College is often seen as a time of experimentation. We’re told to enter this new environment and try new things to find ourselves. Along with this comes a culture of casual hook ups that many college students endure. However, others are searching for something a little more. So for those of us who have decided to settle into relationships, how do we deal with the things that could make or break them?

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Sure, when you’ve finally find someone you’re likely going to want to spend a lot of time together. However, if you spend all of your time during your college years hanging out with your significant other, you’re going to regret it. You will learn to only rely on each other and probably be left with minimal other friends. Don’t be afraid to spend a few nights a week with other people. That being said, it will be that much better when you get to spend some quality time with your S.O.

 

If you’re looking for something long-term, don’t hesitate to talk about it. If you don’t want a lot of the same things in life, you’re only going to make it harder on yourself by continuing to pursue the relationship. Think about where you want to live, what kind of jobs you see yourselves obtaining, whether you want pets, how you like to spend your free time, etc. If some of your answers don’t align, what’s the point? On the other hand, if you’re looking for fling, a lot of these things likely won’t matter. Go for it! Live a little while you can.

 

Going off of that on a simpler note, do what you like together. And most importantly, have fun. Attempt to cook a meal together and spend that quality time in the kitchen together. It can take up a good chunk of your evening and allow you to delve into some good conversations or dance around the kitchen to some music. And if the food comes out a disaster, it will make for an even funnier memory. Besides, a save-the-evening pizza is only a phone call away.

 

While it’s important to have those fun memories together, try to be open to trying out your S.O.’s hobbies too. Most likely you’re two very different people who have very different hobbies, even if you have a lot in common. Being willing to try new things with your partner opens doors to showing them just how much you are willing to do for them.

 

Be open with your S.O. – Communication is key and being honest almost goes hand in hand with this. Even if you know something is going to hurt your partner, it’s better to be honest about anything and everything, according to the Huffington Post. Instead of keeping them wondering or having them accidentally find out another way, actually talking to your partner will develop a whole new level of trust in your relationship.

 

All of this being said, valuing each other’s company is what could potentially get you through many different aspects of life together. Adding all of this up – communication, hobbies, passions, memories, etc. – has the potential to build a strong foundation. By mastering these, you are one step closer to being able to work through road blocks by working together, not just as individuals, but as a team.

 

Be excited to share things with each other and celebrate all of the little victories along the way as a team.