RELATIONSHIP

finding a balance between relationships and friendships

Dating. It can be a magical experience in your life. Finding someone with whom you connect and who reciprocates your feelings is exciting. It’s easy to get caught up with your significant other, especially if the relationship is new – but without realizing it, you may find yourself neglecting friends. Friendships are equally as important as a romantic relationship, so here are some tips for making time with friends.

oReach out to your friends. It’s easy to lose track of time in general, let alone in a relationship. Make a conscious effort to call or text your friends. Return their messages as soon as possible. If you’re spending time with your significant other and you receive a text that’s not urgent, remember to respond when you can. o Keep friendship traditions. If you and your friends have movie night on Fridays or go out to dinner on Saturdays, uphold those traditions. Do your best to not skip out on those days to spend time with your significant other. It might slide a couple of times; however, constantly canceling

will become annoying. Follow through your commitments with them. Schedule your dates around the days you hang out with your friends. o Schedule time with them. If you and your friends don’t have traditions, find time to spend together for a girls’ day. Go get your nails done, grab lunch, hit the bar, or go shopping.

It’s about catching up and being together. o Double date. Are you and your best friend both in relationships? Consider a double date so you can both get to know each other’s special person. Go see a movie and get dinner afterward – it’s about spending time together. o Communication. Everyone is busy and it can be easy to forget things. If you had dinner plans with a friend or were scheduled to call them and it slipped your mind, be honest with them. Tell them you forgot, and reschedule those plans!

Your friend will appreciate the communication and honesty. Romantic relationships and friendships both bring a special magic into our lives. They are equally important to our happiness. The key is finding a balance that works. Z

Melody Heald has a passion for writing. She’s been writing since she was a child and has had multiple works published. She has a degree in Liberal Arts & Political Science.