beware of the unavailables

We all know how difficult it can be to meet a great guy. Even a good guy. You know the phrase "men are like parking spots, all the good ones are taken."? Well, for the most part it's true. Some way or another they are emotionally unavailable. But what really 'grinds my gears' is when a guy is in a relationship, yet acts otherwise.
My house mate L met a boy who is adorable, funny, and smart. They text constantly and hang out on the weekends. Only problem? He has a girlfriend that he's been dating for three years. Three years. That's not an oh-I-kind-of-like-you thing. That's an I-love-you, we-are-heading-towards-forever situation. You don't mess around with that.
Let's take this past Saturday night as an example. We're at the bar, L and this boy's body language has 'together' written all over. He's buying her drinks, they're holding hands, whispering to each other, and at the end of the night he comes home with us and spends the night.
So who's at fault? Most are quick to blame the boy, he is the one in the relationship after all. But what about L? She's no stranger to serious relationships and how they operate. Shouldn't she know better? Don't be the home wrecker. Maybe his relationship isn't perfect, maybe they do enjoy spending time together. Whatever excuse L throws out there just doesn't sit right with me. Even though nothing has happened physically, this emotional connection has been going on for months.
So please, beware. Don't fall into that trap, don't be that girl or that guy. If someone is in a relationship leave it alone and move on. You're just wasting time you could spend on finding someone who wants to be with you and is available.

intro

I don't feel like a senior in college. I see the freshman walking around campus with their wide eyes, and I remember it vividly. Every day is a new experience. Every person you meet, every place you go may completely alter your college experience.

Fresh off a failed two year relationship and graduation looming in the distance I wish I could go back to those days of experimental bliss and enjoy my naivety. I also wish I could warn myself of what was to come...

The economy collapsing; putting my future in a much darker corner than it may or may not have been heading. Money problems; in twelve months I have to begin paying off tens of thousands of dollars in student loans. As it is right now I am barely getting by with my summer job savings. And while many of my fellow journalism students were out making great connections in competitive internships, I had to work a full-time job so I can make it through another year. And to top it all off, my boyfriend of two years, the guy I thought might be 'the one' broke it off just before the summer began. A major support branch broken in my wilting life.

Now, don't get me wrong, my life is not completely down the drain. I have some outstanding friends, both at home and school, four of who I'm living with this year in a house off-campus. They always offer support and guidance and of course, some freakin' fun times. There's always the occasional drama, but we get through it. And this is our year.

A close friend once told me "In the end, everything will be ok, and if it's not ok, then it's not the end." I've decided it's time to appreciate the present, and deal with the obstacles as they come. Because the 'best years of my life' are almost over, and I've got a lot left to do before I reach that finish line.