have any interest in a relationship.

Psychologically, today’s college students are more focused on their education and careers, according to Michelle D. Bannoura, Ph.D., psychology professor.

However, there is no rush to find your true love.

According to the Pew Research Center’s analysis of U.S. Census data, adults are marrying later in life and cohabiting more than in the past.

It was also found that 67 percent of adults 18-29 agreed that society is just as well off if marriage and children weren’t prioritized.

The changes in marriage amongst college-aged adults don’t necessarily mean dating culture is suffering.

According to a study by Arielle Kuperberg, Ph.D., and Joseph E. Padgett, M.A., conducted between 2005 and 2011, hooking up is just as popular as dating.

In the same study, it stated 71 percent of college men and 67 percent of college women want more chances to find a long-term relationship.

If you are looking for a long term relationship, it is advised that you learn more about yourself and what you want.

According to Bannoura, the reason why you are single may be because you doubt your emotional and psychological maturity.

“If you want to have a committed partner you need to be a committed partner,” Andrew Schott, psychology professor, said.

Schott went on to explain the importance of transparency when meeting someone.

“Have those uncomfortable conversations,” Schott suggested. “‘Are you looking for marriage?’ and ‘Do you want children?’ are a great start.”

In the opinion of economics professor Joseph Stenard, your relationship status is dependent on the costs and benefits of dating.

“If you think that the pros of dating outweigh the cons of dating, then you will eventually stop being single,” Stenard clarified.

Stenard insisted that your relationship status will change once better circumstances present themselves.

“What are the strategies you have chosen? What are the signals you are sending? What are you supplying and what exactly are you demanding?” he asked.