Welcome back to SDSU everyone. I’m Libby and I am a columnist for The Collegian. I write about sex, dating, relationships and whatever topic I think you’d like to read about and relate to most. 

I’d like to kick off the school year with some discussion on couples that are staying together from high school to college. Though I am a senior now, when I came to SDSU my freshman year I had a boyfriend who I had been dating for six months. 

Transitioning from high school to college is a challenge and requires more work than you might realize.

Now, some couples are attending the same college and some are going to different ones. I have friends in both situations that have made it work long term and asked them for tips on how they managed it. 

A big component as in all relationships is communication. Texting is great but it simply cannot replace having a voice communication with a person especially because texting can be misconstrued. If you’re attending the same school make time to sit down just the two of you. Explore some new places in Brookings together, like the Children’s Museum or any of the amazing restaurants we have. 

If you’re going to different colleges then things are going to be more difficult for the two of you, especially with communication. Again, texting is not going to be enough. Things like Skype and FaceTime are there for a reason. But if technology is rebelling against you be sure to talk on the phone at least once a week. 

Really listen to what your significant other is saying. Remember the names of their friends so when you meet them you have stories to put with faces. Another piece of advice for long distance relationships is to always say good morning and good night. It helps ground you two and keep some normalcy in the relationship.

What’s very important to remember is regardless of your location, you need to have your own life outside of your relationship. College is where you become an independent adult and grow in whole new ways. Balancing the person you love with the person you’re growing into is difficult, but it can be done. Try some extracurricular activities without your boyfriend or girlfriend. If you have the same major, try taking some general classes that support your individual interests. Loving your significant other is easier when you also love yourself. 

So, my email address is listed at the end of this column. If you have any questions or if you have a topic you’d like me to research and write about don’t hesitate to get ahold of me. Have a great second week everyone.

 

Libby Trammell is majoring in human development and family studies. She can be emailed questions or comments at [email protected].