The ancient practice of dating

Around this time last year, I penned my first column of  2008: a humorous rant about my quest to lose some weight. The pounds have since gone and returned, I’m still clueless as to where my life will take me post-graduation, and I’m starting to think that there are better resolutions to be made, at least while I’m still in college.

Because this column is dedicated to all things social – dating and even S-E-X – consider this a call to action before we disillusioned 20-somethings become disillusioned 20-somethings lost in the “real world.”

I begin with a phenomenon that my roommates and I lament over and my parents question endlessly: What happened to dating? I’ve been fortunate to have had numerous boyfriends since I was 15, and yet my first date wasn’t until my sophomore year of college.

It seems there are two ends of the “dating” spectrum – hooking up and going steady – with nothing in between. Of all my friends, there are those who have been in a serious relationship for a really long time, like two-plus years, and then there are the others who are stuck in a parallel universe that never goes beyond a one-night stand.

What gives?

I dream of a mysterious man catching up to me after class and saying something to the tune of “I really enjoyed your comment on the destruction of the environment and the parallels to globalization and neo-liberal capitalist economies. Perhaps we can grab coffee next week to further discuss your opinions?” OK, maybe that’s a little far-fetched, but what happened to just asking someone out on a date? One cup of coffee doesn’t spell commitment, and dinner certainly isn’t a marriage proposal, so what do we have to lose?

I propose we resurrect this mythological thing called dating – perhaps sans soda fountain and over-the-top chivalry. This is 2009, after all.

And let’s be honest – now isn’t the best time to start a serious relationship for many of us who are about to dive headfirst into a flailing economy without health insurance. That doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the romantic company of someone else.

So, as Beyonce would say, all my single ladies (and gentlemen), start the new year off right, bite the bullet and help me bring dating back.

Oh, and if you’re looking for a high density of potential dates this time of year, might I suggest the SRSC? That’s where you’ll find me and the rest of the student body putting our pointless resolutions to use before spring break. See you there.