Summer break is over and we're back in Athens for another year of partying, studying and, of course, meeting new people. College offers all people a chance for a fresh start in school, friends and especially dating. Students here have an incredibly diverse dating pool to find the person of their dreams. Whether you are leaving behind a high school sweetheart or just single in the city, Athens can offer many opportunities for dating and having fun away from home.
Dating and maintaining relationships can be hard to accomplish, especially when you add in the pressure from classes and other activities. Just meeting an eligible single person can feel almost impossible. Then after meeting that right person you have to ask yourself: What do I do now? There are the inevitable questions of where to go on a date, what makes a good gift and whether or not they are really into me or just using me.
These questions and many more can be nagging and can cause major stress that we as college students do not need. I hope that through my own experiences in relationships and the experiences of my friends, I can help demystify the dating process and offer some insight.
Athens may be a small town in southeastern Ohio, but if you put some thought into it you can find things to do on your date. There is always the tried-and-true dinner-and-a-movie date. A short walk up Court Street can bring to light different restaurants that you may not have thought of previously. Some preplanning could help you find an eatery that would be perfect for your date.
On the movie front, I do have to admit there aren't many options. The Athena pretty much has the market cornered on movie theatres in Athens -at least until the new theater out on East State Street opens for business. Of course if you are fortunate enough to have a car, or are a slick talker and can score one, then Movies Ten just outside of Nelsonville is another destination. This theatre offers a slightly larger selection of movies.
If dinner and a movie seem a bit too boring -or overused -to you, then there are plenty of other options. Stop in at a coffee shop, grab a few cappuccinos and enjoy people watching and sitting close on a sofa. Most coffee shops also usually have some sort of board games lurking around. So grab the Scrabble board and challenge your date to a game-that way if you are spelling words like whimsical and they spell cat
you at least know what you're getting into.
Another easy date option is hitting a local bar. Athens is obviously blessed with an abundance of those. It shouldn't be hard to find one or two that suit your taste. You could easily make an evening out of bar hopping and tasting the specialties that each has to offer.
If you're in the mood for a more intellectual or classier date, then check out the schedule of events at Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium. There could be an interesting guest speaker or concert scheduled. The best part of going to a university-sponsored event is that students usually get discounted tickets. A good speaker can also double as an interesting conversation piece. After the event the two of you can discuss whether you agree or disagree with the points that they made.
Discussing classes and professors that you've had in common can also provide good conversation. Maybe you had a professor who has inspired you or one who could always get you interested in the class. Share your likes and dislikes about them and get your date's input. Chances are they have some good stories to share themselves. It can be a good way to lighten the mood. Who knows? You may even discover a professor or class you would like to take next quarter.
Whatever you decide, date someone who makes you happy and you can be yourself around. We all have a better time when we are feeling good about our life. Letting your true self shine through is a trait that will stand out to those that you date. I am here to offer ideas and suggestions, but I cannot replace just being yourself and letting your uniqueness come out to the people you date and in the activities you choose to take part in.
-Ashley Henry is a sophomore journalism major. Send her an e-mail at ah628704@ohiou.edu. 17
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Ashley Henry
