Survey reveals dating trends among students

While single EMU students are here primarily to study, many of them are actively seeking a life partner or are dating with more than a friendly relationship in mind.

A random selection of eight males and eight females were chosen to answer some questions on a survey about dating in college. Out of 16 students, 15 of them said that they would like to have a boyfriend/ girlfriend in college. Does this mean that majority of EMU college students are looking to find their significant partner somewhere through their college journey?

When asked if they would rather date around or have a steady partner, a majority leaned toward the steady date. Some said they want to date around to see what they like and dislike in their crushes, while others already had a steady partner or were looking.

When students decided whether to go on group dates or single dates, the coin is up in the air. For a group date, some find it to be less risky and it also depends on who the group is and what they are doing. For others, they enjoy the single atmosphere; it is a lot easier to get to know one another.

Everybody has something specific that they are looking for in the opposite sex. For females, the top characteristic desired is to have a good sense of humor. Second is a sense of caring, and a tie for third is honesty and an interesting personality. Males are looking for women who are funny, brainy, open-minded, good looking, and honest (naming only a few qualifications).

Does God enter the equation at all, given this is a Christian campus? Majority ruled and God fits into couples’ relationships. However, not every student answered with a definite "yes" or "has to be", but there were a few "sures" and one "to an extent." Does this mean that some students come to a Christian campus to find a Christian partner, or is EMU just another college where young adults congregate to find just anyone? Many students, male and female, believe it is okay to stay overnight at their boyfriend’s / girlfriend’s house. They feel that it is quality time, but sometimes it depends on what you do or if you’re in the same bed. However, there were a few who feel it is wrong to have a sleepover with their boyfriend / girlfriend, one male student says, "It ain’t right."

Most students agree that it is okay to kiss on the first date, which would be followed by the traditional dinner and a movie. College students think that dinner allows two people to get to know each other, as well as going to a movie, or a walk, or having a cup of coffee. Ryan Sisson goes out on a limb and chooses rock-climbing for his first dates.

After many dates and lots of time spent together, the question of marriage comes up. Students were asked how long they thought a couple should be together before tying the knot. Most responded that it all depends on the couple, it depends on what feels right. A few responded with one or two years. Finding a life partner is just one of the journey’s in college for most students.