Our relationships are private, and sometimes that makes it hard to feel like we can talk with others about something going on in our relationships that we are struggling with or have concerns about. It can be challenging to feel like you can be completely honest about what's happening whether your friends are also friends with your partner-- because you might worry they won't hear your concerns objectively, or if your friends don't like your partner-- because you may feel protective of your partner even though you have concerns about a particular incident that has happened. Sometimes it's hard to talk about what's going on because you feel embarrassed. Here are resources that can help you where you don't have to worry about these concerns, because you will be talking to an objective third party:
CNU's Office of Counseling Services is a free and confidential resource for students located in the Freeman Center. They will listen to what's going on, and can help you come up with a plan for how to effectively address the issue with your partner, as well as provide support for you in terms of how the issues in your relationship have been impacting you personally. They are available for appointments during business hours M-F. It's easy to set up an appointment to meet with a counselor-- just call 757-594-7047 or even walk in. You can learn more about the Office of Counseling Services here.
If issues within your relationship are causing you to feeling depressed, scared, and/or isolated from others, or if you are fearful of your partner, what you are experiencing may be a form of intimate partner abuse. The word "abuse" can make us balk and think "my situation isn't that bad," but don't let the powerful connotation of a word hold you back from receiving support and better understand what is going on in your relationship. Click here to learn more about relationship abuse, and to seek support if you are experiencing any of these issues.