Dating younger is something that’s much easier to do in college, as compared to high school, where there’s a more definitive age to classes. For instance, you might meet a younger person with just as much--if not more--wisdom and education as yourself.
At the same time, dating a younger person has its disadvantages...especially during college.
There are a variety of pros and cons to consider before jumping into a relationship with a younger person, such as…
Pro: Dating someone younger will virtually eliminate the ‘where is this going?’ conversation.
Someone still in college, with two, three, or even four years left of it, isn’t going to be worried about marriage or children. They’re in college! They’re still young! You’re almost guaranteed a steady, stress-free relationship that’s all about enjoying the present moment, instead of worrying about the future.
Con: Dating someone younger will virtually eliminate the ‘where is this going?’ conversation.
For someone like, say, a graduating senior, it’s hard to date someone several years younger. This is because of the fact that they are, in fact, still in college.
They have a few years before they have to worry about the future, so they won’t. You, on the other hand, need to start thinking in terms of travel, career, house, family: In other words, the future.
Simply put, those are decisions and problems that your partner may not understand or care about to the extent that you have to.
Pro: With a younger partner, there’s less chance they’ve been battered around by love.
They won’t be as cynical and bitter as someone who has bad previous experience, (like you? Maybe?), so they won’t be so careful and guarded when it comes to caring for and about you. They’ll maintain a refreshing optimism that, in kind, will give you confidence in the relationship.
Con: There’s always the chance that whatever youngster you find is still in the high school mindset about relationships.
They will take your relationship too seriously, too quickly. Melodrama will not be far behind.
Your Facebook relationship status will have to change before you are “official,” your MySpace profile picture MUST be of the two of you. And yes: tabs will be kept on how many comments you get from your classmates.
So, I guess what I’m saying is: be careful.
Pro: A younger date won’t expect a whole lot from you when it comes to actual dates. They’re in college, and therefore understand the strain on your wallet. You won’t necessarily have to wine and dine your partner (and pay a bundle to do it).
You might find that an evening inside with a DVD is their idea of a perfect date, and that fancy, expensive, dress-up dinners are reserved for more special occasions.
Con: The person you are dating might not be ready for the kind of commitment your old soul needs.
College is, as we all know, the time for experimentation and experience. You might find that your younger partner yearns for just that: other experiences.
Settling down might not be an option for someone new to the world of independent living, and you should probably be prepared for that.
When it comes right down to it, age is relative. Some people will “act their age,” others will be wise beyond their years, and there are some who hit 12 years old and just...stop. That being said, it’s important to assess the risks on a case-by-case basis. After that, it’s all about how you handle relationships. Hopefully, though, this list will better prepare you for the pro’s and con’s of younger dating in college.
