I recently turned 22 years old and let me just say, it kind of sucked. When you reach this age, everything in your life culminates to one giant realization: time is passing, which I already discussed. I spent my entire birthday studying for an organic chemistry exam, which I only made an 81 on. If I wasn't studying, I was enjoying a walk which turned sour upon stepping into a colossal pile of doggy poo. When it's large enough that you literally trip over it... yeah, let's just say it wasn't exactly fun, but rather alternative icing on the cake. But I digress...
What I really wanted to discuss was the concept of time and the issue of relationships and dating. What is the appropriate age to date? Should you start in high school? Wait until after college when you are at least starting a potential career? After medical school? I have no desire to begin a relationship with anyone at the moment, but a recent comment from someone I work with made me think about this issue. She basically said, "You've got to get some kind of experience because by the time you are ready, you aren't going to know what you are doing and the game gets tough."
Does this mean that if I never date or get some sort of relationship experience under my belt, that I will somewhat expire and forever be single? My organic professor always talks about how he is single and lonely, and how women don't seem to like him. I feel sorry for the guy, and worry at the same time that I might end up that way. I mean, I watch a lot of chic-flicks and read books, so I think it's clear what NOT to do, and maybe what to do; however, does life really play out this way? I think the answer is maybe?
I think it is pointless to date in middle school, and it's slightly disgusting in my opinion. Think about yourself in middle school, 12-14 years of age. Children. It's gross right? High school dating could be debatable, mainly because if we stick to the whole experience idea for later in life, it could be good practice, as long as you keep the downstairs separate. But then it comes to college, where many people explore their options and get a feel for what is out there, as well as a better idea of what type of person they want to spend their life with, having hopefully matured to the point where they can reflect on their wants and needs as an individual. Most people will finish college and go towards their careers, but what is a medical student to do?
For a medical student, school is only beginning. The real chaos begins once you start medical school. It's a time of you, yourself, and your textbooks. There isn't much room for another person, or at least not a relationship where you can be fully committed. Then you have residency, possible fellowship, and your location is constantly changing. How can you make yourself available to another person on a level that they expect from you? Wouldn't you want to have a relationship where you were able to have time for each other?
I see relationships fail all the time, and while I was thinking today that I've never experienced heartbreak, I can't imagine what it must feel like, especially if you are serious. I see relationships through the stories of Nancy Meyers. Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson in Something's Gotta Give. If they can find love as an older couple, surely there is hope right? Is love only for the young? I guess that's why I like the stories Nancy Meyers creates, because she tries to show that it's never too late to find love. Whether or not her point is valid, I have no idea. I can only hope.
I see no need to rush. Yes, I am getting older year by year, but I feel like it would be better to wait until I am more stable to start a relationship. I think it's only fair for the other person involved. I may be somewhat of a romantic who ends up waiting his entire life to find the right person, but when you finally do, wouldn't the wait be worth it? Unless you take a turn for the worse and live out a Nicholas Sparks novel in which one of the two of you suddenly die in a mudslide...
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