A new romance can be completely encompassing but here are three steps to maintain your relationships when you fall in love.

The euphoria of a new romance can be addictive, thrilling and…time-consuming. And while nurturing an exciting new relationship is entirely healthy, it is easy to fall off the face of the planet during this time.

There are three key relationships that need to be continually nurtured throughout your life: your romantic relationships, your friendships, and your own self. Here’s how:

1. Don’t change your priorities

Understandably, your new relationship will become an additional priority in your life. However, this does not mean adding a new person to your life results in the exclusion of others, because your friends need you too. Psychotherapist, Ellen Starr says she sees this all the time when people start a new romantic relationship. ‶[You must] know that your support network of friends are there [for you], and it is important continue to nurture that.”

2. Introduce everyone

Introducing your new love interest to your friends may feel like you’re throwing them to the wolves but this is an important step to make your friends feel included in your life. Keeping the two groups separate will only lead to resentment and eventually detachment.

However it is still important to have date nights separate from your friends. “Romantic relationships in your twenties is part of developing, and it can be difficult when your friends place their own judgements on your boyfriend or girlfriend,” says Starr. When it comes down to it, you want to make decisions about your relationship on your own terms and not hold your friends accountable for your choices.

3. Get a life

Abandoning the interests and activities that you had prior to your relationship not only changes who they were initially attracted to, but it also changes who you are to your friends. “Young people should view having a life outside of the romantic relationship as a way to keep the relationship alive,” says Starr. Spending time with your friends, and engaging in activities without your significant other will make not only your friendships stronger, but keep your romance alive.