With Valentine’s Day mere days away, here are the Cigar’s “do’s and do-not’s” of this most important of couples’ holidays. Graphic by Alison Carpino.
It’s that time of the year again. Plastic hearts and cheap candies cover the shelves of every store you walk into, which could only mean one thing: Valentine’s Day is right around the corner.
Yes, Valentine’s Day is cheesy and a “Hallmark holiday,” but I think we can all agree that it would be nice to take a break from the COVID-craziness we’ve experienced these last couple of months and relax with a significant other. However, for me, and probably for many of you, there’s just one problem: we have no one to spend it with.
If you’re spending Valentine’s Day alone this year, and wish you had a significant other, it’s important to maybe change up your dating game, right?
To give you some tips, I’m putting my twist on the famous romantic comedy “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” and I’m showing you Rhody guys and gals how to get a girl this Valentine’s Day by telling you what not to do.
- You take her to Butterfield for a dinner date.
Out of all of the places on campus, you should not take her to Butt for dinner. We have a ton of options on campus for dinners, such as Astros at Hope Commons or The Rhode House in the Kingston Emporium. However, if you want to win her over, take her to Caliente, a fan-favorite restaurant in the student population. I recommend sharing an order of quesadillas, but the big takeaway from this is that if you want to make a girl swoon, don’t take her to Butterfield on shrimp scampi night.
- You haven’t taken her ice skating at the Boss Ice Arena.
The Boss Ice Arena, right on campus, is offering free ice skating for students all of February. If you want to win her over, take her on a romantic, socially distant, ice skating date! Plus, it won’t cost you a dime. Free skating is available every weekday this month for students from 11 to 11:50 a.m. and 12:20 to 1:10 p.m.. You and your date can sign up on their website.
- You wear your mask improperly.
Yes, we have been permitted access to campus, but that does not mean we can disregard all of the rules put in place to keep us safe. With that, the number one thing we should be doing is wearing our masks properly. Not only are strangers going to avoid you, but friends, family and significant others won’t want to be near you if you are not actively trying to keep yourself and others safe. Wear a mask!
- You haven’t taken her sledding.
February has been a snowy month for the state of Rhode Island, and, as we all know, our campus is right on a hill. With that, why would you not ask her to go sledding with you? This is the perfect pandemic-past time, as you and your S.O. can mask up, put on some gloves and sled in a socially distant manner. I recommend the hill between Hillside and Barlow.
- You haven’t taken her to your favorite spot on campus yet.
There’s nothing more romantic than sneaking away with a girl and showing her where you feel most at peace. For me, I love sitting on the edge of the Beaupre Center for Chemical and Forensic Sciences. It’s private and the perfect spot to catch a Rhody sunset.
- You haven’t taken her to check out the new seating inside the Ram’s Den.
The other day when I went to get my daily Chinese food from the Ram’s Den (best food on campus, not going to lie), I was amazed that there was new indoor seating. I know it seems simple, but getting to sit inside was a super cool moment for me as a freshman, as it gave me hope that we’re nearing normal campus life for this upcoming semester. This could be a great spot to sit together.
- You haven’t asked her on a laundry date.
For all of my “Friends” fans out there, I’m sure you remember Ross and Rachel’s iconic laundromat date. What better way to follow the COVID-19 dorm guidelines than meet in a neutral area and get that laundry done that you’ve been avoiding. Besides, when else are you going to have the opportunity to live out your Ross and Rachel dreams?
- You haven’t taken her on a gym date at the Anna Fascitelli Fitness and Wellness Center.
Since I’ve gotten back on campus, I’ve been on my gym grind and I love it when I have friends to accompany me, as it’s motivational and we can grab a post-workout snack together. I’m sure that some of you have made it your 2021 resolution to go to the gym, so why not ask that special someone to come along? I promise, it’s more fun than you would think.
- You haven’t taken her shopping at the Campus Store for the Valentine’s Day Sale.
The Campus Store is holding a 14 percent off sale from Feb. 8 to Feb. 14 in honor of Valentine’s Day. If you want to win her over, ask her on a date, take advantage of this great deal, and grab yourselves some matching Keaney Blue gear.
- You’re still on Rhody Tinder.
Finally, if you really want to win her over, you should get off the dating apps. Tinder is a pretty popular app among students, but this Valentine’s Day, if you want to get serious, get off any dating apps and give the girl of your dreams your full attention!
Although I can’t guarantee these tips will work, make sure to try them out and have fun with it! No matter if you have a date or not this Valentine’s Day, remember that you’re perfect just the way you are. Go Rhody!