The BluePrint. (None) 2013-????, February 28, 2014, Image 7

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Despite popular belief, lower classmen aren’t the only ones caught up in the “cupcake” stage of a relationship this time of the year. As a junior in my own “Spelhouse” relationship, I should know! With so many students in the Atlanta University Center that embrace Valentine’s Day with their significant others, I had to rise to the occasion and find out how other successful, long-term relationships in the AUC have been able to prevail through the good and bad times. And what better way to reveal the truth and beauty of a relationship than to ask actual couples who have conquered many obstacles, respectively: racial differences, physical separation, and the transition into marriage. For students who are searching for Mr./Mrs.Right, get your pens and paper ready! Paris Clark and Matthew Reed Anniversary: April 22, 2012 Paris s classification/major: Junior, Psychology Major with a Writing minor at Spelman College, Atlanta, GA Matthew’s classification/major: Junior, Political Science at Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA1) How have you both been able to maintain a long-term relationship in the AUC? a. Paris: “I think respect, trust, and communication are important. Respecting one another’s personal space is also crucial in regards to boundaries. Also, anytime we have a problem we give each other some space to cool off before we talk about the issue.” 2) As an interracial couple, have you received any negative criticism towards your relationship? If so, what reactions have you encountered? a. Matthew: “For the most part, we aren’t confronted with any backlash. Flowever, there have been times when we’re out in public and get certain looks from strangers. We’re able to notice when people are looking at us because of our relationship, but we just brush it off.” 3) In what ways do you overcome racial stereotypes against interracial couples (i.e. jungle fever)? a. Matthew: “I don’t pay attention to any of it. You have to be confident because people are going to think and say whatever they want. It’s all about having thick skin.” b. Paris: “Yea, I agree. When my friends ask me about how the relationship started, I just tell them that it simply ‘just happened’”. It’s one of those things that are hard to explain to others since the connection was just present. 4) What general advice do you have for Spelman and Morehouse students who seek the infamous Spelhouse relationship? a. Paris: “People should just be patient and try not to search for a relationship. Matt literally walked through the door and things began to fall into place.” b. Matthew: “At the time, I wasn’t looking for a relationship. I was The BluePrint SpelmanPaper@gmail.com Feb/March 2014