College - cramming for tests, pushing yourself to the limits and, for many students, finding Mr. or Mrs. Right.
But if you thought prince charming was near you're in for a rude awakening.
With kegs, bars and the excessive drinking that goes with it, too often we've traded romance and compliments for stinky beer breath and catcalls.
While partaking in a game of flip cup with some friends I spotted one guy giving me what I like to call "googly eyes."
Romeo had developed the infamous I've-been-in-Chico-too-long beer gut and despite employing my usual "creeper strategies"-avoiding eye contact, keeping a distance and steering clear of sexual innuendos - my efforts failed.
Suddenly, he turned and said, "Show me your tits."
Woah there, Don Juan - fellas, what's up?
Why the barbaric dating customs? There are many reasons including media, hypermasculinity and good ol' alcohol.
Too many times I've met nice-guys-by-day only to have them transform into Jager-fueled-ass-grabbers-by-night. Joking aside, the rape rate is higher in college, according to Rape Crisis Intervention. The seasoned partier that I am, telling someone off or leaving when I feel uncomfortable is no sweat. But for new students being a bitch doesn't always seem kosher.
My best advice is don't go home or in the back room with someone you didn't want to sleep with sober. Alcohol, drugs and pressure from those like the Casanova mentioned earlier can make saying, "No" difficult.
Check out the back to school guide for tips to reduce the threat of rape.
But it's not all doldrums and doom in the dating scene. Many intelligent, fun and respectful men and women roam campus. You're just probably not going to meet "the one" while sharing a cup of Natural Ice. Meeting people in class, clubs or around campus will likely produce better results.
But if you're like me, and finding Mr. or Mrs. Right Now is where you are, then you'll spend more time solidifying friendships than figuring out how to navigate through crowds of dating miscreants.
Time in college is limited - seek happy nights, study hard and stay safe.
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