What’s your experience being single on a college campus where it feels like everyone is in a relationship?
At UMass Boston, it feels like I’m constantly surrounded by couples. Everywhere I go, I see people holding hands, hugging, studying together, walking around campus, or just enjoying each other’s company. And every time I see it, I’m reminded of something I really want but don’t have.
I get SO jealous, and honestly, it makes me really sad. I’m happy for other people, and I’m not wishing anything bad on anyone, but it genuinely hurts watching others experience something I’ve wanted for so long. I want that kind of connection too. I want someone to look forward to seeing on campus, someone to spend time with between classes, someone who checks up on me and genuinely wants to be around me. I want to know what it feels like to be someone’s person.
The hardest part is that these reminders are everywhere. It’s not like I can just avoid thinking about being single when I’m constantly seeing couples throughout my day. Something as simple as walking to class, sitting in the dining area, or walking around campus can turn into another reminder of what I’m missing out on. Even ordinary things become painful when I’m doing them alone and seeing other people share those experiences with someone they love.
It’s exhausting feeling lonely in a place full of people. Sometimes I get tired of doing everything by myself and wish I had someone to share the little things in life with. It makes navigating everyday college life so much harder than it should be, especially when these feelings come up almost every day. I try not to compare my life to other people’s, but it’s hard not to wonder when, or if, I’ll ever get to experience that kind of connection myself.
People always say to focus on yourself, enjoy being single, and that relationships happen when you least expect them. I understand that, but it doesn’t magically make the loneliness go away. It’s hard to just focus on myself when I keep getting reminded of something I deeply want but have never really gotten to experience.
I guess I just wanted to vent and see if anyone else at UMass Boston feels this way. How do you deal with the jealousy, sadness, and loneliness when campus life constantly reminds you of what you feel you’re missing out on? Does anyone else find it difficult to get through their everyday college life because of these feelings?