Valentine’s day community
Photography by Ivy Monk
If you're reading this, remember to prioritize taking care of yourself and fostering healthy relationships.
Valentine’s Day is an annual celebration of all kinds of love: love for family, friends, partners, self-love, and more. It serves as a reminder to express the love and appreciation that we have for ourselves and those around us that we often forget to express. It’s so important to remember to express self-love and love for others not just on Valentine’s Day, but every day. So, we decided to ask people on campus how they prioritize/take care of themselves and what healthy relationships (with others and/or with themselves) look like. Here’s what they said:
What is one way you prioritize/take care of yourself?
Making time for friends, working out, and just enjoying myself outside of class.
Dedicating time to taking care of myself.
Asking myself, “What can I do for myself to help me?” For example, I wake up, take a shower, eat good food, brush hair to make myself feel better and to accomplish the things I need to get done.
Balancing all my extracurriculars and work and making sure I'm always doing something that I enjoy so it doesn't feel like an obligation to go to things.
Making sure I have enough free time and doing fun things during it (going to the underground, watching TV with friends, reading books) to try and keep everything balanced.
Making sure you're getting enough sleep, eating regularly, and all the other basic things that you can sometimes forget when work piles on and gets stressful. Just make sure you are following a routine.
I've found myself not going to things I don't want to do. Even if you have FOMO, it’s important to take a break and enjoy being by yourself in college.
Learning to say no and understanding that you don't have to do everything like you may have in high school and understanding that just doing one thing, two things, or honestly just being a student is enough.
Even with everything going on (classes, exams, homework), I make sure to make time for myself everyday (self care routine, scrolling on my phone). I make sure that I have that extra time everyday for myself so that I can motivate myself to do the other things I need to do.
What does a healthy relationship look like to you?
Taking care of the person you're in a relationship in the ways they need it most. Sometimes in relationships, we try to take care of people in the way we think is best for them, but I think the best way we can take care of others is by asking them “What can I do for you to best help you be the best version of yourself?” Whether it's a friend, lover, yourself, ask “What can I do for you that will help you be the best version of yourself?”
A healthy relationship consists of helping each other work through problems. It is also when you feel like you are a team and not working against each other.
A relationship where communication is clear and boundaries are respected.
Trusting each other and being able to give each other space.
Happy belated Valentine’s Day! Remember to both practice self-love and tell your loved ones that you love them.
Community, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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