Yes, I know that the term “serious relationship” isn’t exactly listed within the definition of college. Trust me—my 4-year relationship has been far from a smooth ride but I wouldn’t take back a second of it. So, for those of you who are on board and are currently involved in long term relationships or think you’re perusing something serious; here’s some advice that I put together from my experience about how to keep the flame alive and the train on track!
1. Don’t fold to the pressure of “breaking up” right before college
To all those freshmen girls, the college experience doesn’t come to a halt just because you can’t “experience” multiple guys. Shouldn’t stop in your tracks just because the word college is now in the picture. If you got something good going; don’t doubt yourself! You deserve a good guy. After all, isn’t that what we’re all looking for anyway?
2. TRUST is KEY
Get the jealousy issues out and over with. They will only hurt your relationship. There will always be “that” girl that you dislike… girls will be girls. But you gotta trust your man! If he didn’t want to be with you, guess what? He wouldn’t. So be grateful for what you have and make sure you utilize open and honest communication if something’s bothering you.
3. Don’t let social media bring you down (aka drive you crazy!)
We’re all guilty of it. Checking facebook, twitter, and instagram 100x a day looking too far into something will only drive you crazy, and potentially push him away. Situations in pictures aren’t always what they appear. Girls love taking pictures and putting their hands all over your guy- Just because they can. But if you weren’t there, do not, I repeat DO NOT assume the worst. “That” girl posting and poking him? – Write a short compliment or note on his wall. For example, “Miss you! Can’t wait to see you this weekend babe xoxo” to remind her you’re in the picture and you ain’t going anywhere! (Without the Facebook dramatics)
4. Don’t be afraid to spice things up a bit!
I’ll be the first to admit that we all love the honeymoon stage, but after time and distance, the flame can start to die out. Try not to fall into a routine when it comes to the bedroom! Spice it up a bit. Surprise him and he’ll be begging for more! If you haven’t seen him in awhile, make him pick you up and take you to dinner somewhere new. Get all dressed up and act like it’s your first date. Go through dinner slowly and after; repay him with a hot make out-sess in the car- or more… Need a kick in your sex drive? – Try reading 50 Shades of Grey…. Might do the trick ;)
5. Don’t be intimidated by being the only friend in a serious relationship
Don’t worry ladies… you’re really not missing out being the only one in a relationship. Half the time, other girls are wishing they were in your shoes instead of not being screwed over by immature college boys. As mentioned before; don’t give up on a good thing!
6. Guy “friends” and Girl “friends”
Before you give yourself a heart attack, both sides of the relationship need to be accepting of the opposite sex friends (this is a tough one). If you put yourself in each other’s shoes, it helps you reconsider overreacting or not.
7. Loyalty, Loyalty, Loyalty
My #1 Rule. Cheating is NOT okay. Make sure you want to be in the relationship 100% before you make any drastic decisions. The golden rule still applies; Treat others the way you want to be treated.
8. Stay true to who you are.
He fell in love with YOU for who YOU are. Remind yourself of that when you’re feeling discouraged. Don’t let social influence change you to be someone you’re not. More guys are attracted to a girl in sweatpants with no makeup on than a girl who tries way too hard.
9. Be supportive.
Even though the guys might act tough, they still have a sensitive side. Your man needs encouragement and positivity too. Make sure to compliment them, whether it is about the shirt their wearing or how good their doing in school or a college sport. Everyone needs to feel good about themselves; and being in a serious relationship – you should lean on each other for that.
10. Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Truth is within the saying. Whether you go to school together or not, a little space doesn’t hurt. You’re both go through waves of stress and become very busy. Give each other some time to get through the day and ease up on the texting. Your conversations before bed become more thorough and interesting. It helps to have your best friend to vent to before the day is over. Giving each other a little space will help you become more appreciative for your relationship and make the time you spend together more meaningful.
Let’s face it, I don’t have it all figured out but I hope that these tips will help you ladies and better your relationship!