Hey there high school sweethearts,
You have already conquered one of life’s toughest challenges: high school. You and your partner have managed to make it out together and you have the cute prom pictures to show for it. You’ve spent all summer prepping for college, relaxing at the pool and taking trips together to make those last summer memories before you start tackling some big changes. I always root for an underdog, but unfortunately most people will doubt your relationship. So prepare yourselves for a discouraging welcome upon entering college. The two of you have chosen colleges best for your career paths. This means you may be minutes, hours or thousands of miles apart from one another, but you are both determined to make things work.
Before you move into college, take a step back and breathe. Look at your partner, don’t fight and don’t waste your time on petty arguing right before you two leave one another. Some couples, prior to move in, will start bickering to the point where they never stop. If there is any kind of fear or pain that you have yet to express to your partner, close out of this article now and go sit them down. Cry, scream and argue if you absolutely must. Just get out any fear or emotion passing through your body. This transition is tough and the best way to tackle it is with open communication between you and your guy or gal.
I know you are probably rolling your eyes at that last sentence because you’ve read it in a million other places, but communication leads to one of the most crucial components to a healthy relationship; trust. Don’t waste each other’s time freshman year by stressing out over whether or not the other person has found someone new. Communication is the Holy Grail, Bible, as a Kardashian would say. Have the trust and aspiration to make it to your next FaceTime/Skype date. Make realistic plans to see each other, not the every other weekend crap; you both deserve a college experience away from each other. Shoot for once a month or every two to three weeks. If you’ve never been in a long distance relationship my best advice is when times get tough remember how soon you’ll see that person and how wonderful the moment will be when you’re back in his or her arms.
You’re also allowed to make friends with the opposite and same sex. I know that may be hard at first but remember trust and communication will go such a long way. Absence makes the heart grow fonder so if you’ve had a crazy busy day and haven’t had much time to chitchat, promise a Skype dinner date that weekend. The amount of effort you make will ultimately reflect on how your relationship will turn out. If you truly want to make it work and you genuinely miss that person you’ll go to the ends of the earth to make it work.
The harsh reality of this topic is that not all of you will make it. College is a time to learn about yourself, join clubs, become overwhelmingly busy, meet new friends and fall in love with your degree. Say, hypothetically, your relationship isn’t working out after your first month at school. You’ve adjusted well, but you look back and realize your partner hasn’t. Ask yourself if this relationship is benefitting the both of you. Is it encouraging and challenging in a good way? If not, it’s okay to let go of your high school sweetheart. You should want what’s best for each other and sometimes people grow apart throughout the crazy, beautiful transition that is college. There’s no need to be bitter either. Every relationship is learning experience so if it works out, that’s wonderful. I’ve always been rooting for you underdogs, but if it doesn’t work out just know life is only just beginning and there’s so much out there for you.