It’s that time of year again. Spring time? Yes! But way more importantly: beach weekend time! There’s the inevitable worry of whether or not you’ll get asked, but then surprise! You do! Worry free, right? It’s all smooth sailing from here, isn’t it? False and false. Girls, you must understand – these boys get one beach weekend a year. ONE! And they have chosen to spend it with you, out of the countless other girls frolicking around their frat basement. You’d better be feeling pretty darned special right about now. The only way to repay them is to be the best date ever. But how? Fear not! It’s simple, easy and fun!
1. Thank them and get pumped! It’s kind of a big deal, whether you want to admit it or not, that you got asked to beach weekend. It means you’re fun enough for a boy to want to spend an entire weekend with you (in front of his bros, no less). So, when you do get asked, make sure you express your thanks with excitement. I’m not saying throw him a party or anything, but you catch my drift. Also, don’t say how worried you were that he wouldn’t ask you or that you wouldn’t get asked at all. We want to have some tact here, ladies. DO NOT mention beach weekend every time you see your date. It makes you seem overeager and a little creepy. Not the goal.
2. Make him a sick cooler! The cooler is the core of beach weekend. The pinnacle. The epitome of an inebriated experience. The holder of all things good and liquid. I understand if you have already been on a billion beach weekends and made your fair share of coolers. Or if your date is a senior with a collection of coolers. Yes, these things excuse you from this tradition. But if your date is a freshman or sophomore, suck it up and make him a cooler! Boys love ‘em and they get used a ton! Winning. Make sure it appeals to his tastes and is a true “fratastic” reflection of who he is. Traditional designs include sides devoted to his favorite alcohol, a beach scene, a favorite athletic team, song lyrics etc. Spend some time on the design – a.k.a. don’t start it the night beforehand. If you were the guy, wouldn’t you want to receive something that looked like your date actually cared enough to put time and effort into making it awesome? The answer is, no doubt, yes (I’d hope).
3. Discuss groceries. You don’t have to take him to the grocery store with you, though it is nice to offer up that idea. You’re not feeding just yourself this weekend—there are two people involved here. And if you’re on a budget, communication is key. You don’t want to get excess of anything or gross stuff that no one likes. Make sure the food is the traditional “beach-drunken” fare. For example, Easy Mac, frozen pizzas and PB&J’s are always popular because they’re quick, easy and delicious. Carbs are always a good idea. After all, you’re going to need something to soak up the excess liquid both you and your date will probably be consuming. And don’t forget the water! Your date will absolutely love you (and so will your body) because the weekend is sure to leave your body more than parched. Please remember, your date is not expecting a gourmet five-course meal. Trust me, the boys’ attention span will be lacking and their appetite will definitely be craving other things.
4. Let him do his thing. Ladies, this is a fraternity event. This means that he is looking forward to being with his bros, too! You don’t want to be that stage-5 clinger date. Or worse, that girl in the corner waiting for her date to come get her from whatever he is doing. This is the perfect scene for you to be that awesome girl that makes friends with his fraternity brothers and the other girls on the trip! Do your thing and let him do his! It’ll be more fun for both of you!
5. Don’t be that girl. Don’t be the date that does the embarrassing, ridiculous thing that EVERYONE will still be talking about come next beach weekend. You don’t want to embarrass your date or yourself, so just try to go with the flow. Leave the embarrassing stuff to the boys.
6. Don’t be high maintenance. Beach weekend isn’t a time for you to take one hour to get ready to go spend the afternoon on the beach. If you must apply makeup, stick with the simple water-proof mascara and call it a day. News flash, no one really cares what you look like this weekend. They only care that they have fun! So rock the manks and jorts, and let your hair down!
Follow these easy tips and you will be the best date ever this beach weekend! Not only will your date thank you, but you’ll be one of the coolest girls there! Chat it up, have fun and remember: he asked you when he could have asked anyone else!