Tips for Managing Relationships: Family, Friends, and Romantic Partners

While midterm season ramps up, managing the relationships in your life can feel overwhelming. It is easy to put the important people in your life on the backburner while you try to manage the stress. However, the people you care about can help you feel grounded and supported during this stressful time. 

Friends: They Value Honesty

- Be upfront: Your friends care about you. They understand that you are busy and stressed (they probably are too!) Tell them that you may be less available. Avoid disappearing without explanation, that can be hurtful. 

- Study together: There are plenty of spaces that you can use to your advantage. Lakehead provides study rooms that you can book a time slot to use. Make a trip to your local cafe or library and have a study session.  You can meet at someone’s house or even call each other while you study! Company can help!

- Take breaks together: Even if it’s a quick break. This can help you feel connected and alleviates stress.

Family: Talk it Out

- Talk to them: Your family may not understand how busy you truly are. If you live with your family, a “I’m going to be studying for an hour, I’ll see you later”, If you don’t live with your family, a quick “I’m really busy today, I will talk to you later" communicates that you need some space.

-  Explain your schedule to them: Talking about what midterms you have coming up or the class you have tomorrow will help you feel supported. Just talking about it can build understanding. 

- Reframe family time as a recharge: Don’t feel guilty about stepping away from studying. Think of family time as time to recharge in order to more effectively study rather than being burnt out. 

Romantic Partners

- Check in with each other: A quick “how are you feeling?” “do you want to go grab a coffee with me?” can help you feel more connected. It is important to show you care about each other.   

- Make a plan: Set a schedule with each other about when you will be able to see each other/go on dates. Be honest with each other about how you feel. 

- Small gestures are important: Leave them a note “you got this!”, schedule a text to send, leave them a small gift, or cook them dinner. Any gesture that shows you are important to each other is meaningful. 

- Jordan Calleja, Peer Wellness Educator Lead