BU Love Letters Panel Features Two SSW Faculty

On February 21,  just a week after Valentine’s Day, BU Student Health Services hosted a Q&A session on love and relationships. A group of predominantly female students gathered to hear a panel of experts discuss their anonymous, love-related questions. The panel featured two School of Social Work faculty members, Dr. Mark Gianino and Dr. Lisa L. Moore— who were looked upon for their expertise on the LGBTQ and multi-racial populations. Leading the panel discussion was relationship columnist and author of the popular “Love Letters” blog on Boston.com, Meredith Goldstein. BU Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation coordinator, Elizabeth Brennan, moderated the discussion.

According to The Quad, BU’s independent online magazine, the dialogue ranged from more humorous subjects to the more serious. It started with questions like, how to confront your boyfriend about his bad breath, and continued with how to survive a long distance relationship and when to talk about exclusivity. The panelists were very in-tune with the college students, agreeing that open dialogues about healthy relationships are important in a young adult’s life. From experience with her “Love Letters” column, Goldstein said that romantic relationships formed during college help students mature and grow as individuals.

The Love Letters discussion was part of Student Health’s program for healthy relationship-themed events during the month of February. Student Health Services offers a host of resources on relationships, sexual health and other areas. Look out for more forums like this and other wellness events.

– Nina Follman