Does an 'A' in love have to mean a 'D' in Biology?

Relationships, like many things at Hopkins, require a lot more work but aren't necessarily better.

Hopkins first appears to be like a nice summer camp -- a comfortable number of people to choose from, everyone's pretty smart and not excessively ugly.

Then comes the bleak winter of dating reality. The frat basements have emptied, and all of a sudden pairs pop up -- everyone's holding hands and sitting together at the library. It's time to find thee a bun warmer.

When you find yourself ready for a permanent epithet -- "the guy that dated/is dating (blank)" here are some words of wisdom about the Hopkins dating "scene."

Make Your Assessments Wisely

Just because she's a girl at Hopkins doesn't mean she's an ugly Writing Sems. major in a sorority. A fair number of Computer Science majors are hiding under frat boy exteriors.

Majors aren't always as good a judge of character, and don't be afraid to go looking for love in your dorky extracurriculars, either. No one wants to admit it, but a surprising number of relationships have started in the library.

Juggle It- Just a Little Bit

So,you're in a relationship. Now comes the hard part. Relationships that last more than two or three weeks seem to fall into three categories, in order of commitment.

1. The un-relationship. It's a step beyond friends with benefits, with public affection and maybe a handholding here or there. You don't really see each other during the day, but gosh darn it, he's the first person you call when you're drunk. Additional perks include, but are not limited to: brunch together, rides to the mall, and maybe a few free drinks. You're "involved," but it sure as hell won't interfere with your library schedule.

2. Medium well. This is for big boys and girls who can learn to set priorities. A successful relationship at Hopkins involves compromise and communication, which are all too rare. With all of us so damn driven, it may take a deep look inside before we're ready to consider someone else's feelings for a change. So, think creatively: can you guys study together? Are you willing to sacrifice a happy hour or two to watch baseball? Keep these things in mind if you're going to play with others like an adult. It's an added pressure, but it's usually worth it

3. RichandAmy. Even though you know the guy down the hall in the AMRs has a roommate, you swear his girlfriend has moved in before the second month of school. Something about these types screams Macaulay Culkin relationship issues, but god bless "em. They may not participate in much, they may not actually have other friends, but someone has to get married at 21, don't they?

Without mincing any more words, here are three more things to remember:

1. Don't waste college time thinking about life after college.

2. If your relationship is stressing you out more than any other area of your life, you need to take a step back.

3. And, post relationship, don't sweat a lack of activity -- there is most definitely life beyond the Charles Village area.