With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, many Panthers, single and in relationships alike, are asking the age-old questions, “What is love?” or, “How do I know if I’m in love?” In an attempt to answr these questions, we took time out to interview a Panther couple, La’Shawn Chambers and Quinton Gilbert, for their rendition of what love is, what it takes to sustain love, when enough is enough, and finally if love really can surpass all circumstances to stand the test of time.Jamie) First, when did you two meet and how long afterward did you start dating?
La’Shawn: At a community center party in fall ’04 right before Christmas break.
Quinton: We made it official, in February ’05.
Jamie) Was it love at first sight or did he/she grow on you?
Quinton: She grew on me.
La’Shawn: I felt like it was love at first site. We had a special word for love before we first said I love you.
Jamie) What is one of your most memorable moments?
Quinton: When we went on a trip to Atlanta to see her family.
La’Shawn: We really bonded and shared a lot of firsts.
Jamie) Well, being that you both are part of Pan-Hellenic Organizations, hold numerous offices in these and other organizations, and are engineering majors, how do you cope?
La’Shawn: Sometimes time is an issue. But you have to make time for what’s important, and I consider our relationship important.
Quinton: You definitely have to be understanding and also know how to compromise.
Jamie) How do you keep friends and “bruhs” or sorors out of your business?
Quinton: We don’t let outside influences, influence us.
La’Shawn: We have our own minds.
Jamie) You two are a pretty good looking couple, and Prairie View is full of good-looking people. How do you keep your eyes from wandering?
Quinton: I may look, but I know what I have, and that keeps me focused.
Jamie) So have you ever broken up?
La’Shawn: Yes, but only out of anger, but we worked it out.
Jamie) How do you handle conflict?
La’Shawn: We fuss and vent, and may even say some not so nice things, but afterwards we pray.
Quinton: Then we go back and discuss things so that we can try to work though it.
La’Shawn: In relationships, you also have to learn to pick your battles.
Jamie) Have you ever been confronted with temptation or infidelity?
Quinton: We don’t allow outside influences and people to get involved in our relationship.
Jamie) Do you guys think a relationship can be repaired after infidelity?
Both: No
Jamie) So there are some things that can’t be worked through?
Both: Well, with love anything can be worked through.
Jamie) How do you get your mate interested in something that is important to you, but not necessarily so to them?
La’Shawn: You have to make an effort to be interested in what the other person is interested in. He likes basketball, and I like plays: we compromise.
Jamie) So what are your views on marriage?
Quinton: We should both be finished with undergrad, working, or established.
Jamie) How do you plan to take your relationship to the next level? Move in together, marriage.. Also, if you end up going in different directions like grad school, will you do the long distance thing?
La’Shawn: We’re willing to compromise and go in the same direction.
Quinton: We may be looking at marriage in the next couple of years.
Jamie) Finally, what advice can you two give to fellow Panthers regarding love?
Quinton: Relationships in college aren’t easy but if you love someone and aspire to be together, you’ll work at it.
La’Shawn: Also, communication and forgiveness go hand in hand.
Jamie) Thank you guys for giving all of us here at Prairie View a little more insight on love this Valentine’s Day.