May 3, 2007

Spring Fever or More?
Scott Nelson
nelsoni@marietta.edu

Spring is here, and the fever is in the air. The winter clothes are coming off, and as usual, things are heating up around campus. Spring is the time when many new relationships begin, as well as old ones rekindle, but unfortunately, many college students may not know the right way to score points with that special someone.

Whether it’s the girl you have been eyeing as you walk the mall or that guy across the way in class the past few weeks, with only finals week left, you don’t have much time to catch that special someone’s attention before summer is here and campus clears out. So, we have some helpful hints for you to get that guy or girl under your arm before it’s too late.

First and foremost, don’t be shy! Many people try to wait for the right opportunity to approach the person they are interested in; unfortunately, if this is you, then time has run out.

Don’t wait for the moment; make the moment! After all, at this point, what do you have to lose? Guys and girls alike love human interaction. Sure, you may be able to talk boldly and outright on “Facebook” or “MySpace,” but there is nothing more appealing then looking in someone’s eyes and giving him or her a little compliment.

You may think that it’s corny, but trust me, it works wonders. When that person walks away, not only will he or she be thinking of the comment, but he or she will be thinking about you as well.

Now that you have that person thinking about you, you need to get some one-on-one time to see if this is really worth your time--because let’s face it; looks aren’t everything.

If you can’t carry on a conversation or at least share some interest, don’t waste your time. This mistake has been made many times, and we just want to save you the trouble and grief now. It’s about that time now when you set up the first date. The trick here is to not let it seem like a date but rather just two people hanging out.

Meet up to watch some TV or study for a class, or even just go play some pool at the Gathering Place. Once you have that one-on-one time and you break the ice, then you can set up a small date by seeing if your crush wants to go grab some ice cream or a bite to eat.

Before you know it, you’re sitting by the river eating a sundae with the person you thought was out of your league. This goes for women as well. Don’t think just because you are a girl you can’t take the initiative and ask a guy out, since you may very well miss out on “Mr. Right.”

Lastly, you need to seal the deal, and this can be done by doing a few things. First off, purchase something special for that someone to say thank you. You want to make this something personal.

Listen to this person’s interests or stories; if you hear a favorite flower or color mentioned, buy something accordingly. This will show that you not only listen, but you also care, because after all, if you don’t care, this whole “fling” may not matter.

After you give a small token of gratification, thank him or her for whatever little thing they did. Appreciation will get him or her to want to do more things with you just to share your gratefulness, and lastly, no matter what, remember: hold out just a little longer than you normally would. Never kiss on the first date; a hug and a peck on the cheek is acceptable, but “sucking face” is not necessary.

Nothing will keep a person thinking about you more than keeping him or her wondering what you have to offer. After that, you’re on your own.

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there. Make your presence known, get your alone time, take your crush out for a treat, and show him or her that you are grateful for the company. But just remember, don’t come crying to me when you’re tied down and you can’t get rid of that spring fling!