Dating in general can be pretty tricky. It's a process of trial and error. You try relationships out to test your compatibility with someone else. You may find that you two aren't meant for each other; it could be bad timing, or there could just be something missing in the relationship. But, if you didn't try a relationship you would never know. However, when your soulmate seems to just fall into your lap how do you know it's right and how the hell do you make it work, especially in college?

Dr. Seuss knew what he was talking about.

I would like to begin with an extremely educational quote by the beloved Dr. Seuss. "We're all a little weird and life's a little weird and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up and fall into mutual weirdness we call love."

So essentially, you have to find someone that is just as freaking weird and crazy as you. The crucial key to success is dating someone that you can be you true self around. It's exceedingly difficult to put on a facade throughout the course of a relationship. When you feel comfortable enough to let go of all inhibitions and barriers and just be your raw self, you are on the right track to finding the right person.

Do not, and I repeat, do not be a damn chameleon.

You don't have to be mirror images of each other. In fact, it's almost better if you aren't exactly the same person. Having the same core values and beliefs makes life a little smoother, but as far as interests, dispositions and personalities there may be a little bit of completely acceptable discrepancy. You shouldn't simply be chameleon lovers that take on every characteristic the other possesses. Rather, you should embrace the uniqueness of your partner and they should take interest in your differences without necessarily having to conform to them. All the while, you can certainly learn new things from your partner and perhaps find things that you genuinely find interest in as well.

College years are an extremely dynamic period of time in an individual's life. You have to give your partner space, time and independence to find themselves. It is a completely feasible notion for two individuals to grow together as long as neither imposes upon the other's independence. This can look very different depending on the specific relationship. Two people may be capable of spending every day together while continuing to make their own advances in life while other couples may need to spend longer periods of time apart for self-exploration.

Be each other's number one fan.

Your college years can be filled with excitement and incredible memories that you will cherish for a lifetime as well as a time where you gain knowledge and wisdom to guide you to a lifelong career. However, you have to surround yourself with individuals that help you to make your college experience as good as it can be. Support is so important in a college relationship. Whether it's changing your major or getting a huge internship, it can be extremely comforting to have an encouraging partner by your side cheering you on.

You aren't an old married couple.

You also have to remember that you are still young. It may be tempting to slip into the "old married couple" as you start into your early- to mid-twenties and start your biological clock timer. But, when you take a step back you can slow down time and realize you still have a lot of life ahead of you. There's plenty of time for marriage and babies and all that stuff. Right now you should just enjoy your partner's company. Live in the moment and appreciate what you have. Be adventurous, spontaneous and young. Give each other constant reminders about how much you care about them. Whether that's a lunch date, flowers, a kiss on the forehead, or a "hey I love the shit out of you" it can really make the person's day.

So in conclusion...

Find the person that sets your soul on fire. Not like a city-regulated-Boy-Scout-fire pit, but a raging forest fire that engulfs your heart strings. Find someone that constantly makes you smile and laugh even when you're apart. Be with the person that looks at you with eyes filled with love and bewilderment and return their glances with a smiling countenance of passion and bliss. Be with a person that makes your toes curl and head spin with every kiss. You can disagree on things and have respectful arguments as long as you love 10x harder and more often than you bicker. Flirt a lot and fall in love with the other person all over again with every look and giggle. Every person deserves to find another that makes their life feel complete. Having a relationship in college can seem really tricky, but in reality, if you are with the right person it won't be difficult at all to find time for them and make the most out of your partnership.