College Gloss: For Love

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3 Last Minute Valentines Day Dates

Spending your Valentine's Day dinner at a fancy-schmancy restaurant might seem like a lot of fun, but in real life it sometimes also involves overpriced meals and a hard time getting reservations. V-Day, however, doesn't have to look like the cliche in movies. Here are a few last minute V-Day date ideas:

Cook dinner together
Come up with a menu for a Valentines day dinner! It can range from breakfast for dinner to a fancy steak and scallops dinner. Go grocery shopping in the afternoon together, and then enjoy each others company as you cook.

Go ice skating and then grab hot chocolate
Lots of ice rinks will rent our ice skates, so all you have to do is show up. Afterwards, go out for some hot chocolate or coffee to warm up.

Order takeout and watch a movie
If you're leaning towards a lazy valentines, pick your favorite Chinese restaurant or pizza place, order your food, and choose a romcom on Netflix or Redbox. Cuddle up with your SO for a cozy V-Day.

How are you spending your Valentine's Day?

By: Victoria Rodriguez

New Year's Resolution: Dump Your Frenemies

At some point in our lives, we have probably all had a frenemy. A frenemy is a "friend" who sometimes acts like an enemy. But how do you know she's really a frenemy and it's not all in your head? After all, she acts nice to you all the time.

Frenemies will generally act nice, but they won't want what's best for you. If she's only there when she needs something from you, she's probably not a true friend. Sometimes frenemies be overly competitive about everything: guys, who's prettier, grades in school, and random small things you might not even notice. You'll tell her you really want something, and then she'll go for it - and sometimes gets it. She'll veil an insult in a compliment and lie to get what she wants.

She's your frenemy.

The thing is, you don't really need her. In fact, your life would be better without her. She's someone who stirs up negativity, even though you might not be able to pinpoint exactly why. And this year, you want to be positive. So shed all the negativity out of your life, including your frenemy.

How? There's no need to make a big scene or deal out of it. Just gradually start easing her out of your life. Hang out with your other friends, or make new ones (I know it's easier said than done, but it's worth it!) Stop agreeing to hang out with her whenever she wants you to, and keep in mind what's best for you.

By: Staff | Image: Source

Are Lies Destroying Your Relationship?

Let’s face it: we all lie. We fib to our friends, family and even our significant others. You told your friend that you liked her new boyfriend when really, you can’t stand him. Or you told your boyfriend his video game playing doesn’t bother you, when actually it drives you insane.

According to recent studies, people lie as much as two or three times within a 10-minute time span. Lying in any relationship is risky, but especially in a romantic relationship. Trust is the fundamental piece to any relationship.

“Relationships should always be based on trust, honesty, and being open and vulnerable with another person,” says Nicole Booz, 22, a recent graduate of University of Maryland, College Park. “Once you start lying, even about little things, what will stop you from hiding things from your partner? Lying undermines the point of being in a relationship with another person. There’s no point to it.”

For decades, researchers have been trying to find the reasons behind why people lie. Overall, there are many different reasons for lying, such as your own insecurities, to protect someone else or to simply avoid the truth from coming out. For example, you lie to your boyfriend about the party you attended last night to avoid an argument. Read that again: you lied to your romantic partner. If this is a common occurrence, you might need to reevaluate some things in your relationship. Frequent lying should never be a go-to move in any committed relationship, as it means there is a larger issue under the surface.

All of us have secrets and tell lies, even if we despise dishonesty. However, like the experts say, this is no excuse to ruin your relationship. University of Massachusetts psychologist Robert Feldman agrees: “Anything that is not accurate is a lie. You can argue that a lie done to make someone else feel better is relatively minor. But they have an effect.” And, in the end, a lie is a lie, no matter the subject.

Lying should be avoided at all costs, since it could break even the strongest relationship. Research shows how badly it can hurt us personally, and more importantly, our significant others. While lying might seem normal, keep in mind that it can easily turn ugly.

By: Gina Oursler | Image: Source

What Taylor Swift’s Romances Can Teach Us About Our Own

If anyone has learned a thing or two about love and relationships throughout the years, it’s Taylor Swift. She has dated, fallen in love, gotten her heart broken and then written songs about each man who has done her wrong. There’s something we can all learn from Taylor’s relationships experiences...

Joe Jonas
Taylor and Joe Jonas dated way back in the day, but they were one of the cutest couples around at the time. However, this romance is famous for one main reason: Jonas broke it off with Taylor via a 30-second phone call. Taylor used this as the inspiration for her song “Forever & Always” on her sophomore album Fearless. Jonas went on to date actress Camilla Belle almost immediately after Taylor. Swift’s song “Better Than Revenge” is rumored to be directed at the actress for stealing Jonas away from her! Talk about first love trauma! If we can learn anything from this relationship, it’s that they’re called first loves for a reason: there’s more to look forward to after it ends.

Taylor Lautner
Many Taylor (Swift) fans believed that this relationship was the one to break the odds. The two Taylors began dating after filming together on the set of "Valentine’s Day." After this it seemed the couple was inseparable. But the courtship was short lived, ending in December 2009. While she won’t openly admit it, Swift apologizes to Lautner for breaking his heart in her hit single “Back to December.”

Swift fans can relate to this track about Lautner.

“She regrets breaking up with him,” said Heather Sander, 22. “Everyone has that one guy they realize they should have stayed with after the fact when it’s all too late.”

From this relationship, we can learn that all love (even the strongest) can end without warning, but we should never forget to apologize if we’re the one breaking it off.

Jake Gyllenhaal
Rebound relationships are not uncommon. Taylor’s whirlwind fling with Jake Gyllenhaal has been dubbed her rebound relationship from her split from Taylor Lautner.

“You could see that this was just a fling that wasn’t going anywhere serious,” said Emily Ward, 18.

However, rebound relationships can keep our minds busy while we’re still healing from our previous dating endeavor.

John Mayer
You’ve heard Taylor’s song “Dear John” on her Speak Now album and still can’t help but wonder if it’s really about John Mayer. Whether the song was written for the notorious serial dater or not, Taylor and Mayer have had some serious chemistry in the past. And, if the song was truly about Mayer, we can take something from this “relationship”: guard your heart from trouble when necessary (A.K.A. when the guy is a known player).

Conor Kennedy
While Taylor’s most recent flame is only 18 years old, it’s evident she fell head-over-heels. Some die-hard Taylor fans are on the fence with this relationship, but most show support for the 22-year-old singer.

“This relationship seems genuine, like she’s ready to love again,” said Sander. “She had low expectations, but he proved her wrong and was everything she was looking for to make her smile again.”

This relationship shows us that new beginnings can bring unexpected happiness.

When it comes to Taylor Swift and relationships, you never know what you’re going to get (besides a new song). But like all relationships, there is always something new to learn. Whether we’re mending our own broken hearts or learning how to love again, we will always have our past loves to thank for it.

By: Gina Oursler | Image: Source

5 Date Ideas For Under $25

For most college students, expensive nights on the town are probably out of the question. Nonetheless, living on a shoestring budget doesn’t mean you can’t go on awesome dates -- it just means you have to be a little more creative. Here are a few ideas.

Rent a Movie

The cost of catching a weekend flick can add up once you factor in admission, pop, popcorn and other goodies. Instead, rent a video or borrow one from one of the greatest things invented since sliced bread, Redbox, for only $1. Make your own popcorn (microwave is nice and easy!), buy a case of pop for the same price of one small drink at the movie theatre and watch the movie in your own private home theatre. If you have time, start in the afternoon and do a movie marathon -- scary movies are the best excuse for holding your date close.

Share appetizers and desserts

The appetizers and desserts are the best part of the meal anyways, aren’t they? At most chain restaurants like Chili’s, Applebee's, and T.G.I Friday’s, appetizer and dessert portions are pretty big, making it easy to share with your date. This can easily keep costs low, but fun and conversation at an all time high.

Explore the outdoors like a child

Rediscover the fun of childhood and have a picnic. Or better yet go to the store, buy your favorite childhood candy and head to the playground. The evening is an ideal time for this kind of date as all real children are home and tucked in bed, leaving the whole place free for you! Chase each other around the park or sit down and draw in the sand. Sit on the swings, eat your candy and share with each other some of your childhood memories to get to know each other better.

Go for a walk

A leisurely stroll in the summer in the park or around the neighborhood, a stroll through the autumn leaves or a brisk walk in the winter is refreshing. End off with an iced drink, hot cocoa or hot cider, depending on the season.

School events

It may seem cheesy to go to a school event, but think of it as a pre-paid perk of your student fees. Take your date to see an independent band, play a game of bingo, see a student play or attend a sports game -- whatever event your school may have that night. It also provides an opportunity to win prizes, which could lead to further cheap dates. The same applies for community events, which are usually advertised at local stores or online.

If all else fails, stay on the lookout for local eateries and shops that offer discounts with your student ID and save on dinner or gifts. Even places like gas stations have rewards programs that you can redeem towards various items -- maybe you could use points toward gas for a romantic getaway or use them toward gift cards to restaurants.

By: Alexis Reliford | Image: Source

College Traveler: Dating and Mating in London

If you ever venture into the self-help dating section of a bookstore, you’re sure to find a few books about dating rules. You can learn how to think like man but act like a lady, find out what Jane Austen would do, understand why you’re not married or find love in 30 days. While each book promises a new and improved way of thinking, acting and/or going about getting that ever-so-coveted relationship, one strong rule remains true: wait.

You must wait two dates before you kiss, wait for him to hold your hand, wait to have sex and wait to say those three precious words. Everything is about waiting. However, the opposite seems to be true in London. All you need to know is that whoever can get to the gold first there, wins.

Men are generally known for being the pursuers. But not in London! There, women are just as likely to approach a guy and take the lead. I’ve seen a number of girls introduce themselves to a guy simply because they found him attractive. This definitely clashes with the American ideal of the man taking the lead and introducing himself first!

As for the norm in how the British begin dating, there seems to be two ways: either you know each other and someone finally pipes up and lets the other person know they’re interested (probably via text), or two people have met randomly and the guy or girl approached the person of interest and gave them their number. Courting is very informal, and while I’d like to say their way is more difficult, it seems to be ... fun, actually.

There is no waiting around for “so and so” to figure out you’re the girl of his dreams. Dating someone is light and fun, and you figure out if you click. If you do, things happen on their own.

If you don’t really know each other and just met somewhere like a club, there is typically a preliminary coffee date just to make sure you’re not crazy. Once he knows you’re sane, he’ll contact you to go out on a date or to “see each other again.”

Attention, ladies: the British strongly believe in not leading someone on. If a Londoner isn’t interested, he won’t pretend that he is. Heck ... he may not even be nice about it. But if he is interested, he’ll be knocking at your door for a coffee date. So really, you can’t lose.

By: Danielle Mair | Image: Source

How Fictional Romances Could Be Ruining Your Relationship

Heads up, TV lovers! A recent study released from Albion College in Michigan found that you could be less committed to your own relationship if you buy into the fictional romances on your favorite television shows.

According to RelaxNews, researchers sampled 390 married couples and asked them to respond to questions based on their “current relationship, relationship expectations, commitment and television habits and beliefs.”

Overall, the results were shocking. Participants who possessed a higher belief in fictional romances on television were less committed to their partners. These participants also saw being single as a pleasurable alternative to a lack of happiness in their relationship. The researchers found that the participants thought their relationships were costing them their individual freedoms.

Lead psychologist on the study, Dr. Jeremy Osborn, said in an interview with RelaxNews that he wants people in all relationships to learn from this study: “My hope would be that people would read this article and take a look at their own relationships and the relationships of those around them.”

Osborn truly believes that images on television can harm even the most at-ease psyche.

“We live in a society that perpetually immerses itself in media images from both TV and the web, but most people have no sense of the ways those images are impacting them,” Osborn said in the interview.

Like Dr. Osborn suggests, individuals in serious relationships should try to become less involved in the trivial (and fictional) matters that comprise television romances. They’re fun to watch but, in hindsight, these romances are not reality. So, think it over next time before you ooh! and ahh! over "Gossip Girl’s" Chuck and Blair and their (sexy, but extremely dysfunctional) relationship. It might just be costing you yours!

By: Gina Oursler | Image: Source

College Traveler: Spooky End of October Date Ideas

In true Halloween spirit, one of the best dates I’ve had in London has been daring to enter the London Dungeons for a spooky, thrilling and scream-worthy experience. Not only did I get up close and personal with my guy, but Jack the Ripper made an appearance and I was sent to the gallows! Without age-old dungeons to explore in your hometown, there are still plenty of ways to have a fun date that will terrify both of you, all while bringing you closer together.

Haunted Walking Tours are a fun and easy way to get your scare on. You typically meet at a central point and a tour guide takes you and a group throughout your city, pointing out all the haunted locations, telling spooky stories and letting you in on a few haunted facts. These tours are usually at night and can last up to two hours. They’re a fun, easy way to learn some not-so-PG facts about your city!

Haunted Events are much like haunted tours, except you’re brought to one location such as a haunted prison, mansion, castle or building. You and your man can explore the different rooms with a group of people. Experience sudden bangs, the bone chilling sound of macabre children’s laughter and maybe even see a ghost! These kinds of events can either be day-long events or span over a wonderfully creepy weekend. It all depends on what kind of a fear seeker you are!

You’ve definitely heard of the board game Clue. Murder Mystery is Clue brought to life and an interesting way to get in on the spooky fun. Play a character, act out your role and figure out who killed who! Hotels and bed & breakfasts host these weekend events throughout the year, so remember to pack an overnight bag and a flashlight!

If you’re feeling super adventurous, try dinner in the dark! Grab some blindfolds, invite a few couples over and make a night of it. Remember the lights are not an option! After dinner, pop in an old horror movie and cuddle up.

If you’re looking to spruce up your love life, these timely seasonal date ideas will do the trick -- a scary date is the perfect excuse to cuddle closer to your date! What are your favorite ways to celebrate Halloween with your special someone?

By: Danielle Mair | Image: Source

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