Balancing relationships and school work

Hi guys,
I'm often on your FB page and there was recently a good discussion about how being in a relationship can be a plus or a minus when it comes to your school work. I'd like ot hear your opinion as I'm in a relationship and i love my BF but sometimes it's hard for him to understand how demanding my school work is. He finished college last year and he seems to have forgotten how hard you have to work and study. So, it becomes stressful to have to fight for him to understand that I may not be able to see him as often as i'd like. Thanks!

Megan,

As you probably saw from the discussion there can be pros and cons depending on where you and your boyfriend are in terms of communication. I feel that in the end you should decide what is best for yourself because you want to be able reach your goals. Every relationship is different, but communication should always be a priority and it is important that you are both pulling equal amount of weight and supporting each other in your own personal endeavors. You should sit down and discuss this with him and he may even open up to how he feels. If you feel that you are giving more to the point that it is affecting your studies, then you may want to reconsider the relationship. Relationships can be difficult so make sure to always keep communication open and to listen to each others concerns.

Are there any others who had a relationship during college and can provide their own experience?

Best of luck!

- Jazmin

Hey Megan,

I was single for my first two and a half years of college and then I started dating a guy who is now my husband.

When we first started dating, it was difficult to try to balance school, work, my extra-curriculars, and my boyfriend. He would sometimes feel like I was ignoring him if I had a girls night with my sorority sisters or picked up an extra shift at work. Especially because he was a year older than I was and had graduated when I still had a year of school left. But, after a few talks, things got much easier. He just needed to understand that I wasn't ignoring him, but that I just had things that I needed to do and that it was important keep a balance in my life.

My recommendation is to do little things to show him that you are thinking about him even if you don't get to see each other all the time. For example, emails, texts, or messages on his facebook. I used to study while he watched sports games on TV so we could spend time together and I could still study. We also used to go running together or work out together at the gym. Sometimes he would bring me lunch at work during my lunch break. These little things add up and make a difference!

Of course, as Jazmin said, communication is very important!

Best,
Amber George