Love finding outside the comfort zone is something hard and difficult. And it actually does not matter how hard or difficult the quest for the other half of your heart might be, it will not be worth being harmed or causing your loved ones to grief over you.

There are important things that any person needs to consider when venturing outside of campus grounds –well, even if they are inside campus grounds- regarding traps and how to avoid them.

• Do not accept drinks from strangers. Even if they seem like the hottest and most sexy person that has approached your little self and even if you are at a BAR, -yes, I know it might seem dumb not to drink at a bar- be mindful that most drinks are “spiked” at places like these. Of course, it does not mean that you should take your own beer, but have them open it in front of you. You know the sound of a freshly popped glass bottle.

• While we are at the drinking point, while being at the bar or disco or nightclub, do not accept plastic-bottled drinks. Plastic bottles have little resistance to needles being pushed to inject any substance. It might sound paranoid, but it is better than to be scarred for life.

• Always let your family know who you are seeing and dating and who your are not and why. Independence is a great thing, but there is no such thing as total independence or total freedom. This is a philosophical impossibility and once you have learned and accepted this, you will be on your way on being more secure.

If you are the type of person who is willing to risk some degree of security in order to fin the right person that will soothe your heart and soul, then that is great and good luck. But most of us (and probably you) will agree that more often than not you will end up kissing more than one toad before finding the charmed one.

Kissing toads might be a sport for some, but eventually it will cause weariness and boredom. How to stop? Well, there are a few tell-tale signs that can let you know that you are kissing a frog.

• He or She requires instant and immediate commitment. Dating is fun, getting to know each other to the extent that you can finish each other sentences can be romantic and enticing, but it will not happen overnight, despite what some people would like to believe.

• Determine what you can stand and what you can’t. Everyone has flaws and pesky or annoying habits (yup, even YOU) and these habits can make someone who would otherwise seem perfect look like a grotesque puddle of toad-drool; so it is important to consider upfront what perky habits are you willing to stand in the name of love.