Changes

Long distance relationships can be troublesome, and some people would suggest that you avoid them at all costs. They generally only work when both parties are really committed to the relationship; they pretty much invariably don't work if you're more attracted to your S.O.'s hot body than to their witty banter. Don't date someone at home while you're abroad, ; the results will be <i>disastrous</i>. Even if you're happy at school, leave it while you're away and come back when you return.

If at all possible, avoid getting involved (whether in a relationship or simply a casual hook-up) with one of your entrymates ("entry incest") or, God forbid, someone in your a cappella group. Imagine spending two or three years having to sing cheerfully next to someone you went through a nasty breakup with, and you'll understand why. <so>Unless you're really, really sure that that nasty breakup won't ever happen, it's probably not worth it.</so> It's not worth it. After all, as [[Joe McDonough '06]] once boldly claimed, it is ''possible'' to date outside your a cappella group. If, however, you are a member of the [[Elizabethans]], resign yourself to dating another one. The incest rate of that group is about 50% -- for better, but most often for worse.

And donDon't feel obligated to actually be in a relationship while here. While some people feel the need to "pretend" to be happy being single, it really does provide freedom and entertainment for extended periods of time. ("Entertainment"?)

The ''Boston Globe '' ran an article about Williams relationships [http://www.boston.com/news/education/higher/articles/2004/02/09/for_dateless_on_campus_idea_clicks/ here]. An excerpt: ''At Williams, the refrain is that everyone is either "married" -- inseparable from their significant other -- or prone to "hook up" with people in casual, usually drunken, encounters. Or they have no love life at all.''

Get tested. You can do this by giving blood -- [[User:Plaidfury|I]] think. Can anyone confirm?