A letter by Susan Patton, Princeton University, Class of 1977, created quite a stir when it was printed in The Daily Princetonian. The controversy?  Her advice on marriage:

“Here’s what nobody is telling you:  Find a husband on campus before you graduate….You will never again be surrounded by this concentration of men who are worthy of you.”

As a Princeton University graduate (Class of 1992) where African Americans comprised only 5% of the population at the time, the pickings were pretty slim.  But I wonder about her advice for undergraduates at other schools, particularly Historically Black Colleges & Universities.  While it is true that some women of earlier generations attended colleges specifically to find husbands, times have changed.  But, does she have a point?

Younger generations often cringe at the thought of marrying so early in their lives.  One student who graduated Class of 2012 wrote, “In what universe is the majority of a graduating class ready to get married?”

For many women, waiting until after schooling and professional success to focus on relationships is not a winning strategy, either. Perhaps this type of dialogue is essential for our young men and women who more often want to include fulfilling relationships and family along with their educational accomplishments.

Helping You Find Your Match,
Angela D. Coleman, MBA
African American Matchmaker

Love Yourself, Love Each Other