Whoever said that couples can't last after high school obviously didn't find their person while attending. My boyfriend and I have been dating since we were sophomores in high school, and now we are sophomores in college. We are one of the only two remaining high school couples, and we have been dating the longest.
My boyfriend is my person, and my best friend, he is my whole world, but don't get me wrong, I had anxiety that we would have trouble adjusting from high school to college, but here we are two years later and couldn't be any better. (I do miss seeing him every day though.) Now while I can't say that I am a relationship expert, here are some tips for helping keep your relationship strong during the transition from high school to college:
1. Make a Plan
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The first thing to do is decide where you want your relationship to go. Do you hope to get married? Are you comfortable with each other? Do you want to explore? Stay friends? Or continue to date and see where life takes you? Knowing where you are in terms of your life journey is helpful, it can save you heartache, and give you peace of mind about the seriousness of your relationship.
2. Schedule Time Together
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College is a crazy busy time and finding that time to see each other can be difficult. My boyfriend and I go to different colleges in the same town, so sometimes it feels like we're far away even though its only a matter of a 30-minute drive. Sometimes with work, school, and clubs, it can get slightly difficult to see each other each week, but if you are at the same school, try to schedule time away from campus. That way you can be fully invested in your time together instead of always worrying about school. However during finals, or any stressful time of the year, study dates can help you get that quality time in, while also getting ready for your exams.
3. Communicate Openly
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Make sure you are communicating openly with your partner. Because this is such a transitional period in your lifetime, it's good to have open conversations about how you are feeling, both about your relationship, or things that are going on in your lives. It may even bring you closer as a couple if you are talking about such adult problems. You're adulting together, and you can learn from each other.
4. Talk Daily
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
This seems a bit obvious to me, but whether it is in person, over the phone, or even through text, try to check in on your partner every day. Even if it's just a good night or good morning text, it lets your partner know that you are thinking about them. This isn't meant to be clingy or obnoxious, it's just a simple sweet gesture, that I know always makes my day.
5. Have Fun
College is the time where you can have fun as an adult, so have fun together! Whatever you both find the most fun, try to take the time do that with each other. It creates new memories for you both to share and gives you some quality time you might not have had if you hadn't pushed yourself to do so.
While I understand not every relationship lasts, these tips have helped me put confidence in my relationship and how long I believe it's going to last. Every couple is different, and what works for me, might not work for you, but I definitely feel most at peace in my relationship when I know my partner wants some of the same things I do. Just because you were together in high school, doesn't mean you have to break up like everyone says you will. In fact, I've learned to be proud of the fact my boyfriend and I are still happily going steady.
