Dating: Entertainment or Distraction?

EuropeGirl
Sun, 28 Aug 2005 19:38:53 +0000

So . . . I’m a HS senior and I’ve never really, well, dated. I’ve just never really met anyone I’ve been interested in dating. I’m from a small town and my options are sort of limited. I don’t party (nor am I really interested in doing so). My social schedule is the very odd movie with my friends (like 2x/year), watching movies at home, and reading. When I’m with my friends, we mostly worry about school, collectively. I spend most of my time studying and thinking about school.

I would like to date in college, occasionally. I’m not looking for an MRS degree, just for some good conversation, intellectual discussion, and a good time. My parents think that dating is a horrible distraction–“the less you date, the more you study” seems to be their idea of it. On one level, I sort of agree with them (why waste the time, should focus on degree/tests/career, could be doing work study instead) but it is an experience I would like to have. I may never be asked out, and, in that case, I might be able to distract myself from ever thinking about it.

So, what’s the opinion of all the veterans? Is it possible to date and still maintain a high degree of quality in schoolwork? Or should I just continue what I’ve been doing in HS (which has worked very well for me–good grades, club involvement, etc)? I almost wish I didn’t have any desire to date, period! But I do! Any guilt-free, partnership-free substitutes for actual dating? Feeding the homeless? Just working in free time? Not thinking about it? What if someone does ask me out? “Oh, I’m sorry, I’m not dating until after I’ve landed my dream job at XYZ company, done this, studied abroad, made Dean’s List. Would love to, but terribly sorry. Naught to do with you, never fear.”

Ideas? Comments? Suggestions? Complaints?