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HOW TO MAINTAIN HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS AND HANDLE CONFLICT

The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at SUBR chapter.

College is a transformative period in your life where social dynamics, academic pressures, and
personal development frequently collide. Managing disagreements and preserving positive
connections are essential for surviving in college. Though they might bring difficulties and
miscommunications. By adjusting to how you handle different situations can improve
relationships with family, friends, roommates, and romantic partners. Throughout college,
students can build a solid foundation for their well-being and constructive relationships by
emphasizing empathy and respect for one another. The first years of college, most students will
be assigned to live on campus with a roommate. You should set boundaries with your roommate,
or there will be future conflicts. For example, you should make a schedule for when each of you
should clean the bathroom. If you do not set a boundary, you will end up being the only one
cleaning and then you will begin to feel you are the only one putting in work for the bathroom to
look presentable. Building strong, sustaining relationships can also be facilitated by developing
the ability to set limits, speak honestly, and settle disputes peacefully.

Here are a list ways to manage healthy relationships and handle conflict at the same time:

  1. Be open and honest: Share how you feel and what your expectations are as clearly as
    possible.
  2. Listen: Pay attention to what others say to you.
  3. Don’t be afraid to say no: Do what is best for you.
  4. Respect others boundaries.
  5. Address any issues when noticed: Don’t let anything build up.
  6. Stay calm: Avoid being rash or too emotional. Speak in a calm tone and avoid raising
    your voice.
  7. Be empathic, but set limits to it: Try to understand where they are coming from, but
    also put yourself first.
  8. Be willing to compromise and let go of any grudges.

Having great communication, understanding, and trust are all needed to maintain healthy
relationships while attending college. Building relationships in college and establishing
boundaries may be hard, but it is necessary. Maintaining effective relationships while juggling
personal and academic obligations requires active listening and empathy.

Hello, I am Kylee Thomas and I am a member of the SUBR Her Campus Chapter. I am currently a third year student at Southern University A&M College, majoring in Psychology. I am from New Orleans, Louisiana. As a student of dance for almost 16 years, I've learned to enjoy almost all genres of music. I also have interest in reading books. I am excited to be able to give advice and insight on anything that will help women in life!