5 Ways You Can Rock Back-to-School Relationships

It’s back to school time! Thousands of students like you are planning on leaving their summer behind and starting the school year off right. As you’re loading up your backpack, here are 5 ways you can rock back-to-school relationships and prepare for the new year.

1. Back to school means a fresh start

Maybe you had a summer breakup. Maybe you will see your old flame for the first time. Back-to-school time can be hard. Instead of focusing on how sad this will make you feel, focus on new beginnings. This is a new day, a new season. Positivity wins the day. Don’t get bogged down with obsessing about the past.

2. Set healthy boundaries in your dating relationships

Before you get that first call or text. Find friends who you would like to hang out in groups with instead of one on one. Get creative with your activities instead of falling into the let’s watch a movie rut. This will help if you have crossed lines in the past that you are not proud of and are working on a fresh start.

3. Don’t get caught up in the drama

If your BFF likes a guy and another friend does too, don’t get caught up in the drama. It’s not good for you. Decide that as you head back to school you’re not playing that game anymore. Encourage your friends to talk it out and refuse to participate.

4. Work on talking more with your parents

They do want to talk with you. Really. They may get on your very last nerve, you may think they don’t care, but give them an opportunity to get to know you better. Help with dinner or cleaning the car. Time spent doing stuff with good ol’ mom and pops may open up communication opportunities. If communication isn’t the best, maybe the back-to-school season is a great time to work on it.

5. Commit to staying healthy

Back-to-school time can be exhausting and it usually gets tougher as the year goes on. Get enough sleep. Turn your phone off at night. Drink water, exercise, and eat healthy food. Sure, these things may not seem like huge health factors, but over the school year, they’ll help you get the rest and nutrition you need to handle major school stress. Not to mention they will keep you looking and feeling great.

At Collage, we’re here for you as you head back to school. We know when it comes to relationships, things can get complicated. If you need somebody to talk to, we’re here to listen.

Here’s to you having a great year!

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My Friends Are Telling Me to Abort, But I'm Not Ready

June 4, 2025

An unexpected pregnancy can leave you with more questions than answers. Especially when friends are urging you to choose abortion, you may be more confused than ever. While their advice might come from care or fear, it’s essential to remember this is your pregnancy, future, and choice. At Collage, we’re here to help you navigate this pressure and find a path that feels right for you so that you can feel informed and confident about your decision. Reach out to us today for no-cost support. Listen to Your Instincts Your friends might be an important part of your life, but your instincts matter most. If abortion doesn’t feel right, take a moment to ask: What’s holding me back? Maybe you’re picturing parenting your child or are curious about adoption. It’s also important to keep in mind that abortion is a serious procedure that your friends may not fully grasp the details of. Physical and emotional risks are involved, making it a more complex decision. Your hesitation is a sign to slow down and explore, not to rush into a choice you’re not ready for. Talk It Out If your friends keep pressing, try a gentle conversation. Let them know you understand they’re worried, you’re not sure about abortion yet. Ask what’s driving their advice. Maybe they’re scared about your finances or future. Maybe they’re simply telling you what they’d do in your situation, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Understanding their side can ease tension without giving in. If they won’t respect your space, set boundaries and let them know you need time to think. You don’t owe them an immediate answer. Find Your Support Surround yourself with people who’ll lift you up, not pull you down. Write down your thoughts or talk to someone neutral. You can find a counselor or even online spaces where you can share your heart with those who won’t push one option over another. Even a trusted family member, a mentor, or a place like Collage can offer perspective without strings. You deserve to make this decision with clear facts and a steady heart, not under pressure. Help is Available If your friends are pushing abortion but you’re not ready, Collage is here with no-cost lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited obstetric ultrasounds, and pregnancy options education to help you decide what’s next. Our trained team offers confidential support to explore parenting, adoption, or abortion without pressure. Contact us for a no-cost appointment today. You deserve to choose your own path.

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An unexpected pregnancy can flip your world upside down, and the urge to keep it under wraps might hit hard. Maybe you’re thinking abortion could erase the situation quietly.

What to Do When Friends and Family Are Pressuring You into an Abortion Decision

April 2, 2025

What do you do when those closest to you start pushing you toward a decision that doesn’t feel right? Pressure from family or friends to choose abortion can leave you feeling stuck, unheard, and unsure of what to do next. How can you hold firm in your decision while dealing with well-meaning but overwhelming advice? Here’s what you can do to navigate this difficult situation with strength and resilience. Mental Health and Pressure Your decision should be your own—one that isn’t influenced by guilt or outside expectations. Studies show that women who feel pressured into abortion are more likely to experience guilt, anxiety, depression, and other negative mental health outcomes. Protecting your mental and emotional health starts with making a choice that aligns with what you truly want. Ways to Handle the Pressure Since you understand why this decision needs to be yours, here are some practical steps to help you handle outside pressure. Give Yourself Time You don’t have to decide right away. Take a moment, think through your feelings, and give yourself the gift to reflect without feeling rushed. You're less likely to regret a decision made on your terms. Learn About All Your Options Abortion isn’t your only choice. Parenting and adoption are also possibilities, each with its own forms of support and resources. Learning more about these options can help you make an informed decision you feel at peace with. Set Boundaries It can be tough to stand your ground when others have strong opinions about your decision. Clearly expressing your thoughts by setting boundaries can help you avoid unwanted pressure. Letting others know you need time and space to think can help shift the conversation away from their influence and back to what’s best for you. Advice from a Third Party Getting a different perspective on your situation can be helpful when seeking advice from someone outside your inner circle. This could be a professional counselor, an online support group, or a caring team member at Collage . You deserve people in your life who want to understand you without judgment. You Are Not Alone Even if those around you don’t fully understand, there are people who do. A supportive environment can make all the difference as you navigate this decision. Collage is here to walk with you during this time. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, pregnancy options information, and more at no cost so you can get informed and have the support you need to move forward with certainty. Schedule a confidential appointment today.