Are We In Love Or Is It Just The Tequila?
Breaking news: college students are stressed. More breaking news: this stress makes some of them want to drink. A lot. Going out and drinking consistently, especially if it’s at the same handful of places, usually means you’ll find yourself hanging around the same crowd.
As we all know, this often leads to hookups, and sometimes these hookups turn into something more; you could call it a situationship. You’re not necessarily dating, but every time you go out, you just can’t seem to escape them. But do you really want to?
You don’t hang out when alcohol isn’t involved, but for some reason, as soon as that liquor hits your system, your feelings for them seem so strong. You’d like to think you feel that way sober, but do you?
If you find yourself drunk every time you’re with them, alcohol becomes the center of the relationship you share. It can come to a point where you're unable to have fun with them without it. Drinking affects your decision-making and feelings, so when you’ve had too much, it can make you feel stronger about them than you do sober. These can be feelings of lust, happiness, or even anger. You’ll say things you don’t mean, which can create a relationship based on things that are simply alcohol induced. The words “I love you” can slip just as easily as “I hate you,” and in many cases, neither of these are true.
Drunk fights, drunk sex, and drunk confessions of love make it seem like you’re building a relationship, but without alcohol, it’s non-existent (snapchatting each other every couple of hours doesn't count, sorry).
You might feel happier when you’re with them. I hate to break it to you, but if you’re only with them when you’re drunk, it’s not them making you feel that way. When consumed, alcohol releases dopamine and serotonin, making you feel happy. In turn, when you’re not with them (and you’re sober), you might feel sad or have depressive feelings. Once again, this is the effect of alcohol. The serotonin dopamine high you get while drinking can leave you with a low when you’re sober. So, you’re not missing them; you’re missing the alcohol.
Now, if you think your feelings for them are real and you truly feel happy around them, then I have a crazy proposal for you: hang out with them sober! And when I say this, I do not mean after 11 p.m. Go on dates, get coffee, get lunch, go to the beach, or a walk in the park. Study dates, gym dates– the sober activities are endless! If the feelings aren’t there sober, or if they're unwilling to try, then you have your answer right there. It’s a sucky realization, but alcohol is the foundation of your relationship.
But if you take this advice, spend time with them sober, and still feel the same way, you’re in luck! You’ve found someone who you truly enjoy spending your time with, and maybe your drunk confessions aren’t as untrue as they seem. And maybe, just maybe, it doesn’t have to be a situationship. I know the word *date* is forbidden in the college world, but you could give it a try. You never know; your favorite bar could’ve led you to your soulmate!
Strike Out,
Morgan Harms
Boca Raton
Morgan Harms is a Content Writer for Strike Magazine Boca. She is a pisces mermaid with a love for the ocean. She spends her free time daydreaming, wave watching and blasting whatever music she’s into that day. You can reach her by email at morganjharms@gmail.com or on Instagram @morganjharms.
