College is the first time we get to be truly (almost) independent — deciding whether to go to class or hit snooze, doing laundry, buying toiletries, etc. College can also be the time to find yourself, find your people, set values for yourself and learn what you value in a relationship. While this newfound freedom is exciting, the transition can be tough. Juggling a romantic relationship with everything else going on can add a tremendous amount of stress to an already stressful situation, but the key to almost everything in college is balance.
Balance is also the key to a healthy relationship, especially in college. One must balance the time they spend with their partner with a large number of other things going on in college. It can be hard to resist spending all your free time with your partner; however, spending too much time together can be quite toxic. Establishing boundaries is essential, but finding the right balance can be tricky and takes work.
Trusting your partner can be hard, especially in the current college culture, but it’s more than necessary. Keeping communication open and setting boundaries are two of the key players in beginning a new relationship in college. You must be able to realize what you are ready for and what you want out of a relationship before you fully commit to being in one.
Being in a relationship may be the goal of some in college — which is great! However, with all the anxiety college brings, worrying about someone else is something not all people can handle. Some people are just not ready to fully commit to another person. There is absolutely no shame in deciding to fly solo, just as there is no shame in being in some sort of relationship during your college experience.
Balance is important in a relationship, but also in any individual’s life. In college, balance is the key to happiness and success. When it comes to relationships in college, do what is best for you and your goals. That is how you will find true happiness.
