Fall has arrived and the “relationship” holidays are rapidly approaching. Days are becoming cooler and having someone to snuggle seems to warm the soul.
I have heard from various young adults that now more than any other time of the year, the idea of having a relationship is appealing. Some Cal State Long Beach students have offered differing viewpoints on the idea, recognizing the trend that seems to be an annual phenomenon.
Michele Columbus, a human development major, said, “Some friends who are single during the winter say they are lonely, but are so happy to be single during the summer.” She brought up the notion that during the summer months, young adults go out more and mingle which, honestly, is much more enjoyable when not in a relationship.
For some students, summertime relationships can be a burden on going out with friends and meeting new people; but as soon as the weather changes, it suddenly seems like a good idea to make that long-time crush into something more.
Starting in fall more of my friends — including myself — become “home bodies.” After a long day of walking around campus — while still experiencing arctic temperatures in your last class — a warm blanket and someone to watch a movie with is the perfect way to relax. Columbus stated, “There are more ‘lovey-dovey’ movies released during the winter.”
A coincidence? I think not.
Students here have said they experienced a change in a relationship that had previously been at a stalemate.
“I’ve been seeing someone for a while, who lately has been hinting toward getting together more now than during summer,” said Adam Tarifi, a senior communications major. Both Tarifi and fine arts graduate student, Brian Addison, agree that women tend to think more about getting together during the fall season.
Addison said, “Guys don’t usually think about having a girlfriend, but sometimes we do get jealous of our friends’ relationships. Having someone to hang out with is cool. Otherwise, it could be kind of lonely.”
In groups of students I have befriended on campus, I notice when one friend is in a relationship, the rest of the group is more drawn to the idea as well.
Holidays tend to bring the warm, fuzzy feeling that is so much better shared with someone special.
Senior fashion merchandising major, Alma Camera, said, “The holidays are a time when people want to feel love; so when others still find joy hanging with family and friends, others will focus on a new beau.”
It is special to bring that certain someone home to family gatherings, where the feeling of love runs so deep.
Not every student here feels the same way, though.
Egypt, a senior creative writing major, said, “People want relationships just as much in summer as in comparison to winter.”
It is nice to have someone throughout the year, but the thought of actually making the relationship official come fall becomes more attractive.
Although he doesn’t recognize a significant difference, Egypt stated, “A change in weather is a change in lover.”
You have your jackets, blankets and space heaters for the chill of the coming months; will a lover be included on your list?
Until next week friends and college neighbors, we will see what else the weather will bring.
Kylee Delgadillo is a junior journalism major and a columnist for the Daily 49er.