“Don’t fall in love in college you’ll ruin the best years of your life.” I have heard this phrase multiple times before coming into college my freshman year. Hook ups and disposable feelings are a norm in college. Being in a committed relationship is not nearly as common. Being in a relationship in college, or coming in with one your freshman year, doesn’t stop you from getting the full college experience like others tend to say. All types of relationships are difficult; from long distance to in school, if you are in love, being a college sweetheart will be no problem.

A long distance relationship is difficult, both couples must put a lot of time and energy into keeping the relationship strong. Communication is a must; either texting or skyping, talking to your long distance significant other is not as easy as meeting up with him for coffee in the afternoon like many college couples can do on campus (but making time for a quick video chat is always great.) Missing your significant other and becoming restless is a common thing in most long distance relationships. The thing is, both partners have to stay just as strong and remind one another that they will see each other soon, even if it is months away. If there is equal love, then there will be no problem in keeping the relationship stable. A long distance relationship is worth it if both of you believe in it. One can not be 100 percent in the game while the other is putting no effort.

Many couples meet in college and start to fall in love. Having a significant other doesn’t mean that either of you are going to be deprived from activities and parties just because you are a couple. Having a partner is like having a best friend. Taking your significant other to a party is always a great way to have a good laugh and enjoy yourselves together. College can be pretty hectic, so having a significant other can help manage time. Scheduling dates in-between work, homework and sleep is always a great way to help manage your schedule. A significant other can also help with homework and studying. Maybe they took a class you're currently taking and have extra notes that can help you succeed; it’s like having a free tutor. You’ll also have someone that is going to watch you grow as a person and as a student. They will love you through it all and help you when times seem rough; it’s always nice to have someone there for you. You also never have to worry about hooking up with random strangers. While many meet strangers at parties and end up hooking up, you can walk across the room and kiss your significant other, the only person for you.

If you’re like me, then you came into college with a boyfriend already. The high school sweethearts that are inseparable. I have met many who broke up with their boyfriend/girlfriend before coming into college because they thought that hooking up would be better than being “tied down.” I have to say that coming in with a boyfriend is no different than anything else. Though my boyfriend lives 40 minutes away, when I do get to see him it’s the greatest feeling in the world. That is a feeling many college couples have when they see each other for the first time in a while. My boyfriend calms me down when I am stressed, he makes me laugh when I am at my lowest point and he reminds me why I never want anyone else but him.

Being college sweethearts isn’t as bad as people make it seem. I have my best friend by my side; we party together, do homework together, and we are one another’s rock. To me, that seems pretty lucky.