How many times have you had this conversation:

Boy: Hey baby, what you doing tomorrow night?
Girl: OMG honey! I have so much to do! I have a meeting for that philanthropy thing I’m doing next weekend, and then I have to make flashcards for 128 words for my Spanish vocab test tomorrow, and then I’m spending the rest of the night in the library to start my research paper. What about the day after tomorrow?
Boy: I don’t know. I have rehearsal until 10, and then I’m going to a study group for my midterm on Friday and I have to find some time to go into town and buy a birthday present for my sister and mail it.

The most important part of any relationship is spending time together. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most difficult. As a university full of over-involved over-achievers, making time for a boyfriend or girlfriend sometimes falls by the wayside. But if it falls too far, your relationship could follow.

There are plenty of ways to spend time together without going out on a dramtically romantic date. And, yes, even small things can be dates, if you put in a little effort and adjust your attitudes.

You and your S.O. may not participate in the same activities (if you’re spending hours with your sorority and he’s at rehearsals for four hours a night, there’s not much way you can spend time together). There is no romance in that, but add a little wine and cheese (or chips and salsa if you’re on the cheap side) when you two are together to class it up. Added bonus: If, like most college students, your bed doubles as your sofa, it’s not too hard to take a more-stimulating study break if the reading gets a little boring.

One of the best things to do as a couple is work out. Everyone needs to exercise, and having a buddy can motivate you to go to the gym. More importantly, excercising releases endorphins, same as foreplay, so when you get back you have the perfect excuse to take a shower…together.

Not all nights have to be filled with work. Find a TV show you both like and block out the time and space to see it together. If you’re not into TV, try picking one night a week for a movie night to watch all the Oscar films and chick flicks (ok, just kidding) you missed. Get together, then turn out the lights and make out through the boring parts.

As great as the fireworks, man-I’m-definitely-getting-laid-tonight dates are, sometimes they’re hard to squeeze in. Besides, keeping a relationship happy is about the little things. Once you get into an in-dating routine, it’ll make the nights out even better.