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Dating and Relationships in Residency: A Guide for Medical Professionals
The long and unpredictable hours of residency can make starting and maintaining a romantic relationship tough. But it’s not impossible. Here’s how to date and make the most of your love life during residency.
1. Identify Your Needs
Building a deep, romantic relationship requires time, which is something you have very little of in residency. You’ll need to put yourself out there socially, such as going to events or joining community groups, work on your own personal development, and zero in on what you’re actually looking for from a partner.
2. Finding a Partner
Beyond finding a relationship, maintaining it takes up even more time and energy. If building a relationship in this stage of your life is important to you, you’ll need to intentionally carve out time for it, much like when you are studying for boards.
3. Maintaining a Healthy Relationship
Be Clear About What to Expect
It’s important to be upfront with your partner about your expectations for the relationship. This includes discussing your work schedule, your need for alone time, and your financial situation.
Develop Open and Honest Communication
Communication is key in any relationship, but it’s especially important in a relationship where one partner is in residency. Make sure to talk to your partner about your day, your feelings, and your concerns. It’s also important to be a good listener and to be supportive of your partner.
Don’t Allow Medicine to Rule Your Life
It’s easy to get caught up in the demands of residency and neglect your personal life. However, it’s important to make time for your relationship, your hobbies, and your own personal development. If you don’t, you’ll eventually start to feel resentful and your relationship will suffer.
Intentionally Block Time for Your Relationship
Just like you block time for studying, you need to block time for your relationship. This means setting aside specific times each week to spend with your partner. It doesn’t have to be a lot of time, but it should be consistent.
Additional Tips
- Be patient. Residency is a challenging time, and it can take time to build a strong relationship.
- Be supportive. Your partner is going through a lot, and they need your support.
- Be understanding. Residency can be unpredictable, and there will be times when you have to cancel plans or change your schedule.
- Be realistic. Residency is a temporary phase, and your relationship will eventually get easier.
Conclusion
Dating and maintaining a relationship during residency is possible, but it takes effort and commitment. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success.