Valentine’s Day can make relationships feel more visible for students. Whether they’re dating, single, or somewhere in between, this time of year can bring up questions about connection, communication, and boundaries.
Relationships in college change quickly. Learning how to navigate conflict and care for oneself along the way is part of student growth.
A Helpful Reminder About Conflict
Healthy relationships don’t avoid conflict—they move through it with honesty and respect. Tension with roommates, miscommunication with partners, or distance from friends is common. You might ask your student:
What Healthy Communication Can Look Like
Good communication is often simple and direct:
“I felt hurt when this happened.”
“Can we talk about what’s going on?”
“I need some space, but I care about this relationship.”
Clear boundaries help relationships feel safer and more respectful. You might ask your student:
“What does good communication look like for you right now?”
“Are there boundaries you’re learning to set at Carolina?”
Redefining Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to mean pressure or comparison. Care can show up in many ways—supportive friendships, appreciation for roommates, or self-kindness. You could ask:
“Who are the people you feel most supported by right now?”
“What does Valentine’s Day feel like on campus?”
When Relationships Feel Overwhelming
If relationship stress starts to affect wellbeing, students don’t have to handle it alone. There are many campus resources your student can explore:
- The Heels Care Network helps connect students to the wide variety of supportive spaces on campus and beyond.
- CAPS offers counseling, groups, and medication support for students
- Student Wellness offers well-being coaching,
- Campus Health which can support students when relationship stress shows up physically
Check in with your student – do they know where to go if they need relationship support? What kinds of support helps them when things feel heavy? Look at the Heels Care Network resources together to find options that might meet their needs.
Bottom Line
Healthy relationships are built through learning, reflection, and support—not perfection.
Families can help by staying curious, listening without judgment, and reminding students that support is available.