How to Maintain Friendships While You Are in A Romantic Relationship 

Friendships are so important, and it is critical for us to ensure we maintain our relationships in every season of your life. Most times, many of us struggle to balance our friendships when we get into a romantic relationship. I have had friends who have shared their struggles with this issue. In my personal life, there are several things I do to ensure that I am maintaining meaningful friendship even when I am in a romantic relationship. 

Here are some tips that I have found helpful: 

1. Try to Communicate: Communication is the major key in any relationship. I have found that it is easy to neglect friendships while dating. This could be because you are so focused on communicating with your partner. While it is important to communicate with your partner, you should try to also include prioritizing communication with friends. As adults, we have a busy schedule which makes talking on the phone or texting more tasking. To combat this, you should schedule phone dates or try and respond to your friends in a timely manner.

2. Be Intentional with Scheduling Time for Your Friends: Dates with your partner is very important, but dates with your friends are just as important. While you are scheduling and making plans with your partner, also remember to schedule outings with your friends. It does not always have to be elaborate or expensive. It could be something as simple as taking a walk together or biking. Whatever you would like, just remember that relationships grow when there are intentional plans to spend quality time together. 

3. Be Present in The Moments You Are Together: If you are out with your friends, make sure you are present in the moment. Be attentive and put your phone down. Not only does this honor your friends, but it shows them that you care enough to give them your undivided attention. Most hangouts typically last 2-3 hours depending on the activity. This time is so important because it also helps you as an individual have some autonomy in your life. Sometimes, being in a romantic relationship can be time consuming so having time apart from your partner can help stabilize your mental health and leave room for a healthier romantic relationship. 

4. Plan Group Dates: There are sometimes you might find it difficult to plan hangouts without your partner. If this is the case, you can still hang out with your friends as a group. Whether your friend have a partner or not, you can still make plans that will leave everyone happy. This could include going to restaurant, sports activity, house get together, etc. The most important thing that I would like to stress is to be mindful of excessive PDA if the friend you are hanging out with is single. Trust me, no one wants to leave the comfort of their home to feel like the awkward third wheel. 

I hope you find these tips helpful in maintaining friendships while you are in a romantic relationship. Friendships are very important, so I encourage you to make an intentional effort to spend time with your friends.