By KAREN HILL
It is spring and with the budding tulips, there are many budding romances across campus. Just like that flower, in order for a relationship to grow it needs proper nurturing. The first step towards a promising spring fling, is a promising first date. I have compiled a list of tips to keep in mind when out for the first time with that new, special someone. Sometimes these things may seem obvious, but the obviousness makes them easily over looked.
1.Guys, look like you are trying. Ladies, don’t look like you are trying too hard.
Sweats and T-shirts are really not okay, unless for some odd reason you chose the gym, or a stroll in the Botanical Gardens for your first date.
While looking like you are trying is important, trying too hard is not attractive and fairly pathetic. This is college and our budgets probably don’t include much more than a dinner and movie for a first date. Nothing you could possibly be doing would require heels. I love heels and I wear them to class and when cleaning my room or on a McDonald’s run, but never on a first date. It’s uncomfortable and unnecessary. Also, ladies, avoid push-up bras. Lying on first dates is the ultimate no-no. If things go well, he will find out the sad truth about your cup size eventually. Just keep your makeup natural and your clothes fitting for the occasion.
- Avoid talking about exes and past hookups at all costs.
Some people may be completely open about their sexual endeavors and romantic pasts, but it really is not appropriate for a first date. Not only is it awkward, but it sets up this lasting precedent for your date to try to match up to. You also sound whiny and not over your ex, or into your date.
- Phones away.
You probably are texting all your friends with all the updates of the date, checking-in on Facebook or just fidgeting with your phone to look cool. All of these activities, however, make you look disinterested. Be present! Your friends and your Facebook page will all still be there after your rendezvous with Mr. or Ms. New. He or she, however, might not be there when you want to hang out again if you spend the evening playing on your phone.
- Offer to pay, but do not insist.
Chivalry is stupid. I never expect guys to pay for me. More often than not if he has any employment at all, it is just a fancy internship that might never turn into a job. Either one is not going to pay your dinner bill. As a woman, I offer to pay or split the check. Men, do not feel obliged to pay, but you should definitely offer.
- Send a “thank you” text.
After the date you can take your phone back out and send a nice “thank you” or “had fun” text. These texts should be short, include an inside joke about your date and do not necessarily have to lead to a conversation after just hanging out for several hours. It is a polite gesture that will make the recipient feel giddy and appreciated.
If the date didn’t go so well, it is still polite to send one of these texts, but make it less personal and never follow up with any other texts or calls ever. Your former date will get the point.
Good luck on your future first dates!
