February 2002

Advice for College Guys on Valentine's Day
By Alex Temple

In an atmosphere of young men and women, ample amounts of free time, and little responsibility, the college campus becomes a breeding ground for sex and love. As February 14th approaches, college guys around the nation are forced to take a break from keg parties and bar hopping to perform their annual act of romance.

In just a few weeks, stores will be flooded with romantic, and ok…even not so romantic guys scurrying to buy chocolates, flowers, and balloons for the ones they love. If you're like most 20-year old men, you probably don't have a clue where to begin searching for the gift your babe will love. Don't let this ignorance underestimate the magnitude of importance that can weigh on this very decision. This year when you're walking around Bath & Body works deciding among scents such as "sweat pea" or "juniper breeze," remember that Valentine's day can be your chance to make or break your relationship.

So you're not Mr. Romance! Well that's ok. It's not necessarily gifts that are "over the top," but gifts that are "straight from the heart" that will send your woman off to brag about her beau. "You don't have the money," you say. As a struggling college co-ed, I know that a financial hurdle may be hindering you from treating your lady like a queen. It's easy to spend a fortune for this Hallmark holiday, but with a little creativity and thought, you can win your woman over without "going in the red!"

Here are ten ways that you can sweep your sweetheart off her feet without emptying your wallet:

1. Surprise your girlfriend with a tub of Ben & Jerry's and her favorite chick flick rental.

2. Give your girl a manicure and pedicure complete with massage-you supply the polish!

3. Bring your lady a basket of all her "favorites" (candy, chips, soda, cocktail, etc…) Be sure to attach a note, "A basket of "favorites" for my favorite girl!"

4. Haul your buddies out to your babe's house to sing her a song when she opens the door. (of course you are in the front with a single red rose)

5. Send her a pizza with the pepperonis in the shape of a heart! (Throw in a tip for a note on the box.)

6. Burn her a CD with songs that make you think of her!

7. Place a card on her windshield and tie balloons to her car, so they are the first things she finds when she leaves for the day.

8. Adopt a cute and cuddly pet from your local Humane Society.

9. Try your hand at crafts, and make her a card. Supply some homemade cupcakes too. (Be creative with the icing!)

10. Greet her in the A.M. with breakfast in bed! (Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter for the toast.)

These are just a few ideas to show your love you really care. Be creative and always add your personal touch. Let me leave you with one more piece of advice to last you throughout the year: Even though this may be the calendar day for romance, the way to be a true knight in shining armor is to perform a deed from the heart at a time when it is least expected.

Alex Temple
Baylor University