When the sun begins to creep out from behind the clouds and spring flowers begin to bloom, be careful because more than allergies are around the corner. Just as people begin to pull their flip-flops out of their cold-weather hiding spots, the relationship break up season is about to begin.

Break up season is known as the ever-popular Spring Fever. For a reason unknown to me, couples new and old often have the highest break up rates in the spring. Valentine?s Day is usually the beginning of the bickering and, as March rolls around and the sun comes out, boyfriends and girlfriends are often given their pink slips. However, you can still have a great Valentine?s Day and be given your walking papers. That whole reminder of commitment wreaks havoc on many relationships.

The other side of the fence always seems brighter than the side you are pacing on. Men and women are both capable of catching Spring Fever. So beware, it?s very contagious. Once your friend catches it, you are bound to feel the itching of Spring Fever?and the urge to end a relationship?as well. You may begin to realize that the other side of the fence was not brighter, but more seductive, since new things, and new people, always seen more exciting.

Those who discover this phenomenon fast enough have the opportunity to mend an unnecessary break up, but others who get an excessive dose of Spring Fever often realize too late what they lost. Admittedly, some break ups are best for both parties involved, but that does not make the breakup period any easier, unless you were looking for a way out.

Women tend to hold onto past relationships, although they know that arguing daily with their partner is not healthy. More often than not, the hardest thing to admit is the truth, and who honestly wants to be broken up with? How do you know who you are meant to be with? There are many over-priced textbooks out there on numerous topics, why isn?t there one on choosing a proper mate? That would be one book I wouldn?t complain about the cost of. Not all couples experience Spring Fever, but those that got together during the cold weather months tend not to last through the warm summer months. I am not wishing bad karma on anyone. This is rather a report on what I have seen in the past and what is currently happening on campus. If you don?t experience a Spring Fever break up, you probably know someone who will. Be supportive of those who are victims.

No one enjoys the process of going from “we” back to “I.” In all, as women begin to shed their clothes, and toes start to peek out of open toed shoes, people also begin shedding their significant others.

So ladies and gentlemen, be prepared, the sunshine may bring a break up in your future. If you are single, look at the bright side of Spring Fever: There will be many new men and women entering the dating pool as soon as the sun comes out. Happy Spring!

Disagree? Tell Crystal Clark what spring is really all about at [email protected].