Even though the headline might tell you otherwise, relationships are not about just surviving, you should thrive within your relationship.

It’s hard to create a balance between the boyfriend, friends, school, homework, and partying. Trust me, I of all people understand this.

If you’re anything like me, you may feel like there are just never enough hours in the day and that no matter how many things you check off that post- it note ‘To- Do’ list you made, there is ALWAYS something else that needs to be done. There is always something else that needs to be done before you can take a minute to yourself, or spend that hour or two with your boyfriend you’ve been looking forward to all week.

But as much as you look forward to this because it means you get to spend some time with him, you have to be considerate of his time and your own. You have to remember who you are and what your goals in life are, as well as his.

Do not allow him to consume you. If he does not call, go to sleep. If he does not message you, put your phone away and have a fantastic day anyway. If he acts distant when you are with him and refuses to tell you what is wrong, don’t wait for him, go home and do something you love. If he tries to insinuate you do not need your friends now that you have him, spend more time with your friends. If he tries to teach you a lesson through the silent treatment, ignore him completely.

If he plays with your feelings constantly, walk away from him. If he makes you feel like you are not a priority in his life, walk away from him. If he says terrible, unforgivable things and threatens to leave you after every argument, walk away from him. If he forbids you from doing anything you love, walk away from him. If he claims ownership of your accomplishments, walk away from him.

I cannot stress this enough, you live your life for yourself first. He is a secondary character in the story of your life. Do not allow him to turn you into a secondary character in your own book.