We're Young, We Smell Good, We're Alone, So Alive!

DATING.  It is kind of an exciting word.  Slightly intimidating, but desirable.  As young single adults, that is kind of our goal - to be dating someone.  Being alone, while often freeing and fun, can also get old and tired.  There comes a point when you're just ready to date someone.  Or maybe just go on a few dates instead of always hanging out in a group.  Get that one-on-one alone time...  *Shimmy!*  :)  Haha but, I mean, really, sometimes I just want to have a night alone with a guy, just to make sure I'm not fabricating the "spark" or "chemistry" or whatever without any real foundation.

As I've been talking with some of my friends, it has come to my attention that some of them don't have a clue what a real date consists of.  I'll tell you why they're so clueless: our generation is caught up in this phenomenon where we do group hangouts ALL THE TIME, and then, suddenly, a boy and a girl from the group start to "like" each other or be more attracted to each other or whatever, and BAM!  They are an item!  They're steady dating.  The end.  Okay, okay.  There may be some hangouts between the boy and girl before they become official...but how do you know if you're on a date or whether you're just on a casual-friend hangout excursion?  It can be confusing, I know, BUT!  It doesn't have to be.  :)

In order for a get-together to be qualified as a DATE, it must be:

1. Planned
2. Paid For
3. Paired Off

Seems pretty straightforward, but let me clarify:

1. The planned part is very important!  It means that there was some forethought for the get-together and that effort was made to make it all happen and come together.  Planning usually implies that there is a point and a purpose for the thing (just like if you planned to study for a test - the purpose is to do well, or planning a vacation - the point is to have fun, etc.).
2. One party is footing the bill for the evening.  Usually it is the person who instigated the get-together.  Let's draw a comparison: if someone were to invite you over to their home, they would play the part of the host/hostess and make sure you were taken care of in their home.  But when you're out and about, they are going to pay other people to take care of you.  This means paying for dinner, event tickets, etc.  If they want to spend time with you in a datey sort of way, they are going to take care of the details, which means paying.
3. Paired off - what could be more simple?  You are out with one person.  If a group date should occur, then you are out with one person plus a group of other couples - but each person is part of a couple.  No third wheel friends here (or fifth wheel or seventh wheel...trust me, it happens!).

If you find yourself in a social situation that meets the above criteria, then you are on a date!  Don't let the word "date" freak you out.  Just enjoy the time together and see where it goes!  After all, we're young, we smell good, we're alone, so alive!

This post's title came from this song:
Light a Roman Candle With Me by Fun.