Talecia Bell

Whether it is your boyfriend, girlfriend, or your best friend, our interpersonal relationships can be toxic when we allow these relationships to hinder us.

Judson Landis, sociology professor, said these relationships are important to us as human beings because we live in social environments.

“Relationships are a part of social life, therefore we crave social interactions; we are social animals,” Landis said.

Although it is important to have these types of relationships, students should not allow the relationships to hinder them from exploring their interests and accomplishing goals while in college.

Pursuing personal ambitions is vital to future success outside of college.

Kevin Wehr, sociology professor, said we gain support, understanding, love and acceptance from interpersonal relationships.

“This need to be loved and accepted causes people in (connection) with one another to have supplementary influence over each other,” Wehr said.

But do not make decisions such as when to study or not, based on what your significant other wants at the time. Flunking a midterm or even a class, just because a relationship got in the way, is not worth it.

Although, at times, the point of a relationship is to be less selfish, this does not mean completely neglecting personal needs and feelings.

Discuss your ambitions with your boyfriend or girlfriend, or even friends, when you feel a relationship is negatively affecting you. Not doing this will only contribute to stress later on.

Identify where your friends and partner fit into your life before you allow them to determine the direction of yours.

Talecia Bell can be reached at [email protected].