One should always be wary when entering into a new relationship. The ups and downs, the heartache and joy -- it all comes into play during a romantic endeavor.

Yet there is one type of relationship that comes with its own set of rules, one that spans miles and zip codes... the dreaded and feared long distance relationship.

It seems ever since I hit puberty I've been longing for someone in another area code. Recently my hormones have narrowed their focus, but for better or worse, her mascot is an elephant while mine is a Nittany lion.

Whatever kind of karma draws people together, it seems geographic locations go out the window when amoré comes to town. All kinds of folk find themselves pining away for a far-off love.

I offer unto you The Buyer's Guide to Long Distance Love. I don't claim to know all the answers, but here's some helpful hints before taking the plunge.

Committment: This is not something to be entered into lightly. If you don't think it's going to last, don't bother. It will just frustrate both of you when you get your phone bills.

There has to be more between you than some swapped spit at a party. A relationship of this type requires an emotional, financial, and social undertaking. In other words, you better really like 'em.

Honesty: Be straight with each other because without trust there is no basis for a relationship like this. It's not just telling your steady about all of the bad things you've done, but being honest about your feelings.

But don't make the mistake of forcing some kind of quasi-quality time on your beau, because it's just not natural and will merely strain your brief interludes of togetherness.

Jealousy: It is inevitable that one person will be having a better time than the other, and it is very easy to feel snubbed by your far-away sweetheart. Be supportive of one another -- it could simply be that your beloved has a better social life, so don't hold it against them.

Alcohol: Moderation is the key. Alcohol-impaired evenings can result in regretful mornings. I'll never forget -- nor will she -- the night I found myself in a van headed toward the New York state line with the University of Buffalo women's rugby team. Just think about what you would want your boy or girlfriend doing.

Transportation: Planes, trains and automobiles are all fair game when it comes to visiting your significant other. And Old Man Winter just doesn't seem to like me. Whether driving to Boston for Spring Break last year both ways through a blizzard or a two-day delay for my sweetheart's return flight this week. My advice is date someone from the South.

Individuality: College is supposedly the greatest time of our lives, and being able to do your own thing without ignoring your par-amour can be helpful in establishing your own group of friends and pursue your particular interests. Many a couple give up one new experience to hole up in a cozy room without giving the rest of University Park a chance.

Travel: The opportunity to see new places is one of the biggest advantages to a distant dater. I get free room and board in Boston while my lady friend gets to visit State College. I guess I kind of made out on this deal.

Visiting your darling's residence may not only give you a chance to snuggle with your sweetie, but meet lots of new people and find out what your love interest does when you're not in the same room.

Studies: Perhaps the greatest advantage of a long distance relationship is the free time you have to concentrate on school. Without a constant distraction of nearby necking, it's not always as hard to get your work done.

Phones: Calls from a loved one are great, calls to a loved one are dangerous. While hearing the voice of your special someone may ease your aching heartstrings, the bill may give you a coronary.

Example -- my roommate, another dabbler in the realm of removed romance, was having a relatively serious spat with his girlfriend and an unusually large amount of conversation was needed to calm the waters. The result was a $170 personal phone bill, which included a $44 midday chat and a few that clocked in around the $20 range.

The solution is a combination of preventative measures one can take. Limiting phone calls is hard but necessary. Get your money's worth out of the phone company -- I work my MCI plan to the fullest extent, and I've got my rates down to 6¢ a minute.

I hope I haven't scared any of you off, but if that's the case then maybe you're not cut out for this kind of thing. It's hard work, but I think the benefits outweigh the trouble.