Key Messages
Be Your Authentic Self: Stay open and honest with yourself and others
Establish a Support System: Don't rely on one person to meet every need and keep in touch often
Practice Positive Communication: Use "I" statements, show empathy and respect, and be an active listener
Set Boundaries: Know your deal makers and deal breakers
Did You Know?
87%
of BC students said they are satisfied with the quality of their relationships with friends and family at home
77%
of students met the majority of their friends within their residence halls
The Top 3
ways students look for support are from their friends, family members, and University Counseling Services
Listen
Hear from an Expert
"Frientimacy: 3 Requirements to Fulfilling Relationships"
Shasta Nelson
Hear from a BC student
"Self Love in the City of Love"
by Stephanie Nekoroski '17
Do
Do or say something daily to show your appreciation for others
Be inclusive and proactive in helping others feel included, celebrated, and like they belong
Be an active bystander and intervene when you witness concerning or offensive behaviors
Set boundaries and know your dealmakers and deal breakers
Establish and utilize a solid support system, don't rely on one person to meet every need
Practice authenticity, know your values, and stay honest with yourself and others
Practice positive communication, using "I" statements to address conflict
Be an actice listener by offering others your undivided attention and showing empathy
Unplug from technology and social media to reduce feelings of lonliness and comparison
Take advantage of campus resources, talk to a counselor in UCS
Take the "5 Love Languages" quiz to discover how you best express and experience love and use what you learn to connect with others and strengthen your relationships. Unplug, be present, and really connect in ways that are meaningful to you.
Identify your top 10 values. Then, narrow it down to your top 5. Reflect on why these are your top values and how you can practice them day-to-day. How would you life look if you set more boundaries, lived out your values, and strengthened your relationship with yourself?
Who are the people who energize, encourage, and support you? What activities feed you? Who would you like to get to know better or spend more time with. Choose one person and plan an activity to strengthen your social life and make a memory.
Be proactive in helping others feel included and celebrated. This could be as simple as making eye contact and smiling at the people you encounter, offering compliments and appreciation more often, inviting people to activities, being an active bystander and intervening when you witness offensive language or behaviors. Think about what belonging in this community means to you.
Identify your deal makers and deal breakers, make a list with two columns. On one side list your "deal makers" - the values, qualities, and behaviors you look for in a healthy relationship. On the other side list your "deal breakers" - the values, qualities, and behaviors that signal a relationship is unhealthy.
Learn More
