Balancing Between College Friendships And Daily Life Stressors

Friendships, relationships and personal bonds with people seem like a distant reality for many students.

Whether this change could be caused by college priorities, work hours, or emotional walls, not having sufficient friends or a significant other is a common problem between college students.

Focusing on spiritual health, maturity, and personal growth in life allows for control of circumstances and can help attract the right type of people. In terms of forming relationships, the most successful bonds are usually formed naturally and comfortably. Taking time to know one’s innermost desires and needs can help to discern what is needed in a significant relationship.

Failed past relationships are not a sign of failure or weakness. In fact, having negative experiences with friendships can help people learn to balance differing schedules, communicate, and work together to find time for for their new partner. Many students find themselves stuck between choosing to study or spend time with friends, both of which are vital in a young person’s life. Having these struggles is essential to learning how to maintain complex and deep relationships.

Finding friends is an easy task, especially on a college campus. Keeping and maintaining these relationships however, takes time and effort. Quarters go by and classes are always rotating. Connections can die as soon as a class finishes its final week. Being wise about who to let in can save a lot of heartbreak from lost friendships. It could also narrow down intimate companions.

Student Semion Kalinin said “…the best way to maintain friendships is through commitment and communication…and should come from both parties, because nothing will work out otherwise”. It’s easy to get out of touch with friends, and being involved in someone’s life can be complicated and take time, but the process rewards with mutual support, respect, and love.

For friendships to withstand the tests of distance, college, and busy day-to-day lives, they need to be nurtured with frequent interactions and genuine interest. When a friend picks a new area of study, or is excited about a new hobby, honest words of encouragement and support can go a long way in maintaining that emotional bond.

Being a good friend is a simple concept to practice, and anyone can prove themselves as a companion.

Kalinin said, “showing someone that you care, or just being good towards someone…going out of your way to surprise them with something thoughtful, things like that [are what] I believe good friends do”. Often times, small gestures of kindness show an immense amount of care and concern about a friend.

True friendships that are built on honesty, integrity and sincere love for each other are generally the most fulfilling and satisfying type of relationships. There isn’t the same drive to be passionate as in romantic relationships, or the pressure as in business connections. This makes friends some of the most reliable, secure partners in somebody’s lifetime.

As friends become more intimate, share personal experiences, and emotionally open up, it’s crucial to replicate what is shared. Doing so shows the other person that there is trust alongside a desire to grow together as closer friends. It’s very worthwhile to carry on a casual acquaintance into a deeper, long term relationship, as it gives a sense of belonging and fulfills the basic human need to be loved.

Occasionally, conflicts between friends arise and tensions flare up. When young people begin to emotionally mature, it is still complicated to realize that friends aren’t perfect and predictable people. They go through hardships and setbacks. Feelings of jealousy or unrequited affection can be prevalent among underdeveloped friendships.

Practicing patience rather than anger or envy can reduce hostile arguments and feelings. After realizing that no relationship is ever ideal, it is easier to look at the situation from a mature angle.

College students lead notoriously busy and often times overwhelming lives. Schedules practically revolve around school and other responsibilities. Students sometimes forget to unwind and connect with the people they care about. Whether it be meeting for lunch with an old friend or studying with a classmate at the library, any interaction is incredibly beneficial to the overall health and happiness of an individual. Talking to a friend can relieve stress and offer a new perspective on any personal or academic goals.

Maintaining friendships isn’t always simple, but embracing and valuing beloved friends is a timeless action that everyone should be able to experience.