It’s a common pre-college chore to end your high school relationship on the grounds of going away to college. This can be tough, and it only gets tougher when you move to a new place, wishing for the ease and comfort of having your high school love by your side. Plus, is it right to hang on to this one part of high school, when college is all about reinventing yourself? It might sound absolutely impossible to stay with your significant other in college, but, believe me, it’s far from it. Every relationship is different, but here are some general tips on how to maintain your relationship while getting the most out of college.
1. Balance your texting.
When deciding whether or not to stay with your significant other, you might worry that you might talk to him/her too much, or maybe not enough. Texting during times when you’re not doing much — maybe just walking to class, eating by yourself, or taking advantage of iMessage on the MacBook — is nothing to be ashamed of. Tell them about your day, ask them about theirs. But, when the time comes to learn, do homework, or be with friends, make sure you know that these are the times to say, “Talk to you later!”
2. Put down the phone.
When you’re in a group of people, everyone talking, laughing, having a good time, the last thing you should be doing is staring at your phone, deep in conversation with your boyfriend or girlfriend. Obviously, you want to talk to them, but keep in mind that you are making memories and they might be, too. Also, remember that you’re not just hanging out in your room alone, you’re with people who might not be impressed with you when your eyes are glued to your phone screen all night. So, when the time comes that you’re with potential new friends, put it away and talk later.
3. FaceTime often.
Texting is great, but face-to-face, verbal communication is always better. We live in a day and age where video chat exists, and long-distance couples should use that to their advantage. Don’t leave or interrupt a social situation to FaceTime your significant other, but definitely give them a call when you need a little bit of face and fewer words. It helps to know that they’re real and you’re not talking to a screen all day.
4. Plan a visit.
Depending on distances and how financially possible it is, never forget that your significant other is just a bus, train, or plane ride away. It’s always exciting to travel, so why not travel to the person you chose to stay with? It’s also fun to see where they live, meet their friends and experience their college life. Plus, you get some physical contact that is just not possible through text or FaceTime. Remind yourself that you’re dating a person and not an electronic device.
5. Reunite during breaks.
Planning visits is not always an option, but coming home on breaks is! Make sure that you make a point to get your time in with your significant other. Talk, laugh, cuddle and do the things that made you want to stay together through this new experience. As important as it is to spend time with family during breaks in the semester, there are always a few hours you can spend with one of your favorite people.
Don’t get me wrong, staying with your high school love through college when you’re used to spending every minute with them is hard. It takes effort. But remind them that though you’re apart and communication isn’t as constant, you still love them and you are still each others’ best friend. Geography shouldn’t matter. Enjoy college, but enjoy your relationship, too!