CRUSHES

Remember all those spur-of-the-moment things you did with your sweetie this summer? The two of you made plans to hit the pool just minutes before going, and that romantic hike you went on was beyond impromptu. Your free days gave you the freedom to meet up in a moment’s notice. 

Now that you’ve said sayonara to summer vacay and hello to hall passes and homework, there’s a good chance that classes and clubs are taking up the time you used to use to bond with your bae. Dating during the school year won’t be as breezy as it was during break. However, don’t give yourself a failing grade just yet! Use these tips to keep that cutie on your calendar. 

Swap schedules constantly

Fall’s right around the corner. The leaves may be taking on different colors, but it’s your daily routine that’s going to be changing in the blink of an eye. You might have huge essays, drama rehearsals that pop up out of nowhere or an unexpected trip to volleyball playoffs. If your bae’s as bogged down by extracurriculars as you, then they’ll definitely be in the same boat. Help your relationship stay afloat by sharing your schedules on a day-to-day basis. Doing this will make it much easier to stay up-to-date and aware of when each of you is (or isn’t) available.

Decide on a date night

Aside from the general peek you’ll have into each other’s lives, schedule sharing should provide you with prime opportunities for date nights. Dedicating one night per week (or more!) to doing something special with your sweetie is a great way to guarantee that you’ll get a break from assignments—and much needed one-on-one time together. Depending on how consistent your calendars are, the night could be chosen on a weekly, monthly or even quarterly basis. 

(Home)Work together

Instead of wasting your time wishing every night could be date night, try to create a few date days for you and your bae. Are the two of you able to focus on your homework while other people are around? If so, treat those tricky science problems as solutions to your lack of time together. Although you might not be able to cuddle or have long conversations, being in the same space as your sweetie is a step above not seeing each other.

Set talk, text and chat boundaries

Unfortunately, not every assignment can be completed alongside your bae. You won’t always be able to make those homework hangouts work. When schedule differences strike and you’re both forced to read and write solo, make sure that there’s a clear set of boundaries in place for all forms of communication. As much as you love multitasking, your sweetie could be someone who can’t text while trying to solve an equation. Figure out whether it’s better to chat occasionally or agree to tune out until you’ve each tackled your tasks. Missing out on a few flirty messages is a bummer, but the undivided attention you’ll be able to give one another is *so* worth it.

How do you balance school and your sweetie?

by Megan Sawey | 9/7/2016