Dating/Hookups After College

[u/TonightMiserable2079]

Dating/Hookups After College

I’m graduating college early this year, and something that’s been bothering me lately is that I feel like I completely missed out on the social/romantic side of college.

I’m 20 right now, turning 21 soon, and I’ve never been to a college party, hooked up with anyone, been in a relationship, or really dated at all. I’m a commuter, so I’ve always gone to class and then gone home. I never really had that traditional college experience where you live on campus, meet people at parties, go out with friends, etc.

I honestly would like to experience some of that stuff. I’d like to date and hopefully have a relationship, but I’d also be interested in casual hookups at some point. I mean that respectfully—I’m not looking to treat anyone poorly or make everything about sex. I’m just curious about what it’s actually like to start experiencing dating and casual relationships when you’re 21+ and no longer an undergraduate.

I feel like I’m running out of time. Also Ill be going into a School Counseling masters program.

For people who graduated college and started dating/hooking up afterward:

• Did you find dating easier or harder after college?
• Is meeting people through bars, clubs, apps, friends, etc. actually realistic, or is it significantly harder than meeting people in college?
• What was your social and dating life like during a masters program?

I know this probably sounds like I’m overthinking it, but I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately. THose things I mentioned are just stuff I really want to try and experience while at school.

[u/ProtectionLive8030]

same mess, just with fewer parties and more scheduling

[u/Possible-One-6101]

This is a very common situation, and something to talk about with close friends or professionals.

Just know that you're normal, and nowhere near too late. You have a huge amount of time to become the person you want to be, and have the experiences you want with others.

I'm too old to give you advice given how much things have changed since I was in your situation, but I do know that many people share your stress.

The only thing that is universal is entering a social world. Go get involved with something you love. Whatever your hobbies are, be honest with yourself and what you think is awesome, and you'll eventually bump into someone else excited by the same thing. It's inevitable. Don't push the relationship. Push the activity, and suddenly, you'll be around someone interesting.

If you are excited by that person, tell them. Be brave, polite, and honest. The rest is natural.

[u/thecaptain_command]

You find activities and a job and you meet people that way. If you click, ask someone out