You just ordered and suddenly panic drops into your stomach.
“What is he talking about…? What am I talking about…?” Your trial and error period of high school dates taught you the reliable escape plan: “I need to use the bathroom.”
Having escaped and while taking deep breaths you ponder the next course of action. You see the window. JUMP. HIT. RUN. Congratulations, you just escaped the most painful date ever.
College has gradually destroyed our last hope of ever being wined and dined by that hot 22-year-old that always show up during those high school movie dates (shout out to John Tucker, played by a then 28 year old Jesse Metcalfe). Hey, it doesn’t matter though… he still rocked that pink thong.
Girls have been led to believe college is a realistic place where they can find him. They day dream about that hot guy in class taking them out and eventually he becomes “the one.” The trouble is that guys run faster from relationships in college than Road Runner while he’s being chased by the Coyote in “Looney Tunes.” I’ve noticed that every time a girl mentions something about a date the boy automatically stops texting her and moves on. It’s a fear instilled in young men that a relationship will tie them down, make them whipped and lose their friends in the process.
It doesn’t have to be this way. Dating doesn’t equate to automatic exclusivity and going to dinner can mean just that… going to dinner. Take note my fellow college comrades, here are some of my favorite date spots in Gainesville:
1.) Satchel’s
You can’t beat a date at Satchel’s. While sometimes it can be noisy it’s not that bad if you go on a less popular night. The beautiful and illuminated décor makes for an awesome setting, but it’s low-key though so at the end of the day boys can tell their bros, “We were just grabbing pizza man.” I highly suggest sitting in the VW bus that’s lit up with Christmas lights inside. The outside tables are also beautiful, surrounded by a green and lush garden. The pizza can be a little pricey, but unlike most places you have the option to customize your own slice (no more faking that you want greasy, sausage pizza, ladies). Satchel’s is perfectly casual and effortlessly cool.
Via: http://iml.jou.ufl.edu/
2.) Ichetucknee Springs
This is hands down the best Gainesville date I’ve ever been on. It’s about a 40-minute drive north, so if you feel like being romantic you can make it a surprise (it’s also less crowded than Ginnie Springs and less frat-tastic). It’s essentially a clear, blue river that runs about an hour with a canopy of trees over-head. While you may think this date would require incessant talking for an hour it actually supplies enjoyable silent moments while you take in the realm of everlasting green trees and sparkling sunlight. My date and I rented tubes from outside of the river along with a rope to tie the two together. There are no cell phones on the river, obviously, so you have to leave them in your car. This creates a time where you can truly be alone. Every time I’m alone with a guy, we get interrupted by a text we want to look at or maybe a phone call we need to answer. On the river our technological obligations become nonexistent… you just float.
Via: http://farm4.staticflickr.com/
3.) Dining at home
Alright boys, I know why this one might scare you; Hot Pockets aren’t a meal. Hear me out though, because cooking dates can be easy and surprisingly fun. Instead of doing all of the work yourself just call up your date and ask if she wants to make dinner with you. This way you can ensure the food will be delicious and you’ll only have to do half the work. Looking to impress your date? Sushi is your best bet. Publix will provide all the necessary materials: sushi mats, seaweed, sticky rice and vegetables. It may be messy, but totally satisfying and unique. Still not full? Take her to SweetBerries or Karma Cream for a post dinner sweet treat.
4.) Gainesville Rock Gym
Downtown’s Gainesville Rock Gym is an excellent option for you adventure seekers and athletic individuals. It only takes only 15 minutes to become trained to hold your date’s life in your hands and then the walls are yours to scale. It’s typically not crowded, giving you the opportunity to bond with your date. It’s about $17 for students and they offer couple’s nights with lower rates. It’s a great setting for effortless conversation, good vibes, and an awesome work out.
Via: houstondiscoverycommunity.com
It’s up to us to break the wide held stereotype of college dating, because at the end of the day you’re simply getting to know someone on a more personal level. If she seems cool just ask her out; you don’t have to sign up for a soul mate.
