Dating in college is stressful enough, but when you throw in the fact that millennials are socially awkward and melodramatic by definition, the whole situation can seem helpless. Whether it’s a Tinder hookup, Bumble coffee date or grabbing pizza with the hot guy from your philosophy class, dating as a college millennial should come with a freaking instruction manual. So what is dating as a college millennial really like? Well, it’s a lot of things.
Getting to know someone who you’re attracted to is probably the most awkward experience of a lifetime. You may find yourself talking about anything from your dead cat to your mother’s retirement plan to fill the silence. Or maybe you’re not the type to overshare when you’re nervous and you find yourself staring blankly at your date while they wonder if you’re still breathing. My best friend gave me this advice on meeting new guys: Be a little more outgoing than your usual self to avoid the awkwardness.
The first guy I dated in college gave me anxiety like no other. When we first began texting, he would respond within minutes but after that, it would take hours and even days for him to respond to a simple message. And the read receipts- the freaking read receipts almost snatched my life. I quickly learned not to take texting too seriously. Some guys are just really bad at getting back to you. Don’t let a bad texter phase you too much if he shows interest in person.
So you go out with someone you really like and begin to want something more, but they don’t. Ouch. Unrequited love happens to the best of us, but don’t dwell on it for too long. Remember, dating is all about trying different people on. Don’t take anything too seriously too quickly. And if you’re the one who isn’t looking to get serious, make that clear.
It’s impossible not to run into a few fuckboys while dating. It’ll happen, so know the signs. If he does something that seems remotely fuckboyish, he’s probably a fuckboy no matter how well he conceals it. As soon as you identify them, don’t waste any more of your time on them.
It isn’t always easy to put yourself out there. As millennials, in any situation where we have to step away from a screen, put ourselves in front of someone and try to be the perfect mix of sexy, cool, interesting, intelligent and funny; it’s scary as hell! We’re opening the door to judgement from a complete stranger who we feel the need to impress. Try not to take yourself too seriously and learn to laugh at your awkwardness. This will make the other person feel more comfortable around you.
In the end, dating is an awesome way to meet new people try new things. Getting out of your comfort zone is the only way you’re going to get anywhere. So why not put on a cute outfit and some makeup and go out with someone who thinks you’re pretty cool? Also, who doesn’t love a free meal every now and then?
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