Dates have a stigma around them that they have to be flirty and romantic.

However, it's important to take your friends on dates, too. It's easy to grow apart from people in college, and sometimes taking an old (or new) friend on a date is a good idea. The truth is, dates don't have to be romantic. Sometimes, taking a good friend on a date and catching up can be way more beneficial than going on a blind Tinder date.

We always seem to get down on ourselves as we watch a good friendship fizzle out. But it's okay to rekindle an old friendship. Asking a friend to get coffee or dinner can work wonders. My advice is to ask someone out who you haven't spoken to in a while, buy them dinner, and catch up on his or her life.

Everyone is so busy in college, and it's common for one's social life to fall into the background. Sometimes all we need is a good catch-up session with someone who knows us best. Don't be afraid to ask someone you care about to catch a movie or come over for a good chat. Maintaining good relationships doesn't come easy at this point in our lives, but it is important to keep good connections going and let them blossom.

Recently, I've been so focused on school and graduation that I've let true friendships take a back seat to the rest of my life's endeavors. But taking the time to speak to an old friend always makes me feel more grounded and balances out my life. I try to meet up with at least one person a week to see what's going on in his or her life. The world doesn't revolve around us, as much as it seems to sometimes. It's important to keep relationships strong and pay attention to the struggles of others.

We can't go through this alone. We are all so focused on doing well in school, being involved, and making people proud. However, making people proud involves having healthy relationships that are mutual. No matter how busy you are, you're never too busy to sit down with an old pal. In fact, old friendships sometimes hold the key that you may be missing from your life: true connections.

Don't get caught up in the craziness of life. Take a step back and remember what's truly important. The friendships we make along the way hold essential weight and value to our lives. It's okay to confide in others. And sometimes, the people we care about need us as a shoulder to cry on. But we'll never know that unless we are actively engaged in each others' lives.

This week, contact someone you have been close with in the past and see if he or she wants to meet up. More importantly, listen to them. Take the time to be there for someone other than yourself.