In college, in a relationship, and in a dilemma.

The transition from high school to college is a crazy one. You lose your high school friends (most of the time) and embrace fresh relationships in college. The age old debate is whether you should leave your romantic relationship in high school too. So, what do you do if you have a boyfriend? Even though I've been in an amazing relationship for nearly 3 years, the question still crossed my mind and that's totally healthy! Take these thoughts into consideration when making your decision.

Do I really see us pursuing a lifelong relationship? Whether you have just started dating or not, if you're going to make the transition to college you have to seriously think about it. That is what dating is for! If you're wishy washy, just end it. If you're going to school together, it can cause a big headache when you break up 2 months into college. 

Should we go to the same school? 

You need to think about what your motives are for attending the same school. If your reason is "Well, we can see each other all of the time and it'll be, like, so cute! He'll walk me to class and we'll eat all of our meals together!" don't do it. Your heart is not in the right place. I've seen WAY too many people sacrifice what they want in a school or college experience for a significant other. It will not end up well. For my boyfriend and I, we have never gone to the same school and so we only saw each other approximately once a week. This far into our relationship, we're thinking long term and we really need to see what it will be like to see each other on a daily basis. Things are super exciting when they only happen once a week, but everyday? The spark will either stay or diminish and we need to figure that out before we get anywhere else in our relationship. If you feel ashamed to tell people about the fact that you're bringing your other half, you should also think about your relationship. The transition is going to be hard, so you're going to have to have a confident foundation. 

Another point I want to make is your number one priority should be you when you're choosing a school. Even if you're both very mature and really want to go to the same school for the right reasons, college is expensive. You don't want to pick a school for a person! This is your education. Micah and I both wanted to attend a Christian school within the Midwest and IWU was perfect. We both would have picked it regardless, so I'm confident neither of us will have regrets!

Can we last at different schools? 

If God wants you to be together, it'll work out. So, don't worry about it! Whatever will be will be! Schedule those Skype dates and keep each other informed on what's going on. The only difference between a long distance relationship and a traditional relationship is the physical. If you are pursuing a Godly relationship, you have so much more than just physcial aspects. Yes, the physical part of a relationship is important but you can survive a time without it! 

What if we don't last? 

IT'S OKAY! There are sooo many fish in the sea, so be excited for what will be coming next! God knows what He is doing! Before you go to school, PRAY. And I mean don't stop! Ask for God's

will to be done! And learn to have peace for whatever His decision will be! 

So, as I approach my last few weeks before school, I'm going to be anxiously waiting for God's plan in my relationship! I'll keep you posted and add more as the year continues.