Relationships in Your 20s

Finding Happiness During a Quarterlife Crisis

Relationships are hard enough. Try to maintain one while you’re a 20-something and things can get even more complicated.

Instead of worrying about planning a romantic escapade, most 20-somethings are fretting over finding the right job, or affording a place of their own. Some wonder if they are with the right person, or settling for less than they deserve. Those who are attached are on a quest to make the magic last despite life's turbulence, while considering the next logical step. These are the challenges that young adults just out of college face when they decide to open themselves up to love.

Quarterlife...What?

It used to be called "growing up", but it's now coined the "quarterlife crisis". At least that is how it has been labeled by Alexandra Robbins and Abby Wilner, co-authors of "Quarterlife Crisis: The Unique Challenges of Life in Your Twenties".

The quarterlife crisis exist upon graduation of college, or when a person enters their 20s. Suddenly, they're no longer the child, and most of them are tossed out into the "real world" with dreams of monumental success due to the attainment of a college degree. Expectations shatter quickly, and soon, there's nothing much to hold on to.

The job market is questionable. Those who are in their desired career field may be overwhelmed or upset at entry-level salaries. Some are learning that they have no interest in the subject they spent four years studying. Even more are jobless.

Then comes the loneliness, depression and anxiety, which are ever increasing due to the increase of choices that post graduates have. Cliques once close knit on campus are spread apart hundreds or thousands of miles, and social butterflies turn into slugs. Cash flow can dwindle, relocation can be scary and family relations can grow strained.

And then, there's romance.