People are complex. We are intricate, chaotic systems, and understanding us is difficult. Coordinating two systems into something resembling a functional relationship is so hard that most people fail in the long run. Add in the fact that, if you’re reading this, you’re probably a college student with tests, studying, car problems, roommates that eat your food, a part-time job and financial troubles, and it is no surprise that a big chunk of us, when asked about dating, simply reply that we don’t have the time.

However, depending on which study you believe, somewhere between 15 percent and 40 percent of all marriages start at school. If you take a bunch of young people, first coming into adulthood, first meeting others that are as smart as they are, first meeting people that share their same interests, and add a bunch of stress, it is no wonder that they fall into bed together, if not in love. But how do you approach that person you have a crush on? How do you deal with breakups, and the drama that might follow if they are in the same class?

In this series of articles, I will attempt to address the most common relationship issues facing Madison College students, as well as answering any questions you as the reader have for me. I should note that most of the advice that will appear in this column will be universally applicable unless I state otherwise; men and women, gay and straight, promiscuous or reserved, poly or monogamous, vanilla or kinky and all shades between, everything you see here should help.

Listed below, there are some common pointers for any successful relationship. I’ll be going into more detail on each of these later, but this is an awesome place to start, whether you’re looking for the love of your life or just someone to keep you warm tonight.

But what I’m mostly here for is giving advice. If you have questions, either general or specific, feel free to send them to  [email protected]. Please specify if you are comfortable being mentioned in the Clarion or not; either way I will get back to you. That’s all I have for now, good luck out there.