We’ve been counting down since September and now winter break is finally almost here. We can hear our beds screaming our names and our stomachs are craving a home cooked meal. But for those of us in relationships, winter break means a lot of daunting changes. For some, the end of the semester means a fresh start. For others, winter break can put a strain on the relationship. So here are some ways to deal with your relationship during the winter season.
Long-distance
If you’re in a long distance relationship, congratulations – you made it through the semester. You’ve texted, Skyped, called, and Facebook chatted your way through fifteen weeks, and now you finally get to see your man.
If getting through the semester was easy, then this is your time to do all of the couple things you’ve been planning since you parted ways in September. And because you haven’t seen each other in a while, simple date nights, like a movie at his place, will be just as exciting. Use the break to reconnect and get enough lovin’ to make it through the spring.
If you found yourself at parties wondering what it would be like to be with other guys, making excuses, crying a lot, and blaming your boyfriend for the little things, use the winter break to reassess your relationship. Seeing your boyfriend again could rekindle old feelings and remind you why you like him so much. Use this time to make-up and strengthen your relationship.
If you see your boyfriend and realize your feelings really have changed, use the break to get out of the relationship. It can be hard to admit this to yourself, especially if you have been dating for a while, but college is a time for discovering new things about yourself, including new love interests. Chances are, if you’re feeling this way, your boyfriend may be too. Don’t force yourself to be in a relationship that you know isn’t working. Spring semester will be full of opportunities to meet new guys.
The New Couple
If it was love at first-floor-meeting, then winter break is the first time you’ll be separated from your sweetie. This will be a test of your relationship. A month may not seem like a long time, but when all you’ve had to do to see your boyfriend is walk down the hall, making time to pick up the phone and call him is harder than you think. This is your chance to see how your relationship works outside of Emerson. Do you miss him?
The Hook-Up Buddy
While this isn’t exactly a traditional relationship, having a hook-up buddy is almost as common as having a college boyfriend. If you were expecting this to turn into something more, chances are it won’t last through the break. Over winter break you won’t be receiving those midnight hangout texts. Don’t be surprised if you don’t hear from him next semester either. Take that as a good thing. It’s time to find someone who actually wants to be with you.
The Single Girl
If you’ve dubbed yourself solo for eternity after a semester of little action, don’t get down with the winter blues. Winter break is a great opportunity to refresh. Plus, you’re not tied down by any commitments, so it’s okay to share your New Year’s kiss with the cute boy you’ve never met before. When you get back to school in January, no one will remember you as “the girl who hooked up with tons of guys” or “the girl with the boyfriend” so you already have an advantage over other girls. If you’re confident in yourself, no one will care that you haven’t been in a relationship in a while. You won’t be solo for long.