Archive for October, 2009

Happy Anniversary?

Friday, October 30th, 2009

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Is your one year anniversary coming up? If so, are you freaking out? If you answered yes, don’t. One year anniversaries can be scary, but they most certainly don’t have to be. There are so many things you can do that can make this a much better, and a much less stressful, experience for you and the other person in your relationship.

The first thing you need to do is communicate. Communication is the most important aspect of every part of your relationship and anniversaries are no different. Make sure that you and your
boyfriend/girlfriend are on the same page. You need to talk about it because you don’t want to be the one who gives your boyfriend/girlfriend a really nice gift and they don’t have anything
to give back, or vice versa. Also, if you and your boyfriend/girlfriend decide not to give gifts, mean what you say. Don’t tell them you don’t want to exchange gifts and then get them something really nice, hoping they realized that you didn’t mean it. Be honest!

When it comes to picking out gifts, if you decide that you do want to exchange gifts, don’t stress too much about them and don’t spend too much money either. Expensive gifts are not necessary. I know it’s cliché, but it really is the thought that counts. In my opinion, nice homemade gifts are definitely the way to go. You don’t have the be an artist to make something special and thoughtful. Do something as simple as cover a box with newspaper and put small objects and/or pictures that are special to the both of you in them. Or, buy a notebook and write something that you saw that reminds you of them in it each day. A homemade cake that you decorated is also a really cute and somewhat easy to make idea as well.

If you really can’t think of something that you want to make, buy something sweet. Maybe, a movie that the two of you saw together and both really liked. If you can’t think of anything, just spend a few hours and go to the mall and look around until you find something that makes you think of them or you think they would really like. That’s how I find my best gifts.

Now that you have the gift down, what are you going to do on your anniversary? Once again, do not stress. If it is a nice day outside, have your boyfriend/girlfriend come to your house and make a picnic lunch together and go to the park all day. If the weather is not so good or you’re not the outdoor type, go to a nice restaurant and then come back home and make chocolate covered strawberries together with fondue chocolate. Whatever it is that you do, make it different, make it special. You don’t want to do any routine activities because this day is special.

Do not stress about your anniversary. Remember that communication, thoughtful-instead of expensive-gifts and a special evening together will make your anniversary memorable.

Katy

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TRUE LOVE vs. ROMANCE- By Lisa Liu

Monday, October 26th, 2009

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No one should ever have to settle for less when it comes to love. Do not confuse romance for true love. Romance appears in the material items that a significant other provides, usually to show that he or she has interest in the other, ranging anywhere from chocolates to jewelry and other goods. I don’t think it should not be a tangible gift that people look for in a significant other; men and women alike should find joy and a genuine connection with each other—that is true love. For example, do not get discouraged if the significant other forgets to buy a gift for an important event or does not constantly shower you with gifts. Everyone forgets an important date once in a while. As long as you know that he feels affection for you, then romantic gifts are a quality bonus.

True love can be a concept that is difficult to grasp. It is not something that can be explained, rather it must be experienced. Whereas romance may be material goods, true love deals more with the individuals in the relationship. Key questions are asked and answered well in something that is true love: Do my partner and I get along well and generally have a good relationship? Can I tell my partner anything? Can I trust my partner to always be there for me? Hopefully, the answers to those questions were yes, yes, and yes! One can know the difference between love and romance based on commitment. If your significant other always gives you gifts on your birthday but does not talk to you on a daily basis, run the other direction! If your significant other tries to comfort you when you cry and when you have an argument with each other he always tries to work it out, he is a keeper. No one should be denied the chance to find true love, so be observant as well as perceptive.

Here comes the important question: Is romance necessary for true love? My answer is no. A simple look of the eye that sweeps you off your feet is more meaningful than a box of chocolates. A dandelion picked from a garden can be more meaningful than a bouquet of roses. Although romances in a relationship can be fun for a while and may seem important, the needs and desires of each individual vary from couple to couple, but true love can be achieved without any gifts or romances that seem to be the duty of people in relationships in the present day.

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On Locker Love and PDA

Monday, October 19th, 2009

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Locker Love. We all know what it is. Or should I say who it is. There are those couples you see everywhere, in between every class. Somehow they manage to find each other during that small seven minute period break. They stand there, just whispering to each other, and sometimes it goes a little farther… Now the question is, is this appropriate? Are they allowed to do that? Why would they do that here? I personally don’t think that is something you want to be doing out in public. It’s just awkward for everyone walking by, and people start to talk and whisper about it during class. You start to develop a reputation, and it follows you. You’re in high school and, hate to break it to you, but chances are it’s not gonna make it. Is this locker love worth a whisper or snicker behind your back? -Mark

PDA, public display of affection. I asked a few people for their opinions on the subject of PDA and got the reply of: “Ewwwwwwww… People should NOT be making out where all sorts of people can see them. That is just plain sick!” I think there are different types of affection: gross affection and classy affection. For example, classy affection may be a hug, a peck on the cheek/lips, or holding hands; affection is not just “making out,” it’s mainly just showing your feelings for that person. At school classy affection is the way to go to slim any chance of embarrassment for you and the people around you. – Ashley

Excessive public displays of affection in our school hall ways are unacceptable. I feel that by doing this you are disrespecting yourself and your relationship, because it’s just not classy and it’s very inappropriate. If you like each other that’s great, but the entire world doesn’t need to know. So just keep this in mind the next time you’re thinking of doing it. – Amany

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Homecoming How To’s

Tuesday, October 13th, 2009

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When a guy asks a girl as his date for Homecoming, there are a certain number of unwritten rules that he must obey. When he utters the words, “Will you go to Homecoming with me?” he is signing an invisible contract that is valid until the day after the dance. Let’s quickly run through the dos and don’ts of this important moment in our high school careers.

First of all, let’s touch up on how to ask the girl. Please do not corner your object of desire in the hallway and push the question on her between classes. Calmly approach her at a good, convenient time. It’s important that you don’t force her into doing anything she doesn’t want to do. Be open about it. If you make it awkward, then trust me, it’s going to be one long awkward Saturday night. If you really want to impress, you should come up with a fun and creative way of asking your girl. Tagging her car, bringing her flowers, putting her through a scavenger hunt, or
decorating her locker are all popular ways. And don’t forget that it’s okay for a girl to ask a guy. We do live in the 21st century, after all. Please be prepared to handle rejection. If the girl says no, she means no. Don’t be annoying and pester her until she relents. Accept defeat and move on. One last thing- make sure that there is mutual understanding about your relationship status once she has accepted your invitation. Watch out for telltale signs such as the infamous, “We’re just going as friends, right?”

Now, the clothes. Guys- you must wear a long-sleeve button down collared shirt and tie. Dress slacks, dress shoes, combed hair. You could even wear a dress coat if you wanted. There are no exceptions to this dress code and although you may not want to conform to the status quo, facts are facts. You should not under any conditions wear a V-neck t-shirt, Converses, or jeans
to Homecoming. It is just not classy. You’ve probably heard a lot about those corsages, too. You must buy your date a corsage regardless of what she says or how much it costs. It is just one of those thing that you are obligated to do according to your invisible contract. If she says, “Oh, you don’t have to get me one of those,” she really means, “Oh, please please
please get me one of those.” Trust me. If you are worried about it costing an arm and a leg, don’t. Corsages can be bought relatively cheap if you know where to look. I’ve seen them as cheap as ten to fifteen dollars at the local grocery store floral departments. Don’t forget to reserve one ahead of time to pick up fresh on the day of the dance. Boutonnières are optional for girls to give guys. It is a pretty common thing to do, but not a necessity like the corsage is.

Most couples typically go out to dinner before the dance either in a bigger group or just as a pair. DON’T FORGET TO MAKE RESERVATIONS. Go somewhere classy. Remember- this is not just a normal date. Treat your girl like a lady. It may seem a little formal, but it is the right thing to do. Usually the boy pays for the food. If you have a previous arrangement about splitting the check, then that’s fine. But if the guy has romantic sentiments, he should pay for the girl’s meal for sure.

At the actual dance, do not leave your date’s side without her consent. Make sure it is okay with her before you go off dancing with other girls. If you are serious about starting a relationship with this girl, you should not under any circumstances dance with anybody but her. If you feel obligated to booty dance like all of the other couples are, don’t succumb to peer pressure. Only dance how you and your date are comfortable. And please do not try to make a move on a girl on the dance floor. Gross. There are times for romance, but during a dance is not one of them. It’s okay to leave early and go hang out somewhere else. Most do.

Finally, I wanted to cap this tutorial with the number one no-no. Do not, I repeat, do not dump your girlfriend the week before Homecoming. That is totally unfair to her for so many reasons. First of all, she has already prepared herself for this date probably weeks ahead of time and it is so rude to bail out so close to the day. Plus, she will not have a chance to get another date or make new arrangements beforehand. This makes it extremely embarrassing and awkward for her. The whole school will be talking about how you dumped poor little “Katie” the week before the dance, crushing her hopes and dreams. And believe me, the school will most definitely side with the girl. You will be called a jerk, and other more derogatory words that I am not allowed to print here.

One final piece of advice: Please make this as special as you can for your date. It may not seem like such a big deal to you, but it is HUGE for girls. They spend weeks in preparation to find the perfect matching dress, shoes, make-up, earrings, bracelets, purse, and nail polish. And don’t even get me started on the hair. It is every girl’s dream to get all made up for her high school Homecoming dance. So don’t ruin it for her. This is her night to shine. Have fun, be safe, and good luck! – Lara

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