The two don t have any concrete plans about careers or jobs after graduation, but Palermo isn t worried about lacking security. She ll be right there to tell me it will all work out. Even though Polamero is confident of his plans, he encounters disbelief from other Georgetown students who are far from such a commitment in their own lives. Acquaintances who learn of his engagement are shocked. Mouths drop open.
Eyes glaze over.
I think people freak out when they hear that someone their age is engaged, Polamero said. While those who don t know Polamero are hesitant to accept an engaged student as normal, his friends recognize how the commitment has enhanced Polamero s life. Everyone has been super excited, Polamero said. Most of them say, Yep, I saw it coming. Despite some encouragement from peers, however, the dynamic of relationships within Polamero s group of friends has changed since the engagement.