Before you rush to find ‘the one,’ take a closer look at the reality behind “ring by spring” culture.
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The time is upon us when family and friends begin to become married couples rather than just fellow classmates. Being the single friend doesn’t have to be discouraging, though. Some Baylor students say finding yourself is more important than finding a partner.
During the ring by spring rush, lecturer of sociology Dr. Jodien Johnson teaches the trends and statistics of marriage in her class titled Marriage and The Family.
If the couple decides they want a morning wedding with no reception, that’s their choice. If the couple decides on a colorful wedding with no theme, that’s OK too. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
Even if they are impractical and unachievable for many people — especially college students — who doesn’t love a celebrity wedding? Let’s take a look at a few that stand out and offer fun and innovative inspiration for your wedding needs this year.
Living for the future is a deeply rooted mantra younger generations live by, and the pressure to do so creates a methodical way of life. With quickly developing technology, we all have the chance to catch up with one another and view content from around the world within seconds. What about living in the now?
Many sociological journal articles tackle whether living together before being married leads to higher chances of divorce, and almost all conclude that it does. The exact reason for this isn’t known, but the evidence is so clear that it has even received its own title; the cohabitation effect.
Despite the diverse opinions, a 2016 Baylor study found that the culture of “Ring by Spring” attributed to Christian colleges, can often leave students feeling pressured to commit to lifelong relationships prior to graduation.
Getting engaged while you are an undergraduate student is different, in the sense that it’s more a promise than an actual agreement. Actually “tying the knot” is a big responsibility. If you can barely wash your dishes, cook for yourself, budget your money or do general chores, you are not ready for marriage.
Instead of putting all your eggs in one basket and hoping to meet the love of your life in college, start focusing on finding your bridesmaids and groomsmen first — people that you know will love, care for and support you every day, not just on date night.
As students, we often forget that we are in school for a multitude of reasons, and finding a partner to spend the rest of our lives with doesn’t have to be one of them.
Imagine a stranger coming up to you and saying, “I’m not trying to insult you, but you’re ugly.” Wouldn’t you be upset?
The example may sound farfetched, but it’s exactly what two Baylor Lariat columnists have done over the past two weeks.
In her column “Ring-by-spring stereotype goes both ways,” Lariat staff writer Maleesa Johnson implores readers to “please do not read this [article] as me demeaning housewives,” but she then proceeds to do exactly that.
Husband hunters, rings by spring and “M-R-S” degrees are common phrases around the Baylor Bubble. These are not entirely unwarranted. Certain females here, as well as women at other colleges, may indeed be more focused on the pursuit of a husband than the pursuit of academic success.
Most little girls dream of growing up to marry their handsome, Ken doll Prince Charming in a fluffy white ball gown with pink flowers on every open corner as doves ascend into heaven — some garbage like that.
I was not one of those girls.
It was a nice day in April. The sun shone down on an emerald green pasture spotted with goldenrods and oak trees. Guests followed a grassy trail that had been carved by golf carts giving the elderly and stiletto-clad women rides to their seats. The guests soon took their designated places to watch a Baylor woman get her Ring by Spring.
Leawood, Kan., senior Leigh Sunderland said she met her future husband in a lab at Baylor.
I recently read Caroline Brewton’s Feb. 15 column, “Personality and Qualifications? Check. Ring? Um…” in the Lariat in which she expressed her belief that her unmarried state is some kind of personal failure.
Finding a soulmate is hard. I am young, decently attractive with an impressive list of qualifications, and yet I’m staring tragedy in the face. I am a generic unmarried girl, age 18-48, and yet another Valentine’s Day has just passed me by.
Life can be drastically different at Baylor depending on your relationship status.
Many Christian universities undergo some criticism because of their students being eager to get married shortly after receiving their undergraduate degrees, but I believe that is a good thing. By no means do I think that everyone has to be engaged or they’re considered the outcast, but if it happens naturally why should someone be criticized?
Ring by spring. It’s a phrase that’s all the rage on Baylor campus. Or Ring by Sing, if you are feeling ambitious.
