When you find the one, or someone similar, it’s easy to become engrossed in the relationship. You’ve found someone you feel you can do it all with, but if not careful, it can come at a cost to relationships with others.
Most will know the feeling, but when you fall in love, it clouds other aspects in life. Many times there is a tossup of which you would rather do: Homework or spend time with bae? Dinner with friends or date night?
Some find it easy to balance all relationships in life, especially if they have been in a relationship with someone for a while or if they run in the same social circle. The new ones are what to look out for. For those struggling to balance friends, family, and a love life, here are a few tips on how to prioritize.

First thing’s first: Try to see if you can do it all at once.
If you are one fortunate couple that has the same friend group, try hanging out with everyone. One-on-one time is nice, but if you can make plans that everyone wants to do, you can be with your partner and friends at the same time. Same can go with family, which is why those first impressions are crucial.

Schedule a boys or girls night once or twice a week.
Setting time aside each week to have a friends night will avoid any frustration or confusion with any other plans. That way, even if you’re with bae most of the day, you can have your friends hangout later that night to look forward to.

Plan to go see family ahead of time.
If you know you won’t be busy next weekend, consider visiting the family. Just because you have free time does not mean you need to spend every second of it with your partner. Let them know in advance what you would like to do, and maybe they will take the opportunity to visit their own family.

If someone tells you they feel neglected, listen.
Whether it’s your partner, your friends, or your family, if someone thinks things have changed for the worse, try to think in their perspective. People usually speak up because they care, so maybe it is a good time to sit back and re-evaluate.

Although it isn’t easy to perfectly balance all relationships, there are ways to make it the best for everyone. Whether it’s simultaneously hanging out with all in your circle or setting time aside for one group, find what best works. However, don’t forget one important factor: Do what makes you happy too.

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Written by: Alex Dunn