Ask Amanda

Dear Amanda:

I am a single senior struggling with Pre-Graduation Romantic Relational Anxiety. I have noticed in the past six months a mad scrambling of my fellow students to find a mate during our last year here at EMU. My plans of casual dating until I reach a more mature age have backfired since there is no one left to date. I am lonely, yet not ready to devote myself to one single person for the rest of my life, as I am only 21. I fear in my weakness that I might be snatched up in the date/engagement/marry before graduation cycle, too. Please give me some hope.

-Scared Single Senior

Dear Scared Single Senior:

Please, do not take any rash actions. Hundreds of seniors suffer from Pre-Graduation Romantic Relational Anxiety (PGRRA) each year and many recover and are able to live happy, fulfilled lives. You are not alone. In reality, fewer EMU students are voluntarily part of this premature marriage system than you think. Many of those in involved relationships don't realize that healthy alternatives exist.

Fitting with American consumeristic society, the atmosphere on EMU campus is similar to that of a frantic department store on Christmas Eve. Just keep in mind, there will be sales after the holiday season. You can shop all year round, not just before Christmas. If you don't need it, don't buy it. Or perhaps you're just shopping at the wrong store.

After lengthy consultation with Dr. Single, I advise you to start a social movement of casual dating. Begin by liberating those in premature marital bondage. Acknowledge your dissatisfaction, show them what life could be like without the graduation deadline, and organize with serious-dating boycotts, engagement seminar sit-ins, and wide distribution of Single Life Weekly.

Your feelings of loneliness are to be expected and intensified by EMU's premature dating culture. I encourage you to check that loneliness at the door, study for a change, and ask someone out on a casual, no expense paid, commitment-free, Tuesday night date.

Have a burning question? Contact Amanda at amanda.gross@emu.edu or through Campus Mail.