Dear Coug, My boyfriend and I have been spending a lot of our free time together and I feel like I have been losing touch with some of my old friends. With summer coming up, I am going to want to see them since we are all going back home. I feel like my boyfriend and I have all these plans for summer— we hope to enjoy time together without the stress of school. I don’t know how to tell him that I want to make sure I have time for my friends. Help?

Friends are an extremely important factor in any romantic relationship. Aside from sharing a friendship between the two of you, you both need to maintain relationships with your mutual and separate friends. These friendship ties can he difficult to keep while attending separate colleges during the school year; summer is a perfect opportunity to reconnect with the people who have known you for years. If you are worried that your boyfriend’s plans will encroach on your time with your friends, all you can do is talk to him about this matter. Let him know that you want to enjoy time with him, but you also need time for your friends. Friends are the support you can cling to when your love life is rocky; don’t abandon them! A couple should not monopolize one another— if he has trouble understanding this concept, maybe he is not worth your time.

I am studying abroad this summer. How can I make friends with and/or date foreign students?

Studying in a different country is a great educational opportunity—new cultures, landscapes, languages, and people can greatly enhance your overall life experience. If you are looking to connect with others while studying abroad, be cautious. Use street smarts and be wary of those who could potentially take advantage of your money, your information, or your heart. I would advise keeping relationships on the lighter side—falling head over- heels for someone while studying in a foreign country can have a heavy effect on your educational plans as well as your emotions. If you are looking for romance, look for it in the history and art of the culture. Chances are, you will discover like-minded people who you can connect with as you explore the country. Use email or social networking to stay in touch upon return—you individual experience will determine to what extent you continue any friendships or relationships. Be smart, be yourself, and enjoy your time abroad.

Drawing courtesy of Chelsea Jauregui