Late-night convos, sunset walks and sharing a pair of headphones while listening to Olivia Rodrigo’s “honeybee”…what more could you want for your lover girl era? But now the fall semester is here, your calendar is suddenly packed with HW, volleyball practice and club meetings and finding time for your S.O. feels low-key impossible.

Can your summer spark last longer than your tan lines? Spoiler alert: It totally can! We’ve rounded up everything you need to know to help your relationship survive those back-to-school blues.

Shift Your Expectations

During summer vaycay, you probs had hours to hang out. Once school starts again? HW, clubs and family responsibilities are all in competition for that free time.

Instead of overthinking (hiii, Belly Conklin energy) those double grey ticks or a short text, give each other some grace. Adjusting to a new szn might take some time, but it’ll be miles healthier for the relationship in the long run than agonising over a missed FaceTime call while your bae is in the middle of a soccer game. 

Lock In A Dedicated Tech Date

In an LDR, at different schools or just two busy love birds? You *need* to get creative with your dates. Don’t just rely on passive Snapchat streaks to keep the connection going (because a generic selfie doesn’t count as a real convo). Schedule a specific time each week that belongs only to the two of you.

Try a virtual study date where you both keep your cameras on while doing homework, or watch a movie together (complete with a snack platter, ofc) on Friday night. You could even make matching playlists inspired by one of your fave summer memories and each add songs that fit the vibe. (Stuck for date ideas? We’ve got you covered, babe). Having a predictable routine on the calendar keeps the fluttery butterflies alive all week long.

Avoid The Hallway Hover

The temptation to spend the first to last period glued to your S.O.’s side is sooo real. But remember, girl: You can heart them just as much while you’re doing your own thing. Spending every lunch together sounds cute…until you realize it’s been a hot minute since you’ve had a much-needed goss sesh with your besties.

Give them a cute smile in the hallway or save a seat next to them in the class you share, but make sure you are still prioritizing your squad. Absence truly makes the heart grow fonder, and having your own independent lives gives you more to talk about. No co-dependency here, TYVM!

It’s The Little Things…

…that they’ll remember most. YK that saying that goes something like “enjoy the little things”? Well, your love life is kinda like that, too. While those huge bouquets of roses and staycations on our feeds are adorbs, being there for your loved one in those everyday moments is just as important. 

When the week gets super hectic, slip a cute sticky note into their textbook, text them a funny TikTok that matches their niche humor before first period or surprise them with their go-to drink before morning practice (because who can say no to a yummy iced matcha?). If the conversation gets dry during a busy week, Plato or Gamepigeon are great options—or you can just drop a quick text like: “Thinking of you btw! My brain is officially soup from studying, but good luck on your history quiz tomorrow.” 

Keep The Jealousy In Check

When you see your crush talking to new people in class or posting photos with a different friend group on their Snapchat Story, it’s easy to spiral. Before you jump to conclusions, try not to react to “he said, she said” goss. Trust is the not-so-secret ingredient for surviving the school year.

Psst: If you find yourself feeling jealous or a little insecure, that’s totally OK. We’re pro communication, so keeping your bae in the loop on your feelings is the perf way to minimize opportunities for misunderstandings. 

The school year might be busier than summer, but that doesn’t mean the butterflies have to disappear. With a little communication, a lot of trust and a few Insta-worthy dates along the way, your summer romance might just make it all the way to winter break.

For more dating advice, check these out, lover girl:
💗 The Perfect Summer Date Idea Based On Your Love Language
💗 QUIZ! What’s Your Perfect Summer Date?
💗 Alphabet Date Ideas You Need To Try

Images: @darcyt80, @jj.foy, @ameera.shaliha, @onlyonealiya, @j.with.f