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

Vivienne: My boyfriend and I have been together for two years. We decided to pursue a committed relationship in March of 2013. It honestly just kind of happened, we had been exclusively dating for only a month prior to the commitment, but had known each other for two years. It was very natural, we had been spending a lot of our time with one another anyway.

 

How did you all celebrate Valentine’s Day?

Vivienne: We celebrated Valentine’s Day by going to Dave and Busters and having a dinner, and just playing games and having fun. Our relationship is built on the silliness and fun that we experience with one another. We like to keep things lively and lighthearted. 

 

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

Vivienne: Honestly it’s a blessing that people look up to us but it also gets a little annoying, our relationship is always under scrutiny. We get text messages and comments very often from people asking how we manage to stay together for so long, or spend so much time with each other. People are always looking for relationship advice. For the most part it is positive remarks. I don’t feel pressure about our relationship status because we generally block out all of the comments about our relationship. It’s just us. People thought that we were already dating before we actually were, which was weird. We were best friends before dating. They were not surprised and actually expected it.

What is your stance on love and relationships?

Adisa: I believe that relationships are a beautiful thing, especially during college. I think going through such a life-changing, challenging experience with someone you love is so empowering. I definitely believe in love, but genuine love. When people come into relationships with too many expectations and don’t let things grow naturally, it becomes nearly impossible to have a successful relationship. I never expected to find the love of my life so early on in life but when life hands you roses you take them. I definitely see myself getting married because I believe in going through life with the one you love, your team member, your soul mate.

 

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

Adisa: Black men on campus I believe are quick to put labels on black women. It’s like if a black woman sleeps with more than 4 or 5 men, they get put on a black list. I think black men on campus put too much of an emphasis on body count that they count out really great women on campus. I believe if there wasn’t such a negative view on body count and men viewed those short relationships as learning experiences she’s gone through, a lot more people may be in a relationship here in Cuse.

 

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

Adisa: I would say to them don’t rush things, be honest, trust each other, and let the relationship take its course. If it was meant to be, it will be.