It’s that time of year again when couples blissfully get to show off their sappy love for one another while all my single ladies—holla!—stock up on ice cream and horror films for the oh-so-anticipated Feb. 14. When you look back on your past Valentine’s days, if all you can remember is chick flicks, a box of tissues and your bed, you probably need someone to tell you how to get a date before Valentine’s Day.
Step 1: Go to the gym
Going to the gym is the perfect way to get yourself ready for Valentine’s Day in two ways: Not only does pumping some iron get your body looking fit enough to wear that tight red dress you’ve been dying to put on, but San Diego State’s Arc also doubles as a man market. Guys who work out at the gym on a daily basis are known for their Adonis-like abs, so sign up for a membership and take your pick.
Guys, two words—yoga pants.
Step 2: Go to class
The first week of classes can be busy and stressful, so it’s easy to miss that cutie in Biology 101 at 8 a.m. The next time you roll out of bed at 7:50 a.m. wearing sweats and slippers, make sure there are no brooding, scruffy, tortured souls hiding in the back row. Your perfect Valentine’s Day date may be closer than you think, so go to bed early, wake up confident and ask your crush if you can be his lab partner.
Guys, girls usually go to early morning classes wearing yoga pants.
Step 3: Spill your coffee
If you know where your crush hangs out between classes, this little trick always leads to a good conversation. Head to Peabody’s Organic Coffee 20 minutes before you plan to attack and make sure to buy a cold drink—this will be important later. Casually walk toward your crush with your iced chai in hand and, just as you cross paths, bump into him and spill the drink. It’s vital to get this spill just right—if you spill too much on him, he’ll get annoyed, but not enough spillage and he may not feel obligated to buy you another. If this operation is successful, he should buy you a new chai and if the stars are aligned, maybe even walk you to class.
Guys, being a gentleman will go a long way—cough up the $4.65 and buy her a new drink.
Step 4: Go shopping
Being a broke college student is something many Aztecs can relate to, but treating yourself to something new can be extremely beneficial. Getting ready for a party is frustrating because you may be bored of your closet, so skip your Friday classes and take an adventure to Fashion Valley. You won’t regret eating Top Ramen for the next month because you’ll be the life of the party in those new 7 for All Mankind jeans.
Guys, buy a hat. Girls are into guys who wear hats.
Step 5: Ask him (or her) out
What’s the worst that could happen after asking out your crush? Although we hear tons of horror stories where girls get their hearts broken, taking a chance could just as easily pay off. Start by asking him out for coffee or a study date. A casual setting will allow the conversation to flow enough for both of you to test each other’s boundaries. But remember, guys are just as scared of rejection as girls, so give him time.
Guys, don’t take too much time asking out your crush.
You don’t have to spend another Valentines Day with Ben and Jerry. Everyone can find that special someone who makes you feel just as good as eating that entire pint of ice cream. With the right amount of confidence—and maybe that new outfit— finding a date for Valentine’s Day will be easier than ever. If all else fails, eHarmony is just a click away.
