Though I'm only halfway through my career as a Notre Dame student, I'd like to go out on a limb and say that I'm as aware of the gender relations issues on campus as any other Domer.

But what is the problem exactly? Why must we endure the erroneous yet constant comments about the "lack of quality" in the females at Notre Dame? Why can't guys and gals mix at a social gathering, without having to bring up last week's chemistry test or adding another bullet to our list of embarrassing moments?

Some may quickly blame the causes as deriving from antiquated Catholic values, a one-dimensional focus in life due to our zeal for academics or even just plain hard chemistry professors.

But take a second to ponder this: perhaps the problem lies in ourselves, and not totally our duLac-regulated environment. I wouldn't be surprised if the duLac hasn't changed in decades and still remains on a stone tablet somewhere.

I agree that the environment makes it harder to casually date but I refuse to believe that it's impossible. So get used to it. Many of our Notre Dame legacies can testify that relationships can in fact be formed courting around the lakes or before goodbyes under the arch. Their sons and daughters wouldn't be here if it wasn't possible.

I'm not saying that I haven't spent countless hours droning on about my own "gender relations issues" to my friends and roommates, not at all.

I'm just presenting a new perspective on the matter. After all, with a defeatist attitude and negative approach towards your gender of interest, would you really be getting any more lovin' at your local state school?

So let's make a deal. Instead of sitting around our rooms and complaining, let's both introduce ourselves to someone new today and see what happens.

Mimi Matkowski

sophomore

Lyons Hall

February 6, 2002

• The Relationship Expo
  
• Quote of the Day
  
• Defending the parents of Walker-Lindh
  
• Accepting Notre Dame gender relations