The heart of a relationship depends on the individuals involved. A number of people choose to have sex and sometimes that becomes the focal point of their time together.

I believe that sex can be a part of a relationship, but not the entire foundation.

I’ve seen relationships shattered because sex became the only priority. I knew a girl in high school who dated and slept with plenty of guys before she came to college. It seemed as if she would change boyfriends whenever she found ‘better’ sex.

One of her boyfriends was an extraordinary person. He was a gentleman and did everything he could to keep her pleased. In the end, she still cheated on him and moved on to another sexual partner.

She gave up the opportunity to be with a person who truly cared about her because of her obsession with sex.

Once she went to college, this person continued to base her relationships on sexual desires. Her boyfriend at the time would come into town and if they were alone, they were having sex. They never left the bedroom.

She thought it was love, but it was lust.

What they were involved in was not healthy. They never went on dates to spend time together. They never had trust and love. They never got farther than a superficial and physical relationship.

If you are going to be intimately involved with someone, there are other foundations on which to build your relationship.

Religion is an example of a solid building block. You can have God, or another deity, as a positive relational influence. If you and your partner share the same faith, then it is possible to become even more connected to each other.

Being physical is only one layer of intimacy.

Respect is a traditional way of building a loving bond. I think that respect for each other’s feelings and aspirations is a fabulous way to establish and continue a relationship. If all that you do is have sex, then all you “respect” is your partner’s body. You miss the opportunity to adore the other aspects of their being.

These are not the only rudiments, but the few I happened to think of. Avoid a relationship that’s only physical.

Have joy. Have fun. Have love.

Staying in your room 24/7 is ridiculous. Skipping meals to have constant sex is unhealthy. Love is not only physical . it is emotional, too.

In addition to kissing your significant other, you should talk to them. Talk about your feelings for each other. Make sure you are both on the same emotional level. Just talking brings individuals to a more intimate understanding of each other.

Relationships based on sex are difficult to continue. The sex may get old, which more often than not leads to cheating. I’ve seen it happen.

It’s the reality of the situation. Someone usually gets bored or thinks that the grass is greener on the other side.

William Penn once said, “Love grows. Lust wastes by enjoyment, and the reason is, that one springs from a union of souls, and the other from a union of sense.”

His quote is completely true. If your relationship is based on lust, it will waste away. A bond founded by love will grow and mature into a healthy continuous relationship.

- Jourdana Passaro is a junior from St. Marys, Ga., majoring in risk management and insurance and magazines