by Ian Hoke (Traveler Staff Reporter)
Leaders of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity attempted to educate students about how they can avoid unhealthy relationships and dating abuse at an event Jan. 29 called “Crazy Stupid College Love.”
The Associated Student Government Office of Financial Affairs board members invited several guest speakers to the event to help define what it means to be in a healthy relationship.
Phi Delt President William Neely organized the event as Phi Delta Theta’s contribution toward combating dating violence, he said.
“The brain is still maturing well into your 20s,” said Derek Gwinn, a speaker at the event and director of Relationship Education at John Brown University. “This can make it feel like there is a constant war being fought between your mind and your heart.”
Gwinn thinks healthy relationships are built on mutual boundaries, frequent communication, a history of trust and reasonable expectations, he said.
Rachel DeAlto, a relationship coach known for her appearances on “Married at First Sight” and the “Steve Harvey” talk show, also spoke.
“We don’t fall in love; we grow,” DeAlto said.
DeAlto focused on non-negotiables in a relationship and red flags that students should keep an eye out for as they navigate the world of dating. Lying, gaslighting, and an uneven distribution of power and effort are all things to stay aware off, DeAlto said.
“Toxicity is not always apparent at the beginning of a relationship, but it can seep in as the relationship progresses. It is important to remember to step back, evaluate and see if what you’re looking for is still there,” DeAlto said.
The event concluded with a brief announcement from Mary Wyandt-Hiebert, a health educator from the Pat Walker Health Center. Wyandt-Hiebert directed students toward services and options provided at the health center that are available for anyone needing help. These services include counseling and psychological services, peer-based support and public health courses that are available on campus. These courses place emphasis on personal health and safety.
“I think it’s important that every student take at least one of these classes”, Wyandt-Hiebert said.
Neely was pleasantly surprised by the student turnout and the success of the event, he said.
The Office of Financial Affairs board members played an important role in making sure everything for the event came together, Neely said.
Board members called in speakers like DeAlto from her home state of New Jersey to make an appearance at the event.
“I think too often we focus on the catastrophe of things and not how we can go about preventing it,” DeAlto said.