July 4, 2001

Relationship Roller Coaster
   by mike <mike@pfft.net>

Relationships. PFFT! This is a subject I dare to broach only because it's at the forefront of my mind. Yeah, 'mama told me there'd be days like this,' but what I'm about to write falls under cruel and unusual punishment.

My girlfriend is a sophomore in college in Iowa. I live and go to school in Illinois - a sophomore myself. We've maintained a long-distance relationship and have enjoyed nearly four years together. I have never been happier in my life; we have grown closer this summer than in summers past and definitely have that connection which could lead someday to marriage, but it's all about to end.

No, not the relationship, but the summer! Yes, it's only 4 July, but it's all downhill from here - in August I'll be separated from her again for another school year, alleviated only by the occasional school break. And don't give me that "Separation makes the heart grow fonder," crap either. I'm plenty fond of her as it is and don't need any more cardiac fondification.

My question is this: Why is this necessary? If love is such a pervasive force in our society, then why not find a way to make couples that are truly in love succeed without this college thing getting in the way? Seriously - don't tell me you've never felt the heartbreak of being pulled away from someone you love for something comparably important. I guess we'll all just have to wait until the day when we finish or drop out of school and can be reunited with the ones we love.

...or, we could build a REALLY huge building in the center of the country and have one floor for each existing major college or university. That way, everyone goes to school at the same place! But I bet the schools won't go for that. Bah. Back to chewin' gummi worms until the next idea springs forth!

Published: July 4, 2001
Editor: stacy