Welcome Back to School: Where everything is covered in snow but girls still go out in tank tops, short skirts, and tight dresses

Winter term has just begun and it’s time for a fresh start. New classes means meeting new people and having different class times means being able to go out on different nights then you did in the fall. You could meet a whole new pool of people to hang out with! And if not a whole new pool, then at least a few more additions to your current one. So here are just a few pointers for stepping back out on the college social scene this term:

1. To be coy or not to be coy
Sometimes, it’s hard to tell whether it’s better to just put it all out there or hold back and play games. Normally, it’s best to go with what feels right for the situation: express your feelings or keep them to yourself for a little bit of mystery and intrigue.
And when it comes to whether or not to have sex or when to have sex, ask yourself, “What do I want out of the relationship?” Sometimes, although there are many exceptions to this rule, when you decide to have sex is also the decider of how long the relationship will last – or if it will last at all. Holding back and being coy about it at first can be the best way to find out what the other person’s motives are. Unless, of course, you are the one just looking for sex, in which case, all the more power to you. Use protection and be safe.

2. Think before you speak out loud
It is always important to remember that what you talk about with someone is a reflection of what you are choosing to bring up in the conversation. In other words, it is an indication of who you are to the other person. If you talk about sports or playing a game of D&D this afternoon, for better or worse, the other person will judge you by that.
Additionally, girls, when you point out how fat you look, how frizzy your hair is, or whatever other negative thing you choose to comment on, remember that you are drawing attention to something that you see as a flaw and that will be all the other person, who you are trying to impress, will focus on.

3. Don’t over-think it, don’t over analyze
If someone calls you or texts you, it DOES NOT necessarily mean that they are in love with you or have any desire to be your boyfriend or girlfriend. It probably just means that they wanted to call you or text you. Period. For the most part, it is smart to take most comments, interactions, etc. at face-value; don’t work yourself up too much.