There are a lot of ways to say "I love you" today.

You could send flowers, candy or sexy lingerie, as several commercials recommend. Or you could take someone out for a quiet dinner and evening of memories. You could even make a long-distance phone call to your grandmother in Illinois.

Or you could decide to cut straight to the heart of things and pursue honest, healthy relationships.

The University sponsored Healthy Loving Week last week, seven days of workshops and lectures that gave tips for developing healthy, loving relationships.

Healthy loving in the 1990s often means safer sex. But last week's programs also addressed subjects like heterosexism, same-sex relationships and sexual roles --topics deserving of attention on a college campus.

Many men and women meet potential marriage partners or establish lifelong loving patterns during college. Taking the educational opportunity to understand what makes a relationship healthy can only help people.

And no matter what kind of relationship you choose to be involved in, or what social and religious perspective you bring to it, being in love can be tough.

Decisions about level of commitment, monogamy, sex and birth control are not ones to be taken lightly. Programs last week stressed honesty and tolerance as keys to making those decisions intelligently and thoughtfully.

Communication also alleviates misunderstandings and feelings of vulnerability that come with opening yourself to another human being. Combining communication with planning before becoming involved with someone can prevent later trauma.

Precautions such as condoms or other forms of birth control can help protect partners from pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. But making these decisions takes forethought and discussion.

Just saying "I love you" isn't enough. Only honesty and communication can prepare you and your partner or partners for the big implications behind those three little words.