College, it’s a funny time in your life. You’ve gained more independence than you’ve ever had before, you don’t have to check with someone before you go out, and you just get to be you. Along with all the fun you’re having, and of course your extremely tiring class schedule, you probably can’t help being a little “boy-crazy.” You see the hot upperclassmen walking around campus with an unidentifiable confidence. Some of them have a hot girlfriend, and others are walking around themselves pulling off the whole mysterious thing that you can’t help but what to be a part of.
Having a boyfriend in college isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be. It’s really hard and even harder if it’s not with the right guy. Like mentioned before, you get a lot of freedom in college. You have to make choices like “should I go hang out with him or study?” Most of the time, you’ll choose to hang out with him. Then soon enough you see your friendships are weakening, and your grades are slipping. It’s important to evaluate and make sure you’re in it for the right reasons.
Here’s a list of five things to ask yourself before you get into a relationship in college.
1. Are you happy?
This is a big one! If you’re not happy and just dating someone because you’re bored, don’t do it! There’s too much fun to have in college then to be un-happy.
2. Do you know yourself?
College is really all about learning who you are. As a junior in college, I am still learning more stuff about myself but I really have noticed such a difference in these past few years! I finally know what I want, but still know there’s time to grow.
3. Are you hanging out too much?
Control is a big “issue” in relationships. Is the significant other being too controlling? Can you still hang out with your friends? If you are answering this question with any uncertainty, find a good gal-pal and chat. Tell her what you’re feeling and see her outlook on it. Sometimes it’s really good and useful to have a third-party opinion.
4. Where do you see the relationship going?
Now, this one isn’t a question that you need to answer right away. You can ponder it for a-while. However, if you’ve been dating for about 3 months and you don’t see a future, maybe take some time to figure out why that is and what the next step should be.
5. Do you have any questions?
So, a question about questions… Interesting, I know. It’s often hard sometimes when you’re so busy with school and a relationship to remember where you are in your own life. It’s always important to focus on good communication so each person in the relationship is being respected, and of course is happy.