Wellness Journalism: Relationships in Our Midst III

Meet Andrew and Ingrid!

Andrew is a 4th year Literature/Writing major at Eleanor Roosevelt College. His girlfriend Ingrid (a graduate of Whittier with an Art History degree) joins him on campus.

Andrew and Ingrid have known each other since summer camp—when they were 13! They dated in high school for a couple of years, and then parted ways. Quite some time afterward, Ingrid called him up. They’ve been together ever since. Their relationship has really gone the distance: in addition to attending different colleges in different cities, Ingrid even spent a year in Germany! Andrew and Ingrid consider themselves lucky: “We have had some big fights, and gotten over some stuff.”

Their relationship gives Andrew a stronger sense of direction and motivation. “She roots me,” he says.

Ingrid considers herself to be kind of shy; Andrew’s confidence helps her break out. “I feel safe around him. He’s my best friend—we talk about everything.” She continues, “I like him because he is intelligent, confident, and we have similar interests.” Naturally, Andrew agrees.

Wellness Journalism: Relationships In Our Midst II

Meet Anthony and Kristie!!

Anthony and Kristie went to the same high school; Anthony one year ahead. After he graduated, a mutual friend introduced them. Kristie knew she wanted to go to UCSD, so when it was time for Anthony to transfer he chose UCSD over UCLA. Now he is a 3rd year Physics major at Warren College and Kristie is a 2nd year Biology major at Sixth.

Kristie admires Anthony’s determination—when he has a goal, he goes for it—and she considers him to be a role model. On the other hand, she says, he can zero in on something and tune her out.


Anthony loves Kristie because she is beautiful and has a kind heart, and genuinely cares about his family and friends. She also has a really good memory, which sometimes drives him nuts, because “she’ll bring up everything.”


They find that their relationship is a wonderful source of support. “When I have trouble or frustration with class, I call Kristie,” says Anthony.

Wellness Journalism: Relationships In Our Midst

I, Wellness Journalist, have scoured the campus to bring you some of UCSD's thriving relationships; representing Social Wellness in all of its glory.

Daisy and Yessenia are both 3rd year students in Marshall College. They were assigned as roommates in the fall of freshman year, but didn’t actually talk to each other until spring quarter, when they had a class in common. Then, seemingly overnight, Daisy and Yessenia became inseparable. They even lived together again the following year as sorority sisters. “She’s a big part of my life,” says Yessenia.

Daisy’s favorite—and least favorite—thing about Yessenia is that she’s mean. “It works out both ways,” says Daisy, “Sometimes she is funny and teasing, and sometimes she is a jerk.”
Yessenia’s favorite thing about her friendship with Daisy is that they never fight. When they do disagree over something, the issue dissolves by itself. That, and Daisy doesn’t (seem to) get mad when Yessenia teases her.

Stay tuned for more of UCSD's own!

Wellness Journalism: Hallmarks of a Healthy Relationship

There are millions of people milling around you on a daily basis—and of all these, you hand-pick a select few to call friends. How do you know which ones are the keepers, and which ones are better thrown back into the sea?

A solid and supportive relationship can nourish you: mind, body, and soul.
On the other hand, a relationship that isn’t serving can really take a toll.

You greatest asset is WHO YOU ARE—and every relationship in your life should honor it. Be willing to look at any given relationship without bias, without justification, without excuses…and ask whether it is a parasitic relationship, or a symbiotic one.

In a parasitic relationship, you are made to feel inadequate. You are only “good” for something you have, something you do, or how you look/act. You are expected to behave in a certain way in order to make the other person happy. You feel drained and depleted. You might even feel stuck.

In a healthy, symbiotic relationship:
• You are free to be yourself, and you are loved for who you are.
• You’re not afraid to do as you feel or say what you think.
• Your happiness and well-being is of top importance.
• You are never asked to do anything that might bring harm to yourself or others.
• Your beliefs and opinions are respected and valued.
• You feel safe.
• You nurture and support each other.
• Your resources are shared and enhanced.
• You are inspired, motivated, and encouraged.
• You experience a unique sense of connection and comfort.
• You grow!

You, as the captain of your ship, have the right and responsibility to steer clear of relationships that drag you down. Do this, and you’ll find a plethora of partnerships waiting with open arms to help you forward.

To speak confidentially with a relationship expert, contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 858-534-3755.