Balancing act

When it comes to prioritizing, I will admit, sometimes I slip. It's hard to put one thing over another, when that other might be a bit more tempting. For example, shall I go to the bar with my friends, or will I write that English paper that's worth a hefty chunk of my grade?

You may think you have to choose one or the other, but you can still have fun while setting your priorities straight.

The same goes with your significant other. School can be tough, and it often leads you to being busier than normal during peak times. But why break up over a few textbooks and a lot of essays? Sure, it's frustrating, but it doesn't have to be this way, and I will tell you how and WHY.

Obviously it's the season of essays, write-ups, whatever. And the books are piling up. So it's time to get in gear, put away the googly eyes, and let the brisk air (though right now mother nature is tricking us) remind you that summer lovin' is over, we've moved into free fallin'.

This includes locking yourself to your desk for nights on end. Or shackling yourself to your laptop on the fifth floor of the library.

First of all, the golden rule is to NEVER do homework with your honey.

Why, you ask? The answer is simple. Of course at first you'll be super into that reading about American history or really nailing that thesis down for Canadian lit. But then, once you feel as though "you have accomplished enough" (when REALLY you haven't, you're just being optimistic), break time comes. And you know what that means? Sex, sex that will distract you for hours. And then after the sex, you'll be tired and shaky and just want to relax, maybe watch a movie. And ALL YOU WROTE was a thesis? Dude, you have 14 more pages to go.

This is where time management comes into play.

Of course, penciling in one another doesn't really work either. It kind of turns your relationship into something that doesn't seem healthy. So no, don't be afraid to lose that spontaneity. Just keep your shit together.

When you sit down to do your readings, finish them. When you write a paper, try to get at least half done before hitting the town and getting down.

You're already stresses about school, why be stressed about your love life too? Seems pointless. And another hint, don't get mad when someone has to ditch date night, or come late, because of homework. TRUST ME, they would much rather be cuddling up with you or having a dirty martini while gazing into your eyes. But sometimes, you just have to bite the bullet.

If you can manage to wipe the homework off your plate first, you could have an entire weekend to spend in bed, on the town, or maybe out of town...

How do YOU balance love, life, work and school?

-M

*photo via uncyclomedia