In the midst of post-Valentine’s Day life, some people have remained happy with their significant other, but many were left crying tears of sadness.

Campus Explorer states “College students prefer short-term, casual relationships over long-term relationships because it allows them to focus on their academic and career goals.”

Or are there other factors that lead to the end of whirlwind romances and love affairs between students.

“I feel like most college relationships fail because couples lack decent communication skills. Plus they probably get caught up in the freedom and romantic options that come along with college. That coupled with emotional and mental immaturity are all things that work against a solid relationship,” Naundie Eason, senior sociology major, said. “In my opinion the best way to break up with someone is by doing it face to face.”

“My worst break up was because we were not on the same page. One person was definitely putting more into it than the other. I had been putting off how I had been feeling. When things finally ended, it was kind of like a fuse to dynamite. It ended in an explosion of emotion,” Angel Salcedo, junior middle grades education major, said.

So how can communication problems be fixed?

In her book “Blending Families”, Elaine Fantle Shimberg says, “You can’t communicate while you’re checking your BlackBerry, watching TV or flipping through the sports section.”

“Communication is very important because it provides you with the groundwork that you need as a couple. Being able to communicate with my girlfriend now is what keeps our relationship strong” Salcedo said.

Those in relationships have to set aside time to really get to know who they are with no distractions in order to express feelings in a way that they will understand.

“Well in college I think people are just finding themselves so when they are tired of the person they are with they break up with them to find someone new. The best way to break up is to blame yourself. The whole ‘it’s not you, it’s me’ routine really comes into play” Bradley McDonald Jr., junior mechanical engineering major, said.

With over 20,000 students enrolled at Georgia Southern University it can be hard to choose just one person to spend all of your time with.

Just like any other aspect of college, experiencing new things drives the world of student dating.

So how can you keep your eyes set on just one person?

Rachel Simmons, author of “Odd Girl Out”, stated in a Teen Vogue article that “before you talk to your significant other, figure out what you really want.”

“I think it’s important to not go into a relationship blind. You shouldn’t waste time building a relationship with someone you know that you can never be serious with. Know what you what from that person and what they want from you” Allegra Johnson, international studies major, said.

It is easier to stay with that one person when you know what you are truly looking for.

Just like choosing a degree, dating is not something that should be entered into lightly.

“I think temptation causes most break ups. There are many possible suitors that remaining faithful can be difficult. I think the best way to break up is by being transparent.  You should tell them how you honestly feel. Although telling the truth may be difficult, there would not be any misinterpretations” Danielle Hutchings, sophomore logistics major, said.

Cheating is statistically the number one cause of breakups amongst college students.

Though there is no surefire way to prevent cheating, studies show that it is less likely to occur in relationships where both partners feel satisfied.

It is also important to discuss what is considered cheating by both partners.

Though there are many reasons that lead to breakups and many different ways to let someone know that your feelings are not the same, they are a much-needed part of growing up.