Alyssa Chambers
aachambe@mavs.coloradomesa.edu
The scene is The Red Room on a Thursday night. CMU students pack the bar, feeling lucky as they flip for free drinks. Girls herd through the door, hair and make-up done in hopes that they’ll be more appealing than whatever friend they came with, while the male population surveys the landscape picking out their prey, usually narrowing in on whichever female looks the most vulnerable: drunk and with minimal clothing.
Hopes are high, standards are low and the night is no longer about enjoying ourselves. It’s now an animalistic offering table for potential mating.
The ones who sit back and observe these sacrificial offerings tend to be the individuals who are in relationships. For the past two years, while being in a relationship, I have enjoyed my nights at the Red Room and various other places in Junction because my main focus has been to dance and drink with friends. At the end of the night there are two potential outcomes: I’m drunk and grumpy, so my boyfriend and I go home, grub out then pass out, or I’m drunk and playful and, well, you know what happens then.
When you’re in a good relationship founded on trust, emotion and attraction, you don’t have the stresses of the single life. I have someone to curl up with and watch a scary movie, to join me in the library for late night study sessions, to go out to a party or bar with or to go on a date with. Most importantly, I have my best friend by my side for everything. I don’t need to search for companionship. Nor do I have the stress of doing everything on my own.
Independence is a great quality to have ,and even for someone in a relationship, it’s important to be self-sufficient. However, if I need help or a favor, he’s right there for me to lean on. The constant support, affection and lack of stress are what keep me from missing the single life. It seems like everyone who’s single at the bar is merely trying to meet someone. I already have what they strive for, so why give that up?

Levi Meyer
dlmeyer@mavs.coloradomesa.edu
I hate couples.
Second only to pretentious hipsters, couples are the world leaders in killing fun. They are two-headed monsters that suck the enjoyment out of everything. Worst of all, it’s impossible to tell what each person in the relationship is really like as an individual. Being single is just as fun as being in a relationship, but avoids the codependency and stress that comes with a significant other.
As a long-time singleton, I enjoy having my own identity. I take pride in my beliefs, work on my passions and enjoy my friends. I am free to do whatever I want, whenever I want.
As a couple, these unalienable rights are compromised. You might want to explore your love of photography, but you won’t have time because your ball-and-chain wants to snuggle and watch a movie.
There’s a reason it’s called a ball-and-chain. A significant other removes your balls and creates a chain of self destructive, codependent tendencies.
When two people become one, individuality is sacrificed in exchange for companionship. It’s a trade that offers romance and adventure at the expense of self-discovery and identity.
I’m not opposed to a little romance. But is temporary love more worthwhile than self-fulfillment and growth?
I love being single. I spend time on my music, schoolwork, friends and jobs. That’s more than enough for me. There’s not a hole in my heart that can only be filled by a woman.
I don’t feel lost or empty without a significant other. I feel independent and empowered. Not to mention, the thrill of chasing single women can be a lot of fun.
While couples make small talk on date night at 6 o’ clock, I’ll celebrate my independence with a brew at beer o’ clock. It’s not an actual time, but that doesn’t matter. Time is irrelevant when I can do whatever the hell I want.