hook up culture in boarding school

ExieMITAlum
Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:47:46 +0000

I’m thinking that saying “hook-ups” among adults is immature is a value statement, not an absolute. For better or worse, the world is complex and I have many MANY friends who crave a romantic relationship but it’s not been in the cards. Or those who don’t desire a committment.

Who are we to say that’s immature?

Among students - my concern is that the introduction of intimacy initiates a cascade of other emotions and that expectations among participants may not be equal.

Still - despite their age, not all students are as “immature” as we like to believe. I find those that are the most problematic are those who didn’t start with a nurturing, open, relationship at home that allowed them adequate education and space to “talk things out.” That’s where the trouble started - not necessarily with the hookup at Boarding School where some (not all but some) are getting their first real taste of affection.