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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at GCSU chapter.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

 

Hello everyone, back again this time for the holiday of love! 

 

I know that most are excited to spend the holiday with their special someone, no matter gender, sexual orientation, race, religion and other. And you should be. On February 14th, love is in the air and some pretty spectacular and romantic date night awaits y’all. And even if you don’t have that significant other you should spend the day loving yourself. Eat a nice meal, take hot bubble bath, play your tunes and take the time to appreciate just how awesome you are as a person. With all the pomp and circumstance and maybe some late-night private activities, it’s important to remember to stay safe when you’re out and about and when your home ready to seal the deal.

 

The first and sexiest thing you need to know is consent. Consent, consent, consent! Nothing is more attractive or sweet than consent. And this doesn’t go for just men this goes for women as well. Make sure your partner is one hundred percent comfortable with anything and everything that goes down in the bedroom. Consent is everything, and not just when you want to do the hanky panky. As you go throughout your date make sure you have consent to kiss your partner or even just to hold their hand in public. Many friends I know are uncomfortable with PDA (public displays of affection). Even though you don’t see a problem with it, doesn’t mean your partner feels the same way. And know that it’s okay to say no.

 

Next order of business are the warning signs. When you step out of the house or out of the car and you meet your date listen to your gut. Especially if it’s a date with someone you don’t know very well. If you step out on the scene and something in your stomach doesn’t feel right, trust it. Be polite but be aware. Also remember to not give too much information, such as the address of your job. That’s something that should wait to be told until the future. And if you have children or young ones in your life, it is perfectly fine to talk about them. But pay attention to how invested they are. If your date is too invested, then something should tell you to change the subject.

 

For those of you in more serious relationships, make sure they’re healthy. Ask yourself a list of questions to determine if the relationship is right for you:

  1. Do they get overly aggressive? Such as shoving, yelling in your face, and throwing things.
  2. Do they ostracize you from your friends and family because “they want you all to themselves”?
  3. Do you often find yourself embarrassed or hurt by what they say to you in private or in company?
  4. Most importantly, do they give you the respect you deserve?

If your answer is yes to one or all these questions, seek help. There are people that love you and don’t want to see you hurt in any way, shape, or form. It’s possible that the relationship you’re in is toxic or harmful to you.

 

Make sure you have someone who knows where you’ll be and what you’ll be doing this Valentine’s Day for your safety in the worst-case scenario. Love freely and wholly, but also love safely. 

 

Happy Valentine’s Day. 

 National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

"Yes I like pina coladas, and gettin' caught in the rain!" - Escape by Rupert Holmes Diondra is a second year double major with English and Spanish and a minor in History. She doesn't want much more out of life than a cozy Proofreading job and some warm tea on the side though. Some say she can be a bit eccentric, and you know what? They'd be right! Diondra loves to be the outlier, she'd whole heatedly embraced that she's different from everyone else and she's made it her trademark and motivation in life. Her family and her education will always come first and even when she's willing to lend a hand to anyone, her price is steep ... If you count listening to bad puns as a steep price!
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