Stages of a SVU Relationship
By Sierra Nye
Are you finding yourself in the midst of love confusion? Are you confused if your love interest is also interested in you, dates, or even a relationship? Are you looking for something more serious or something more casual? Well, I can promise you that you are not the only one questioning your relationship status here on our beautiful campus. I am here to help you decipher where you and your (potential) lover stand.
As a knight dating and courtship graduate, I have seen and experienced the different stages to SVU dating over the last 3 years. I have brought in other experienced SVU daters to help us gather a full understanding of what it means when you see someone scratching someone else’s back in church, or what the late night Cook Out run truly means. We, as SVU dating experts, have come up with different stages of SVU dating. These steps will help you know what the relationship truly means if you are experiencing this yourself, or if you are simply seeing this with your fellow peers.
Stage 1 — Love At First Glance
From across the Quad, amid the laughter and chatter of voices, your eyes found each other. It was as though the universe had conspired to bring you together — and in that moment — everything else faded into obscurity. Time slowed, and a wave of warmth washed over you as you locked eyes with the person who has captured your heart. It was more than just a glance: it was a connection, a recognition of something extraordinary. Seeing each other from across the Quad wasn’t just a simple encounter — it was the beginning of a love story.
Stage 2 — First Date at the Cafeteria
Having dinner — or what could be considered a first date — at the school’s cafeteria means more than what meets the eye. Amidst the clattering of trays and silverware and the smell of “freshly” cooked meals, hearts will start to beat in harmony. Sharing a meal at the cafeteria symbolizes more than just a simple dinner, but the beginning of a journey. With each bite, your connection can deepen, and conversations will grow.
Stage 3 — Late Night Cook Out Shakes
What is your favorite Cook Out shake? Is the one question we should all have an answer to. Because sooner or later we will find ourselves going for that late night Cook Out shake run. The Cook Out shake takes a romantic charm all on its own. It’s not just about the rich, creamy goodness of the milkshake it’s about the sweet moments we share. With every bite, we savor the sweetness of our connection. Each late-night visit to Cook Out becomes a serious ritual, another step in your love story, and a reminder that someone is off the market.
Stage 4 — Going Public
The beginning of your great love story has already taken off, but now it’s time to go public. You know it’s getting serious when you see two people strolling hand-in-hand as they walk around campus together, or save eachother seats in class or forums. Better yet, it’s extra serious when there are some back scratches in church. The magnetic energy that draws you together is being made public, for everyone else to see it in its glory! Being in public, or displaying your public display of affection is a declaration of your love, showing everyone else that you have found what you were looking for. People passing by can’t help but notice the smile beaming off your face, and feel the undeniable tension between you and your significant other. Being together in public means that you both are a united force, ready to conquer the challenges that life and SVU might bring.
Stage 5 — Dating and Courtship
Taking a “dating and courtship” class together (whether through the Institute program or the school) is a significant step in your relationship journey. It is more than just a class: it’s an investment in your future together. With every lesson, you’re building a stronger foundation for your connection, learning how to communicate better, and deepening your understanding of each other’s desires and values. It is like holding a roadmap to our hearts, and together, we eagerly navigated its twists and turns. Each class is a chance to grow closer, to laugh at your mistakes, and to revel in the joy of discovering love’s secrets together. Whether you take it by yourself or with your significant other, it acts as premarital counseling. To teach you what is needed in a successful relationship or marriage, and for you to find what qualities you want in a partner, and what qualities you need to build in yourself.
A Change
You can always tell there has been a change in relationship status if there is a change in friend groups. Not all relationships are meant for a happy ending. It’s okay for some to end. Think of it as being one step closer to your happily ever after. It might be a painful realization that the bonds you thought were unbreakable could, in fact, be fragile. A bittersweet reminder that even the strongest of connections can be tested by the whims of fate and the complexities of human emotion. As the dust settled, you couldn’t help but reflect on your time together: what lessons you can take from your experience, what you’d do differently in the future, what you want — or don’t want — in a future significant other. Take these changes with a grain of salt — whether for yourself, your past relationships, or future interests. All breakups can be used for good. A breakup might be your chance to swoop in on someone who has piqued your interest, or your chance to learn more about yourself.
Stage 6 — Ring By Spring
Okay, okay, it doesn’t actually need to be the spring, but you know what I mean! It is officially that time: the wedding bells are ringing for our favorite SVU campus couple! They have passed through all the levels, they have done all the things, and they have decided together that they want to have each other forever! What an amazing time for them! They are beaming with love and happiness as their time together continues forward. They are in love and are moving forward in their steps on their way to say “I do!” We couldn’t be happier for the happy couple!
Now, we may not have the answer to everything, and there are different stages to every relationship! Some work — some don’t! That is okay, and we are all here just living our own lives, trying to find our happily ever after. These stages are just easy ways to possibly see what you and your situationship may mean or where it is leading. But remember; relationships are about working together, compromising, forgiving, loving, and supporting each other. There is a lot of growth within a relationship, and it can be amazing if you’re doing it with the right person!
