The Observer, February 16, 2007
Volume XXXIX, Issue 17
Sex & Dating: Smash the cult of couplehood
Couples can be sweet, caring, and puke-worthy, especially if you're flying solo. Single or attached, though we all can get romantically drained. But now that the Valentine's cards have been sent and the roses are starting to wilt, it's time to jump start the recovery process. Biting all the chocolate truffles in half to see the flavors might seem like a good medicine, but there are better ways. Some quick fixes are:
Girls' Night Out. Grab all your favorite girlfriends and plan a guy-free night. Start out by getting ready together, whether you're glamming up with cocktail dresses or just looking cute. It's a great time to bond and gossip while spoiling yourselves and each other. Try and pick Tuesday night, so you can hop over to La Dolce Vita in Little Italy where you and your gals can dine for only the price of a soft drink. Head out for hassle-free dancing at a gay club like Apex on Lorain Avenue. You won't quite be sticking to your guy-free promise, but you can rest assured that no one will try and break up your girlie posse.
Guys' Night Out. Tell the guys to shut off the cell phones – no girlfriends tonight. Go out for some burgers or wings, something that she'd never approve of if she were there. Enjoy each other's company and have a few drinks after your grub. Then head downtown to catch a Cavs game. If you can't afford the tickets, make sure to TiVo or tape a great game that you can all watch together. Just enjoy the night vegging out or start up a game of poker. Stash your winnings for when the girls are back.
Your Night Out. Spend the day solely taking care of yourself. Avoid cell and e-mail as much as possible and just stick to the things you really want to do. If you can hack it, go out to lunch or a movie by yourself – it's great to enhance your self-esteem and self-confidence. Get in touch with what it's like to truly enjoy your own fabulous company. Don't let friends or significant others pressure you into breaking any of the plans you have. You are your most important date today.
Macking It. Sometimes some harmless flirting is the best cure. But to do it right, you need to ensure you find people who are fun to flirt with. Make a list in your head of the things you love to do – or things you'd love for a fun, super-temporary mate to do! If you're a gym rat or you're looking for a buff babe, hit the gym to scope for a possible fling. Head to a pet store and ask a cutie if they'd like to play with one of the puppies with you. If you love art, head to the art museum and plop yourself in front of a provocative piece. Ask good-looking museum goers what they think it means.
You know what works best for you. The key is to indulge what you're truly craving – face time with friends, alone time, or some flirty fun. Enjoy.
E-mail the Love Goddess at aphrodite@case.edu.
