The challenges inherent in starting a relationship are not a secret to most people. Worrying about infidelity, commitment and just finding time to spend together, on top of a course load and extracurricular activities or winning over his or her parents- these are some common relationship worries.

Trying to find a person that shares similar interests and complements your personality is a goal many set for themselves in college.

Some students, however, face an additional obstacle in maintaining a healthy relationship by dating someone who lives miles, states or even countries away. For those in a long-distance relationship, there are numerous challenges that can be difficult to overcome.

Rupert Nacoste , a professor in social psychology, defined a long-distance relationship by taking into account how much travel time is required to see a significant other.

“It’s got to be distance, and not just across the street,” Nacoste said. “It’s got to be anywhere from two hours on. Two hours mean you’ve got to think, ‘how do I fit that in with classes and extracurricular activities?’ Whatever puts pressure on the relationship.”

For Melissa Dalena , a junior in poultry science, the distance from her boyfriend is much greater.

“[My boyfriend] goes to Marquette University in Wisconsin,” Dalena said. “We only get to see each other over holiday breaks.”

Despite the distance, Dalena has maintained her relationship throughout her time in college, and just recently celebrated her fourth anniversary after three years of long-distance.

While many students share Dalena’s experience, Nacoste explained the inherent problems with such relationships.

“Long-distance relationships are always at risk of failing,” Nacoste said. “Absence of interaction is detrimental. Relationships cannot last without face-to-face interactions.”

Many students see social networking as a way to help them maintain and work through the stresses of a long-distance relationship.

“Skype has been helpful,” Dalena said.

However, according to Nacoste , the supposed benefits of social networking are actually detrimental.

“What some people are not getting is that all that tech does is allow you to exchange info,” Nacoste said. “It does not allow you to get the emotions and quirks of a person. What don’t you see [on Skype]? You can’t even tell what they’re doing with their life.”

Nacoste further explained the physical interactions and the things one constantly learns about their partner are lost in a long-distance relationship, and no social media can replace that.

Still, for many students who come to college already in a relationship they want to make work, it is worth the difficulties. Dalena admits the challenges, but remains dedicated to her long-distance relationship.

“Not seeing each other is hard,” Dalena said. “It’s a challenge not being able to do things together, like football games, movies and parties.”

Nacoste views those challenges as the core problem with long-distance relationships, especially at the average age of a college student.

“I find it very disturbing that students come here with 30,000 other people, and they’re dragging around this relationship that isn’t even here,” Nacoste said.

For Nacoste , college is already a time when students are trying to study, become involved in extracurricular activities, and possibly even take part in study abroad. Even a regular relationship can be a challenge for students, amid all the other activities that dominate their lives.

Nacoste has spent a great deal of time trying to guide students through the pitfalls of interpersonal relationships. Nacoste teaches Psychology 311, Introduction to Social Psychology, as a course on interpersonal relationships. Topics for the course include everything from what is a relationship is to why conflict is necessary in a healthy one.

Nacoste emphasizes the importance of asking certain questions before entering into a relationship.

“What are the goals for this relationship?” Nacoste said. “What are we about to do? Do we have some idea of what we’re trying to do? What are your plans for the future? The fundamental question is [about the] stability of your own life, and really being realistic about that.”

College students will continue to enter into relationships. For those considering a long-distance relationship, the numerous pitfalls and trade-offs remain an important element to consider.