How long have you and your boyfriend been together and how/when did you both agree to pursue a committed relationship?

Anju: Padraic and I have been together since April 2014. From the beginning, we were both on the same page (for the most part) in regard to what we were looking for and how we wanted to move forward with our relationship. We had a few discussions about it and decided to be in an “official” committed relationship this past November.

 

How did you all celebrate Valentine’s Day?

Anju: This year was our first Valentine’s Day together. Padraic arrived from California in the early afternoon and then we went to the new Margaritaville that just opened in Destiny for dinner and drinks.               

 

What does it mean to be a serious Black couple on campus in the public eye?

Anju: Since being in a relationship on campus, I have not experienced any type of negative reactions. I actually think that most of the people I have come across have been very supportive of our relationship. However, I do believe that some people were initially surprised about our relationship and how opened we were about it. During my time on campus I have only seen a handful of Black couples that have considered themselves to be in committed relationships, so I’m not surprised that it may have shocked some people. I never feel any type of pressure from the campus community in regard to their opinions on our relationship, we just do us and keep it moving. But I do hope that more Black students (particularly Black men) become motivated to pursue committed relationships.

What is your stance on love and relationships?

Padraic: Love is selfless. Personally I feel that love is a very special thing that two people share with each other. The bond that two people can form with each other is very rare. It’s a feeling that comes with genuine commitment and substance, not something that is fleeting or goes when something “better” comes around. It’s steadfast. I believe that love is a very real thing. Going into college I never had thoughts as to if I would be in a serious relationship or not. I think that’s the thing about love, you can’t go looking for it and you can’t deny it. It will reveal itself in the right situations, and you’ll just know.

 

Why don’t you think more Black men on campus are in committed relationships?

Padraic: I think the real reason why guys are more inclined to pursue the single life rather than a relationship, is because of the hook-up culture of today. Some guys would rather not be tied down, so they can have the freedom to see as many as they please. That’s just the facts, and you can’t really frown upon someone who does that. Then there’s also those guys who just haven’t found that one they feel comfortable with to call their significant other.

 

What is your advice to new couples on campus at SU?

Padraic: The best advice I can give is to just enjoy every moment with each other. Make memories that are going to last a lifetime.