runaway Posted May 20, 2014 Posted May 20, 2014 26 year old grad student. Life in grad school has been very grueling thus far. School itself is tough, but I feel like my social and love life is failing miserably. I had a lot of friends in college, but I feel like I have very few now. I go on dates with a lot of girls, but I am usually one and done nowadays. I have realized I need to seriously work on my interpersonal skills. I am willing to put in effort to improve the quality of my life. Book recommendations are much appreciated.
Potz4prez Posted May 20, 2014 Posted May 20, 2014 I think it's the stress. We get so worked up in our little academic bubble, we've got little effort left over to expend on others. For instance, had 3 first dates recently... Can't seem to care. Everything pales in comparison to all the work I have to do. Dunno man, just focus on having fun when you can. - chemistry grad student
Carlye_W Posted May 21, 2014 Posted May 21, 2014 It may also be the transition of leaving college and being left to your own devices to maintain or create interpersonal relationships. Think about it, in high school you develop friends that you see 5 days a week out of necessity. In college you may live with people or take the same classes - again, a forced commitment. As soon as you get out in to the real world, suddenly things aren't so easy. Additionally, you're growing up and establishing your own persona- and you may no longer relate to the existing people in your life. My advice - start by putting yourself in a comfortable situation and practice your social skills, be concious of making an effort with others whilst doing something you enjoy. It's a tough skill! Good luck.
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