The leaves are falling and the students are falling for one another. As some collegiettes ™ cozy up to their new beau, they explore the unchartered waters of the new relationship. However, dating does not have to be intimidating, according to campus cutie Adam Crowell. Here’s his advice on maintaining a successful relationship.
Major: Psychology
Interests: Michigan sports, hanging out on the lake, and reading
Favorite Song: “Into the Ocean” by Blue October
Relationship Status: In a relationship
Turn-on: Sporty girls, ponytails, intelligence
Turn-off: Smoking, tattoos
What is the key to starting a relationship?
In my past relationships, we started as friends and then it developed into something more. It’s important to be comfortable to hang out with someone as a friend before trying to turn it into something more.
How important is communication with the significant other?
Very. You need to be open and communicate how you are feeling. Trust is key. People are not mind readers. If you do not tell them what you’re feeling, they will not know.
What should girlfriends in general work on:
If girlfriends think the guy is not getting the hint, be more obvious. The odds are he is second guessing himself –he is picking up on signals but is not sure if he is reading them right. Be direct and take initiative.
What are the pros and cons of being Facebook “official”?
Pros, it lets people know if you are taken, which can deter others from pursuing the significant other. The cons are if you are in an “on again, off again” relationship, it is annoying to be going from “single” to “in a relationship” every couple of weeks.
Should couples discuss previous relationships?
It is important to learn from your past relationships. Learn from both your mistakes and your partner’s mistakes so you wont repeat them. If it is important, like someone cheated or he/she was abusive, there should be some discussion. Otherwise, you might come off as being hung-up on you previous partner.
Describe the ideal date night.
I have to come up with something romantic here. I am not too flashy. I can describe a date I went on this summer: We started out the day hanging out at her house. We went for a walk on the beach and there was a bench. We sat together and looked out on the lake for a while. After the sun went down, we went to dinner and then a movie. I can have fun in a lot of different atmospheres, as long as I am with someone I care about.
What’s the best way to show you care?
I do not think it is through really big, dramatic gestures. It is about doing little things that will make the other smile–the little everyday things like texting someone “good morning,” or staying in for the night and hanging out with your significant other.