Relationship Advice Part 1

Hey there! I have been thinking for a very long time about writing about relationship advice, because I have people around me that constantly ask me for it. Before we go any further, I want to say this now, EVERY RELATIONSHIP IS DIFFERENT. Since that is out of the way, let me give you a little bit of insight on my relationship. My boyfriend Alexander and I have been together for a year and about four months now. He is my rock, and I love him with all of my heart. There is no one out there better for me than him, and I thank God for him everyday. I have truly been blessed to be with such a great guy. We've talked about marriage since last July, so two months after we started dating. Now that was mostly me just getting a feel for how serious he was about me. We began really talking about it right before he left for California for a week last October, and we've talked about getting married and what we both want on and off since then, but over the last few months, we've gone to look at rings so he has an idea. We've also begun to really think about houses and our jobs, when we want kids, and etc. The more we talk about it, the closer we get, though that isn't the case for everyone. Now neither one of us really "wears the pants", because we try to be equal. This has worked out so well for us, and it helps us get along, especially with trust and being long distance. I generally do a lot of the planning, because I don't really like to "wing it" with most things, especially my time with him. That being said, if I don't makes plans for when we hang spend the day together, and a generalization of what we're going to do that day, we'd never see each other. He isn't much of a planner, and to be honest, his parents have personally invited me to more family functions and things like that than he has. Like I said, that's just how he is. It works though because I can't stand planning, so I plan, and he just waits for when I say is going to work for us both. The next thing I am going to say should be a no brainer, but it often goes over looked. Here it is, it's one of THE BIGGEST KEYS to a functioning relationship, you ready? COMMUNICATION!!! I cannot stress this enough. I can't even begin to tell you the arguments that we have had because of miscommunication, or not communicating enough. It will save you so much heartache if you just talk to each other and listen to the other person. Next, before you make any big steps, make sure you are both on the same page. Doesn't matter what it is, be on the same page. I'm not saying word for word, but make sure it's something you both want. Okay, so the next is also kind of common sense, but hey, it get's looked over. COMPROMISE!! Being with another person requires give and take. Like watching a TV show they want, so that later you can watch something that you want to watch. Don't want to go out? Make you significant other dinner/lunch. It can't always be all about you, or all about them. You want to make sure you are both happy, and in some way both get what you want. Let them pick the restaurant this time, and next time you pick. Little things and big things. Make it so you both win, and come out happy. Now, there are a lot of things I'm leaving out, but leave me comments on what you think I should add for part 2 and any questions. Write ya next time, thanks for reading! -Cassandra

College, Almost There!!

So it's a couple of days before my class orientation, and I officially start IUP in four days! What?! Is this really happening?! These are the questions that have been going through my mind, and it's hard to believe the time to start college is here. I've got my books for this semester, my plethora of notebooks/folders/binders/paper, my backpack, writing utensils, and my work space at home all set up accordingly. Wednesday, my dad took me clothes shopping, and I was able to update my wardrobe some (obviously the most fun girls usually have going back to school, new clothes!!). I have storage for my room, and my closet/room are almost completely finished. Things for the house are starting to come together, into a place that is going to be a really nice home for me for the next four years. I have my plans for classes like parking and time all in my head and it is going to be fairly stress free. A big thought going through my head is that I am FINALLY entering the institution that is going to help me map out my career, and I will learn what I need to in order to succeed in the future. Sunday I'm going to be planning out my outfit, and you will see pictures after I post about the first day as a college freshman. It all feels so surreal, I have been waiting for years for this moment, and it is here, like right NOW. It's exciting and scary as all hell. Looking back, my original plans have changed significantly, but that's okay. They have changed for the better. I originally had wanted to attend a school out of state, maybe California or some place warm, and I'm still in Pennsylvania. Going from planning on living in the dorm, to staying at home has turned out to be an upside with saving like $10,000 a year, getting a nice walk-in closet, my own bathroom, and a pretty big room. Not to mention I get a kitchen to cook in, see my dad and dog everyday. Also looking back, I never thought that I would be going into college being with the most loving boyfriend, and already planning our lives together. I also wouldn't have imagined entering college without any friends here, and already growing apart from most of my high school friends. I am ready for this experience to learn more about myself, and to start my journey towards the adult world. I'm excited to see what God has in store for me, and to find some lifelong friends, as everything starts to become clearer. Everyday will be a blessing, and I want to try to cherish every moment I can. Stay tuned for a post about relationship advice from what I've learned and have seen. Until next time, Peace! -Cassandra