How to Balance Relationships in College
By Aubrey Wurst
November 5, 2024
Image credit : Photo by Stacey Wonder on Essay Tigers Blog
Healthy relationships take time to nurture, but there are many ways to do that while balancing everything else in your life. If you want that relationship to continue and grow, it might be helpful to keep in mind your partner’s needs.
A study on college relationships by the University of Texas El Paso said that expressing your needs to one another and being open to compromise are ways college students can keep their relationships healthy and happy. For many people, this is easier said than done. I spoke with several Terps for some insight on how they manage a thriving relationship while balancing school and friendships.
Gabrielle Dwoskin, a freshman psychology major, came into college in a long-distance relationship. She says trust keeps her relationship healthy, and she and her partner make sure to always communicate and share everything which helps lead to minimal arguments.
Bailey Murphy, a sophomore communications major, has been dating her partner for two years. She says at the start it was “hard balancing a relationship and a social life,” but she has learned to see friends and go to events during the day, while designating time to FaceTime her partner before bed every night.
Madison Runyan, a junior family science major, has been dating a fellow Terp for six months. She says she and her partner make time for one another with set days where twice a week they “cook a nice dinner together” at her house. They also have conversations about what is coming up in their weeks to schedule more time together while being understanding that some weeks are busier with schoolwork than others.
Whether it be a long-distance relationship or a classmate from down the hall, the reoccurring key to a healthy relationship seems to be mutual understanding and respect.
It is also important to keep in mind that you should never feel held back by your partner. Your relationship should be enjoyable and you want to avoid feeling like your partner is keeping you from chasing your dreams.
A great way to avoid this feeling could be to really focus on the communication between you and your partner. By communicating your feelings it is less likely to come across any discomfort in the relationship.
Communication could be the key you are looking for in your relationship, it can help with all aspects and help your partner to prioritize you and themselves.
So make that time for a phone call, coffee break or a full day planned together to show you care and are committed. Just remember to consider both of your academic workloads and, as with most things in life, balance is key.
A study on college relationships by the University of Texas El Paso said that expressing your needs to one another and being open to compromise are ways college students can keep their relationships healthy and happy. For many people, this is easier said than done. I spoke with several Terps for some insight on how they manage a thriving relationship while balancing school and friendships.
Gabrielle Dwoskin, a freshman psychology major, came into college in a long-distance relationship. She says trust keeps her relationship healthy, and she and her partner make sure to always communicate and share everything which helps lead to minimal arguments.
Bailey Murphy, a sophomore communications major, has been dating her partner for two years. She says at the start it was “hard balancing a relationship and a social life,” but she has learned to see friends and go to events during the day, while designating time to FaceTime her partner before bed every night.
Madison Runyan, a junior family science major, has been dating a fellow Terp for six months. She says she and her partner make time for one another with set days where twice a week they “cook a nice dinner together” at her house. They also have conversations about what is coming up in their weeks to schedule more time together while being understanding that some weeks are busier with schoolwork than others.
Whether it be a long-distance relationship or a classmate from down the hall, the reoccurring key to a healthy relationship seems to be mutual understanding and respect.
It is also important to keep in mind that you should never feel held back by your partner. Your relationship should be enjoyable and you want to avoid feeling like your partner is keeping you from chasing your dreams.
A great way to avoid this feeling could be to really focus on the communication between you and your partner. By communicating your feelings it is less likely to come across any discomfort in the relationship.
Communication could be the key you are looking for in your relationship, it can help with all aspects and help your partner to prioritize you and themselves.
So make that time for a phone call, coffee break or a full day planned together to show you care and are committed. Just remember to consider both of your academic workloads and, as with most things in life, balance is key.