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7 Ways to Make the Treadmill More Fun

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When the temperature drops, your motivation to work out can drop as well! Indoor workouts may be more comfortable in the winter, but it’s understandable to dread the monotony of the gym. While the treadmill is a great option for burning some major calories, it can also become extremely boring. Exercise is a vital part of staying healthy, so why not enjoy it? Here are some fun, simple ways to spice up your routine and beat boredom on the treadmill!

1. Use a running app

There are tons of fun, inexpensive workout apps that you can download to make your workout more fun!

  • Zombies, Run! is an app that turns your morning run into a story about surviving a zombie attack. In the game, zombies have attacked the town of Able Township, and in order to protect the town you must collect supplies while out running. “Zombies, Run!” can be used both inside and outside, it costs $3.99 and it’s compatible with Apple and Android devices.
  • Nike Plus acts as a GPS and records aspects of your run, like pace, distance and calories burned. The app, which is free in the iTunes Store, uploads all of the information to the Nike Plus website, allowing you to track your progress. The app can be used both inside and outside, but set it to indoor mode for treadmill workouts to make sure it records your stats. The best part? It links to your social media accounts so people can send you cheers along your run!
  • For music fans, Upbeat Workouts finds your prefect music by calculating your strides per minute and finding a song that has a matching tempo. Whether walking or running, “Upbeat Workouts” uses music from your own library to sync your workout with songs. It costs $2.99 in the iTunes Store, and is compatible with most Apple products.

With a variety of low-cost apps to choose from, you can turn a boring treadmill workout into an adventure!

2. Go to the gym with a friend

A little friendly competition can be the best motivation, so the next time you head to the gym, grab a girlfriend. Busy schedules can often make finding time to hang out with your friends challenging, and working out together is a great way to get fit and spend some quality time together. Challenge each other by racing, or do a fun interval workout together. Having your BFF by your side will make your workout more fun and help inspire you to give it your all. The best part? You’ll have someone to grab a post-gym treat with!

3. Watch a TV show

One of the key factors to beating boredom during an indoor workout is distraction! Save your favorite movie or TV show for when you’re at the gym. Here’s a list of shows to try if you’re in need of ideas.

Amanda Hancock, a senior at Miami University of Ohio, says that distraction is important while working out indoors. “I've found that watching part of a movie or TV show is really fun to do while running on the treadmill,” says Amanda.  “If you don't have anything to occupy yourself, the treadmill will get old really fast because the only thing you're looking at is the clock or mileage slowly going by.”

If your gym offers personal TVs, make a deal with yourself that instead of watching Homeland on the couch every week, you’ll watch it at the gym. That way, you’ll have at least one set workout per week! If you don’t have the option of actually watching a TV, you can always download your favorite show onto your iPod or phone.

4. Download a fun workout playlist

Music is a great way to pump you up for your workout, but it can be easy to get in a rut of listening to the same music over and over again. Create a special playlist just for when you work out to keep you from getting bored of the same music.

Along with watching TV, Amanda says she enjoys listening to upbeat music while she runs. “I also enjoy just creating an exciting playlist on my iPod, maybe with new music or music that will distract me from the treadmill,” she says.  Download a new, fast-paced workout playlist to help keep you motivated during those long workouts!

5. Do an interval workout

Running at a steady pace for long periods of time can make the time crawl by. Change up your workout by doing intervals! High-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts offer a quick, effective way to burn a ton of calories. You can simply switch up your speed and incline, such as jogging at a comfortable pace for two minutes and then sprinting for 30 seconds, or even alternate between running on the treadmill and doing quick bursts of weight lifting. Interval workouts can be found online, or you can download an app like “Interval Run”, which costs $1.99 from the iTunes Store, to help guide you through the workout.

6. Create a training goal

While marathons may not be in your future, that doesn’t mean you can’t set goals! You can set small goals, like running one mile without stopping, or tackle a more difficult challenge, like completing a 5K. Whether you sign up for a race to train for, or just complete the distance on the treadmill, training for a certain goal makes every minute you spend running feel like an accomplishment. No matter how big (or small) your goal is, it will give you something to strive for and provide great motivation.

7. Listen to a podcast

Listening to a podcast is a great way to distract yourself while catching up on news and current events! “I always listen to podcasts (oftentimes NPR).  I have trouble sitting and listening to podcasts, so I pretty much only listen to them at the gym,” says Katherine Varga, a senior at the University of Rochester. “Sometimes I'll go to the gym because I want something to do while I listen to This American Life or Radiolab, not because I actually want to exercise.”

For collegiettes interested in science, Radiolab chooses a scientific topic every week and explores it in a manner that’s easy to understand. For collegiettes looking to catch up on the news, NPR’s  Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me! discusses current events and interviews guests in a fun game show format. If you need a little workout inspiration, The Jillian Michaels Show discusses topics involving health and fitness.

Audiobooks are also a great option for multitasking at the gym. Whether you’re into mysteries or chick lit, or you just want to catch up on some reading for class, there are tons of audiobooks available on iTunes to suit any interest!

 

Whether you change up your workout, use an app to distract yourself or grab a friend and have some fun, there are tons of ways to make your treadmill workout more exciting! Staying healthy and fit is important year-round, so take your workout indoors and have fun while doing it!


#ManiMonday Sorority Edition: Phi Mu

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Phi Mu ladies, today's the day to learn how to create a perfectly pink manicure perfect for any function. To make it extra girly, pair it with some glitter! Continue reading to find out how to create this adorably chic mani.

Because Phi Mu's color is rose pink I used Ulta Tickle Me (it's discontinued but OPI Japanese Rose Garden is a great dupe), OPI Teenage Dream ($32.50), and OPI Step Right Up ($7.20). The "white" polish is actually an extremely light pink, but you can use whichever you prefer depending on if you want to stick with the pink color scheme or not.

Begin by painting your three middle finger nails with pale polish, and the thumb and pinky with the pink polish. The lighter pink polish took multiple coats to create an opaque base, so use as many coats as necessary.

Next, using a toothpick and the pink polish, write the Greek letters for Phi Mu on your pointer and middle fingers.

On the remaining nails, apply one coat of the glitter polish. The price for the Teenage Dream polish might be a bit outrageous (the polish was limited edition), but it really is an amazing glitter! It's very concentrated and extremely easy to get glitter onto the nail. However, a similar one for a lot less is Sally Hansen Strobe Light ($4.68).

Be sure to apply a clear topcoat to protect your mani, especially the glitter. 

 

And now your manicure is complete—be sure to show the simple-yet-gorgeous design off to your Phi Mu sisters!

5 Comfy & Cute Outfits to Study In

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With exam season upon us, all the stress, studying and test-taking can sometimes leave us collegiettes putting our fashionable side on the back burner. As a result, sweatpants, sweatshirts and subsequent “groutfits” (all-gray outfits) become much more prominent around campus. However, there are so many ways to look fashionable while staying just as comfortable as you would have if you had worn a sweat suit! Read on for cute study outfit ideas.

1. Channel classic comfort
 

Classic Comfort

Stripe top
shopruche.com

 

 

Mavi skinny leg jeans
nordstrom.com

 

 

 

Sole Society knit scarve
solesociety.com

 

Jeggings can be just as comfy as sweatpants or leggings, so why not build off of them? An oversized sweater simulates that feeling of wearing a baggy sweatshirt—but makes you look way cuter, of course! Add on an infinity scarf and tall riding boots for extra coverage against the elements on your walk to the library. Grab a coffee on the way and get ready to curl up in a cubicle and get to work.

2. Skirting around studying
 

Skirting Around Studying

 

Black pantyhose
modcloth.com

 

 

Forever 21 skirt
forever21.com

 

 

 

Sole Society beanie beret
solesociety.com

 

A skirt? To the library? Of course! A skirt, especially a flowy circle skirt, is actually very comfortable and a great study outfit option when paired with a loose sweater. Wear it with a beanie, which is much trendier than wearing a hooded sweatshirt, but just as cozy.

Tights are a must, as bare legs in December aren’t very realistic at many colleges, especially if you’re running across campus for study groups or you have a drafty library. You can even try to find a fleece-lined pair like this one from ModCloth for extra warmth. Just finish off the look with a cute pair of booties!

3. Making a turtleneck trendy
 

Trendy Turtlenecks

While some may consider turtlenecks frumpy, they can actually be super chic when paired with the right piece! Turtlenecks are warm and comfortable and great to cozy up in for a study sesh. They go amazingly with a pair of trendy harem pants, which are as comfortable as sweats (but a million times cuter). Finish your look off with a short pair of boots for a contrast against all the fabric, and you’ll be the best-dressed girl in the library.

4. Getting fuzzy
 

Getting Fuzzy

One of the reasons we love sweatshirts and sweatpants so much is their fuzzy factor – there’s nothing better than curling up in something super fuzzy when you’re stressed. Luckily, there are other pieces of clothing that are much more fashionable than sweats but will still get you your fuzziness fix. Wear a couple of basic items of clothing, like a plain tee and jeans, and build off of there, layering with a super-soft scarf and fur-lined moccasins. Moccasins are just like slippers, but more socially acceptable to rock in public and way cuter to study in!

5. Rocking a sweatshirt
 

Rocking A Sweatshirt

Express wrap top
express.com

 

 

Vince Camuto legging
vincecamuto.com

 

 

Silver flat
gap.com

 

If you’re an absolute sweatshirt die-hard and cannot study without one (we don’t blame you), the luxe sweatshirt is the way to go. Luxe sweatshirts are made of sweatshirt material that has been dressed up with embellishments, patterns or words. They’re comfy and totally chic, especially when paired with leather leggings and a pair of flats, and they’re perfect for when you need to buckle down and write that important final paper.


Exam period is a stressful time, but it’s also an opportunity to let your inner fashionista stand out amongst the sea of sweatshirts. So next time you hit the library, switch up your sweat suit routine and try out a trendy but comfy outfit like the ones suggested here!
 

Win a $500 Aéropostale Shopping Spree & Change a Life!

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We’ve all had that pair of jeans that we’ve called life-changing—they fit perfectly, they go with everything, and we can’t imagine our closets without them. But for some, a single pair of jeans can be a real life-changer—and you, collegiettes, can make that happen.

DoSomething.org, the largest organization for young people and social change, is partnering up with Aéropostale for the eighth year in a row on the Teens for Jeans campaign. The largest jeans drive in the country, the campaign aims to help youth experiencing homelessness. More than one million teens and children in the U.S. experience homelessness each year, and most of them have only the clothes they’re wearing when they enter a homeless shelter. The one item these young people ask for most often is a pair of jeans.

To help promote the cause, we’ve teamed up with Aéropostale and DoSomething.org to give away a $500 Aeropostale gift card—all you have to do is enter your email address here to sign up, learn more, and participate in Teens for Jeans!

Interested in holding a drive in your community, or want to find out where you can donate your own gently used jeans? Check out teensforjeans.com—you can start collecting now, and you can drop off your jeans at your local Aéro from January 12 through February 15!

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Holidays Away From Home: How to Celebrate After College

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During your years in college, it was pretty much a given that you’d spend the holidays at home. Whether you’ve moved to a new city (or country!) that’s too far from home to head back to this season or your work schedule doesn’t allow for long enough of a break to visit your family, you might be faced with the reality that you won’t be going home this year. But just because there isn’t a month-long winter break in the real world doesn’t mean holiday cheer should be neglected! Even with distance from family and friends, you can still bring the seasonal spirit into your life to make your first post-college holiday season every bit as special.

In the office

Office holiday party or not, when you’re spending the majority of your time at work, it’s the perfect place to bring in a bit of festive spirit. If you’re close with your coworkers, consider doing a gift exchange—or you can do something as simple as decorate your cubicle. Keep any decorations subtle and work-appropriate, though (you still want to look professional)! For example, you can hang any cards that friends and family send you up in your cubicle, or even have your parents send you your favorite childhood ornament to hang by your computer so you feel that much closer to home.

Long distance

Just because you can’t be physically present doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the holidays with your family! Thanks to video-chatting apps, you can “spend time” with your loved ones. Schedule a time with your family to do a Skype or FaceTime session, or get your long-distance friends together in a Google Hangout to do a big group chat. You can even whip up some of your favorite recipes from home and eat dinner with your family virtually!

And don’t miss out on gift-giving, either! Set up a Secret Santa among your friend group using a gift exchange generator such as Elfster so each of you will be mailing out one present to someone in your group—this way, everybody gets a special gift, and none of you will need to take on the cost of shipping dozens of different gifts all over the country.

In your new home

Chances are there are tons of other graduettes in your city who are dealing with the same problem! Reach out to your friends in your new city and find out what they’re doing for the holidays. Get your party-planning skills ready and host a party for anybody who’s around, and have them invite any of their friends who won’t be going home for the holidays this year either. Whether you decide to organize a potluck dinner or a New Year’s Eve party in your new apartment, you’ll be spending it with friends and meeting new people.

And even if you’re not hosting an event, don’t be afraid to get festive! Your apartment is your very own place now, so you can go all out when decorating: Create an entire winter wonderland, or simply put up photos from past holidays. You can also have your family send you some decorations from home to put up in your place.

In your new city

Every city has its own way of celebrating the holidays, so if you’ve moved somewhere new after graduation, go out and see what your neighborhood has to offer!

Jessica Jaksich, a graduate from Emory University, says, “Since graduating and moving to New York, I've definitely made it a priority to take in all the festivities NYC has to offer, [such as the] Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes and ice-skating in Bryant Park.” Grab a friend and go to a holiday event, or just walk through your city on your own and take in the lights, storefronts and more.

Being abroad shouldn’t stop you from celebrating your favorite holidays either. Recent graduette Amy* is currently traveling in Europe and plans to celebrate with the friends she has made out there. “[We had] a nice, home-cooked meal together for Thanksgiving,” she says. “It’s not the same, but at least we have good friends and spirits to share the festivities with!”

If you haven’t been in your new city long enough to have met people to share the holidays with yet, try getting together with locals via Meetup or GirlFriendCircles, where you can search for organized events and holiday meet-ups with people in your area.

The first holiday season after graduating can be difficult—after all, nothing can beat your mom’s homemade pies! But whether you choose to spend the holidays “together” with your long-distance family and friends or you create your own memories and traditions in your new city, your holiday season this year can be just as festive and fun as it would be in your hometown.

*Name has been changed.

How She Got There: Constance C.R. White, Consulting Editor at OZY

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Name: Constance C.R. White 
Job Title: Consulting Editor at OZY
Website: www.ozy.com

What does your current job entail? Is there such a thing as a typical day?

Constance C.R. White: Currently I’m a consulting editor with OZY and my job entails writing stories, recruiting writers and developing concepts. A typical workday first includes reporting. It might be doing a formal or informal interview or write-up on any number of things. It also involves checking a lot of emails and going to meetings of different kinds. I might also be out at events or speaking about any given number of topics, like OZY or recruiting.

What is the best part of your job?

CW: I love to read, so I think the best part of the job for me is reading about what’s going on and reading good stories. To do my job, I have to know what’s happening and I have to read a lot, whether it’s reading what’s on OZY or reading about what our competitors are doing. It can even be just reading to learn more about the world and what would make a good story.

What has been the most surreal moment of your career thus far?

CW: One was when I was consulting on a project and I had the opportunity to meet and work with Laila Ali. I was very impressed by her, but what was surreal about it was thinking about how far I had come that I had the opportunity to work with the daughter of someone whom I consider to be one of the greatest Americans of the last century.

Muhammad Ali is someone that so many of us admire; he was more than a sports hero, and he’s revered around the world for his courage and for being at the top of his game. And it was so surreal to me to meet his daughter who just seems so much like him. It was just so surreal to me.

What do you look for when considering hiring someone?

CW: The first thing I look at is matching the job skills to the job at hand. So that seems pretty obvious, but it’s helpful for people to know and to indicate when applying for a position.

The second thing I look for is potential. It’s obviously hard to judge someone in an interview setting, especially if you don’t know that person well or at all, but there are a few touchstones to look at. First, I look at the work someone’s done before. Has that person had internships? Has he or she volunteered? When someone says [he or she is] interested in a particular industry, you look to see if there’s evidence of that. Additionally, has the applicant done research [on his or her own] to display in an interview setting? Do the applicant really know about this business?

Next, does the person has to have an interest in the company [he or she] is applying to? Can an applicant speak to what is great about the company and what can improve?

Finally, I look for personal character. Is this someone who is going to work hard, be a team player, and have enthusiasm for the job at hand?
 
What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?

CW: I’m a big believer in internships, so I very much would recommend that college women get internships in journalism. If you’re early in your career, try to work part-time or freelance at the very least. You really give yourself a leg up with the competition if you have experience, and you get to show that you’re truly interested in the industry.

Second, make sure you can read and write well. It sounds obvious, but if you’re going into journalism, whether you’re writing on the Internet or editing a newspaper, good reading and writing are still essential. They’re cornerstones of what we do. You’re called to multitask when you’re a journalist, so it really helps to know what you’re doing.

The other thing I would say is that it’s important to be well versed in social media. Nowadays you want to be involved with it, even if you become a senior executive. Doing it now helps you know what’s going on, and it helps you promote your work. 

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Your Ultimate Finals Week Style Guide

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Alas, finals week is fast approaching. Happy collegiette populations everywhere will soon be replaced by panicked masses of sweatpants-clad library goers, attempting fruitlessly to do a term’s worth of reading in a single night. During finals season, the last thing you want to do is figure out what to wear, so we’ve created a handy guide with all your exam-taking wardrobe essentials, so you don't have to do the work yourself... if only someone could say that for your 10-page essay.

1. Zipper Raglan Sweatshirt Dress, $29.99


Yes, you read that correctly: Sweatshirt. Dress. We didn’t think sweatshirts could get any better, but getting to wear one without even putting on pants takes comfort to the next level.

2. U|R Stella Textured Knit Tech Earmuffs, $35

Keep your ears warm and your music bumpin’.

3. Sole Society Irma Sunglasses, $29.95

These frames perfectly hide the bags under your eyes as you're trekking through campus. Throw these on* after an all-nighter and you’ll look as good as a hungover celebrity. (*Actual sunlight not required.)

4. Windsor Ivory Faceted Stone Flower Beanie, $12.90


Let’s be honest: There will be at least one day this week that you’ll skip washing your hair. When the inevitable happens, shove your dirty mane under this adorable winter beanie, and no one will be the wiser.

5. ASOS Chunky Infinity Scarf, $30.32


This delicious knit scarf will keep you cozy on your walk from your dorm room to the library. And when you’re tired of studying? Pull it down over your shoulders into a sort of amazing, knit burrito that you can nap in.

6. LA Hearts Sweater Leggings, $22.95

There is a time for real pants. Finals week is not that time.

Finals week goals:

1. Stay warm and cozy.
2. Pass classes.

We can’t promise #2, but with our finals week style guide, we’ll guarantee you’ll achieve #1. Good luck, collegiettes!

 

7 Ways to Show Your Roomie Love

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Your relationship with your roommate could be one of the best ones you build during your college years, and for good reason: you’re there for her and she’s there for you, morning and night, day in and day out. You raid each other’s closets, gossip about cross-campus crushes, share hair tips and binge-watch your favorite Netflix obsessions together; she’s the ultimate live-in bestie! But as with every relationship, yours needs some maintenance every now and then (or just some extra TLC), so show her you how much she means to you before the semester ends! Need some inspiration? We’ve got you covered!

1. Surprise her with a baked treat

You can’t go wrong with making your roomie a baked good like cookies or brownies – trust us. They’ll warm her heart and her stomach! She’ll definitely appreciate the time you took to cater to her chocolate craving, and she’ll probably share them with you in the end – win win!

2. Leave her a trail of compliments on Post-its

While she’s out of the room, scribble down cute sayings and messages on a bunch of Post-its. Then stick them various places throughout her space or the apartment, like on her mirror or desk, where you know she’ll see them. The idea is simple, but it’ll come across in a really heartfelt way!

3. Give her a gift she’ll actually use (and love!)

Now that the holidays are right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to give your roomie a gift she’ll never forget! Our personal fave? The new L’OcciBox from L’Occitane, a seasonal gift box with samplings of the brand’s most luxurious products for $15 — a price you can actually afford! It’s the perfect, pamper-ready present to show your roomie you appreciate her. Order yours using the promo code DISCOVER at checkout, and you’ll be showing your roomie love in no time.

4. Plan a pampering session

Giving your roomie a gift certificate for a salon manicure is a great gesture, but it can obviously get pricey, so consider having a little pampering session in your own room! You’ll already have all of the beauty supplies you need, plus you can pool together your nail polish collections and have a mani party of your own. It’ll also be a good opportunity to catch up on everything you’ve missed while you’ve both been studying – cue gossip!

5. Clean up

Initially, tidying up doesn’t seem like a meaningful “gift,” but the act will go a long way, especially if your roomie is having a particularly rough week. You probably don’t want to rearrange her personal belongings (that’s up to her!), but you can take out the trash, do the dishes, vacuum or just clean up your space so she doesn’t have to look at your mess. Coming home to a clean space will make her feel at home like nothing else, and it shows you made an effort!

6. Bring her an afternoon pick-me-up

If it looks like she’s having a particularly rushed or stressful day (hello, finals week), show up with her favorite drink from Starbucks or a cup of froyo! Even if it’s not one of those days, she’ll still be thrilled by the random act of kindness.

7. Do her a favor (without her asking)

Remember how she keeps mentioning she needs more staples? Or how she’s running out of shampoo and conditioner, but never has time to grab more? Go to the store and pick up that thing she really needs to save her a trip! For an extra element of surprise, leave the item out for her with a note instead of handing it to her directly!

What are you waiting for? Show your roomie some love ASAP before the semester’s over, because it’ll be a while before you get to hang the same way again (the struggle of winter break!). When the two of you are both too busy to spend some time together, it’s small reminders like these that make the most difference!


25 Signs You're So Over This Semester

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Has anyone seen our motivation? We can't seem to find it. It must've gotten lost somewhere in the end of this semester. If found, please return ASAP.

1. Your bank account is practically nonexistent.  

2. Your naps get longer and more frequent.

3. Your number of days between showers increases and your containers of dry shampoo run out quicker.

4. Taking notes has turned into this:

5. Your meals are either takeout or 100 percent microwaveable.

6. Cleaning isn’t really a thing for you anymore.

7. You no longer feel the need to go grocery shopping, so you just throw together whatever you have around the house.

8. You have so much to do, yet you spend every second of your precious free time doing absolutely nothing.

9. Your outfits have become a smorgasbord of random things pulled from every corner of your apartment - usually a combination of going-out clothes, leggings and sweatshirts.

10. Your incredible Facebook-stalking skills have gone to a whole new level, enlightening you with amazing information, like that Casey’s brother’s friend’s sister’s fiancé’s cousin went to jail for stealing a car. Oh, and that girl in your biology class has a super hot brother who goes to Yale. 

11. You've calculated every single one of your semester grades in case you bomb the final exams.

12. You begin to think Satan himself created group projects.

13. The phrase “assigned reading” is the funniest joke you’ve ever heard.


14. You begin making collaborative group decisions with your friends about skipping class.

15. And then when your roommate decides at the last minute to go to class, you're like:

16. You start running out of everything, but you continue to violently shake bottles and scrape remains from caps because you don’t want to have to buy any more of anything until you get home.

17. You begin to tire of every food option on campus.

18. Not even coffee is doing the trick anymore.

19. You start throwing sporadic temper tantrums about the simplest of tasks…

20. …and then you reward yourself for accomplishing those basic, everyday tasks you should be doing.

21. When people brag about not having finals, you want to hurt them.

22. You validate every class you skip, quiz you fail, project you half-ass and meeting you miss.

23. Every time you get back from any daunting errand (like going to class or the bathroom) you go right back to where you belong.

24. The only thing you get excited for anymore is the pizza-delivery man knocking on your door.

25.  Every time you start to worry about something, you're like:

Manhattan College

DePauw University

Indiana University

Real Live College Guy: He Broke Up With Me, Then Changed His Mind

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We all need a little guidance now and then, so whether you’re stressed about a fling gone wrong, a recently wrecked relationship or how to handle a stage-five clinger, Real Live College Guy Dale is here to help you navigate the college dating scene.

My boyfriend of nine months recently just broke up with me, but the next day, he texted me asking if we could go on a break for two weeks instead of breaking up. He was confused when he broke up with me, saying he didn't want to break up with me and he loved me, but ended it by saying we should be friends. What does he actually want? My friends say I shouldn't get back with him if he does decide he wants to be with me. What should I do? –Ending it? at Exeter

Exeter,

Think back. Have you ever made any sudden decisions based on fear, anger or really any emotion? Have you ever regretted those decisions because you made them when you weren’t in the right frame of mind or maybe because you jumped to the decision just a little too quickly?

I have. I definitely have.

While I don’t know this guy, I think it’s reasonable to say he did — or does — love you. But, for whatever reason (maybe you said or did something to irk him or make him unsure of your relationship), he made the sudden decision to break up with you. I can relate. I did the same thing with my first girlfriend. We had been together for almost a year, when one day she did something to really piss me off and I just told her that I couldn’t do “this” anymore, whatever “this” was. I made a rash decision, and the next day, I regretted it.

The difference is that I didn’t try to patch things up or take a Ross-and-Rachel style “break.”

Instead of taking a break, I committed to the breakup. What’s done was done, and while it turned out to be better in the long run, it most definitely caused a fair amount of heartache for a few months afterward.

I think more than likely he made a sudden decision and realized his mistake. I think sometimes couples do need to step back and examine their relationship. I think you two need to sit down and have a mature discussion about why he felt the sudden urge to break things off. Moreover, while I’d love to tell you to make it nonconfrontational, if he beats around the bush and doesn’t give you a direct answer, then you definitely need to confront him and demand one. You put nine months of your life into this relationship, and you deserve an answer.

If you two decide to take a break (but remain in contact) and put things back together, do it. Your friends do not decide how you live your life, and while it’s nice to think that your friends always have your best interests at heart, they may not always understand the entire situation. This decision is yours and his to make, not theirs.

Long story short: I can’t actually tell you what he wants. I can give you the different variables that might have played into his decision. I can tell you why I did something similar to what he did and how it worked out for me. But I can’t tell you exactly what he wants — that’s something you and he have to sit down and figure out.

Best of luck!

18 Thoughts Girls Have During Finals, as Told by Leslie Knope

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It's the most terrible time of the year. Finals are in full swing, and so is the feeling that you're probably going to die before you make it through the end of the semester. You're spending more time at the library than in your dorm, surviving on black coffee and pizza (delivered to said library) and daydreaming of winter break, when this hell will be over with. Or, more importantly, your bed at home. The horrendous ordeal that is finals week comes with a range of emotions, and Leslie Knope is here to help us express them.

1. Off to the library! I'm so ready to study. Psh, this final isn't going to be that bad. 

2. *Looking at the study guide* Okay, so I definitely should have paid way more attention in lecture instead of checking social media. Curse you, Yik Yak!

3. There's no way I can memorize all of this before my exam. Why did I wait until the day before my exam to study? ProcrastiNATION, population me.

4. What does this term mean? When did we learn this?

5. I've never heard of this before in my life. 

6. I have no choice but to study incessantly until my exam. Great!

7. I hate this library. I hate this class. I hate everything. LET ME GO HOME.

8. Is it hot in here, or is it just me? Why am I shaking? What do you mean, that was my fifth cup of black coffee?!

9. I have to pee so badly, but I can't give up my spot. I'm next to an outlet, for crying out loud! That is library gold!

10. I need a break. Or a hug. Or five puppies to comfort me. Mom, can you come get me? I guess a phone call will suffice...

11. Okay, I have to get back to work. It's too bad I know absolutely nothing on this study guide or any study guide or anything in the world ever. Someone help.

12. OMG. The greasy, unhealthy comfort food I ordered is finally here!

13. Okay, that was probably the best meal I've had in my entire life, but my test is in an hour and a half. Time to cram.

14. WHAT DO YOU MEAN I HAVE TO GO TAKE MY EXAM?!

15. I. Am. Not. Ready.

16. Alright, get yourself together. Deep breaths. I can do this! Well, I can at least try to do this.

17. *One stressful hour later* I did it! It's over! That wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be!

18. I am outta here. Break filled with binge-watching Netflix and snuggling my cat, here I come!

Everything You Need to Survive Finals in Style

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Hey, collegiettes! We know dipping temperatures and long nights in the library can seriously cramp your style, but we don’t want it to – and neither should you! We’ve sent each Her Campus chapter some amazing swag from our favorite brands to help you ace finals with flying colors (and lots of statement jewelry!).

This semester’s kit includes some finals must-haves from brands like Kettle Brand, Cold-EEZE, Chipotle, LUNA, Aritzia, TRESemmé, CamelBak, BaubleBar, chain & charcoal, Bayer’s The Timeline Project™ and Cosabella!

In preparation for a time of the year that encourages both lots of coffee runs and acceptable sweatpants ensembles, I put on my comfiest HC sweatshirt and opened up the Finals Survival Kit that has now made its way to your campus!

Watch me dig through all these amazing freebies, and score your own just for being part of your school’s Her Campus chapter!

When you get your hands on some of these amazing products, make sure to thank our sponsors and tag your posts with #HCSurvivalKits.

Good luck with finals, collegiettes! 


The 7 Weirdest College Traditions

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Sure, your school may have a crazy homecoming weekend or raging parties on St. Paddy’s Day, but does your campus have a tree made of shoes? Do you parade a giant dragon around campus? These schools do! Here are seven of the weirdest college traditions.

7. Tufts University: The Naked Quad Run

The annual Naked Quad Run took place just before fall finals in early New England December at Tufts University. It attracted hundreds of students looking to unwind… or just looking to, well, look.

Dorm residents would “warm up” with alcohol and gather in the basement of a dorm, undress as a group and exit from the rear of the building. Though it was called a “naked” run, many participants sported odd props like hats and capes.

Unfortunately, the decades-long tradition for celebrating the end of the semester has come to a halt, as the president of the school cancelled it in 2011 with students’ health in mind—and the fact that it’s technically illegal. After it was canceled, students modified the tradition that year and implemented an “Excessively Overdressed Quad Stroll” instead.

6. Murray State University: The Shoe Tree

In the middle of Murray State’s Kentucky campus stands a tree with at least 50 pairs of mismatched shoes nailed to it. Though it isn’t the prettiest of sights, it has quite an interesting backstory. While no one on campus can really say when the tradition of the shoe tree began, it has become an integral part of the university’s history and an ongoing tradition.

The story states that if two students meet at Murray State, fall in love and get married, they’ll have good luck if each partner nails a shoe to the tree. Couples often write their anniversaries on their shoes as well, and it’s common for people to return to nail a baby shoe to the tree when they’ve started a family.

5. Pomona College: Ski-Beach Day

Only in Southern California would it be possible to go skiing and visit the beach in the same day – so Pomona College has taken advantage of it. For one day in February or March, a busload of Pomona students heads to Mountain High resort to take on the slopes. Then in the afternoon, they board the bus and head to Newport Beach to finish the day with a cookout and boogie boards.

Though students aren’t quite sure just how Ski-Beach Day got its start, they do know bits and pieces of its origins. Early in the school’s history, classes were dismissed one day a year for an all-day outing. By the 1920s, they had Snow Day in the nearby mountains. In 1940, a lack of snow forced the students to head to Laguna Beach instead for a “Beach Day.” At some point between then and now, the two events were brought together to create today’s Ski-Beach Day.

4. Vassar College: Senior Serenading

Vassar College has a number of cool traditions, but the annual serenading definitely tops the list. Each year, to establish their power, the seniors walk dorm to dorm, where freshmen sing songs to them–though they’re usually pretty insulting.

As if that wasn’t strange enough, the innocent singing eventually becomes a campus-wide food fight. As the freshmen sing, the senior class throws condiments – anything from chocolate syrup to balloons filled with ketchup – at them.

3. Cornell University: Dragon Day

Every year on the Friday before the university’s spring break, the freshman architectural students of Cornell get together to design an elaborate dragon structure that stands several stories high. Students from the department dress in outrageous costumes and parade the dragon around campus during the day.

The first Dragon Day was in 1901, when a Cornell senior led a group of students around campus carrying a model dragon. The idea was partly inspired by the legend of St. Patrick, who drove the snakes and serpents out of Ireland. About 50 years later, the event evolved into its current lively and outrageous form, with an actual constructed dragon.

2. Columbia University: Orgo Night

The day before the infamous organic chemistry exam on the first day of finals at Columbia University, all hell breaks loose. At the stroke of midnight, “Orgo Night” begins with the Columbia University Marching Band occupying the main room of the library to distract students from studying– as one of the night’s purposes is to lower the curve of the orgo exam.

The band starts with some campus-relevant jokes and music, and after about 30 minutes, it moves on to Van Am Quad to entertain residents of the nearby dorms. The band plays at various other locations around campus and ends the night in front of the Furnald Hall dormitory, where seniors gathered on the steps are presented with champagne and are serenaded by the freshmen band members.

1. Reed College: Seventh Annual Nitrogen Day

You can’t see it, smell it or taste it, but you sure can celebrate it! Reed College in Oregon sets a special day aside each year to appreciate the students’ favorite element: nitrogen.

The school describes their “Seventh Annual Nitrogen Day” as a “celebration of one of the universe’s most important, yet under-appreciated elements.” The celebration is complete with free food, a band and poetry readings on the student union porch – and everything is nitrogen-themed.

The “Seventh Annual” part of the celebration’s name doesn’t refer to the year, as every year’s celebration is actually called the Seventh Annual Nitrogen Day. That’s because nitrogen is the seventh element on the periodic table. We see what you did there, Reed…

The Seventh Annual Nitrogen Day has become one of the most popular traditions on Reed’s campus, happening every year since 1992. Its origin is hard to trace, though one chemistry professor says the celebration sprung out of times when passionate science majors would give nitrogen-related speeches in the quad.

 

Bet you didn’t come to college thinking students would run naked in the middle of winter or nail shoes to trees… but college is full of surprises! Does your school have any wacky traditions? Let us know in the comments! 

Everything You Need in Your Finals Week Beauty Kit

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Believe it or not, finals week is upon us. Spending hours in the library combined with a lack of sleep does not give us collegiettes an excuse to compromise our appearance. With the help of these beauty products, you can score an A+ on your look and your exam!

1. Dewy skin

Spending hours in front of a computer screen perfecting your final paper can leave you neglecting your skin. Take a study break to applyCaudalie Beauty Elixir ($18), a part-toner, part-serum, all-magical mist of oils and plant active ingredients. Providing an instant burst of radiance in a convenient one-ounce bottle, you’ll be reaching for this spray every day to keep skin energized and bright.

2. Luscious lips

During finals week, it seems like everyone sets up camp at the library—so you never know who you may run in to! Keep your pout perfect with Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick ($21). Available in ten fabulous colors, this lipstick provides the shine of a gloss with the staying power of a stain. Not even the most dramatic finals week meltdown will ruin your lips!

3. Bright eyes

Don’t let your dark circles tell everyone how long you’ve been up. Slip this Benefit Cosmetics Fake Up Concealer ($24) into your backpack to create the illusion of a full-nights sleep by combating dark circles and fine lines with moisturizing vitamin E and apple seed extract.

4. Voluminous hair

Dry shampoo provides collegiettes with a fool-proof way to re-energize second/third/fourth-day hair back to something reminiscent of a week without finals. This travel-sized Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo Invisible Spray ($11) absorbs oil while adding enviable volume. It sprays on clear, which means you don't have to worry about white residue, leaving you free to study without fear of flat hair.

Finals week, we're ready to take. you. on.

Healthy Fixes for Your Unhealthy Food Cravings

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College life can be stressful, and every collegiette ends up pulling an all-nighter at one point or another, which means late-night library sessions, your comfiest sweats and, of course, plenty of snacks. When a midnight study slump hits, so do the munchies, and we tend to reach for snacks to satisfy our cravings.

It’s safe to say that most collegiettes don’t crave healthy snacks, and most of us reach for chips and cookies over carrots. So how do you deal when unhealthy cravings hit? We talked to nutrition experts to find out the best ways to ward off cravings and to provide some healthy alternatives to munch on the next time a craving strikes.

How to ward off cravings

Cravings can be tricky to handle, especially if you’re exhausted or drained, and if left unchecked, they can lead to weight gain. Try these tips next time a craving strikes, and you’ll be surprised at your own willpower!

Recognize what’s causing your cravings

It’s important to recognize that food cravings are more about satisfying your emotions than your nutrient requirements. “Food cravings arise to satisfy emotional needs, such as reducing anxiety,” says Mary Hartley, a registered dietitian.

Joanne Larsen, a registered dietitian, also emphasizes the connection between cravings and emotions. “Cravings are in your head and relate to emotional memories associated with these foods as a reward,” Larsen says. We’ve all binged on Domino’s and downed our fair share of Ben & Jerry’s in times of distress, so it’s no wonder we reach for food to comfort ourselves.

Don’t tempt yourself

It sounds simple, but “if you don’t buy it, food can’t find its way into your mouth!” Larsen says. “Keep your food environment stocked with healthy options like fruit and tree nuts for snacking.”

It’s tempting to keep Easy Mac and junk food in your dorm room for snacking after the dining hall closes, but you’re only making it harder for yourself! Make a habit of heading to the local grocery store or farmer’s market on the weekend to pick up fresh fruits and veggies for the week so your minifridge is fully stocked for when cravings hit.

Eat often (and keep your diet varied!)

Brooke Schantz, a registered dietitian and CEO of Bitchin’ Nutrition, recommends eating at least three meals every day and consuming healthy snacks between meals to keep you full and craving-free. “Consuming a small meal or snack every three to four hours will help prevent cravings and keep your body full and satisfied,” Schantz says.

To make sure your meals and snacks are providing your body with everything it needs, include a good variety in your diet. “Eating a variety of foods from each food group ensures you are getting a wide variety of nutrients you need, and you’re less likely to crave specific foods,” Larsen says. She recommends consuming fruits, veggies, whole grains, dairy, healthy fats and a small amount of lean meat or beans daily to maintain a healthy and balanced diet that isn’t lacking nutrients (which could lead to nasty cravings!).

Get enough sleep

Larsen points out that “you’re more likely to overeat if you stay up late or are sleepy.” She recommends getting at least eight hours of sleep a night to help you avoid falling victim to late-night cravings.

“Avoid using your phone or tablet, as the light will reduce melatonin, which induces sleep,” Larsen adds. You can’t binge on Cheez-Its at midnight if you’re snoozing!

Don’t deprive yourself (or sweat a slipup!)

We’re all human, and we’re definitely all guilty of giving in to a craving every now and then. There’s nothing wrong with that as long as you indulge in moderation.

“If you are craving a food, buy a single serving of cake, pie, etc.” Larsen advises. “I've generally found that low-fat, sugar-free versions of the full-fat, sugary food aren’t as satisfying, and you will eat more. Limiting portion size is more important.” That way you can satisfy your craving without being tempted to polish off the entire tub of ice cream.

And even if you do go overboard occasionally, don’t worry too much about that Domino’s order you and your roomie placed last night (even if you did order extra-cheesy breadsticks). “If you do overeat a food you crave, don’t feel guilty! It was just a poor choice,” Larsen says. “Get back on your healthy eating plan!”

Healthy alternatives

We all get cravings, and while it’s okay to indulge every now and then, sometimes you want to satisfy your craving without breaking the calorie bank. Here are some healthy and delicious alternatives for the most common food cravings.

Sugary snacks

For the collegiette with a serious sweet tooth, nothing sounds better than a pack of Oreos and some sour gummy worms. But instead of reaching for snacks loaded with artificial sweeteners and other nasty chemicals, satisfy your sweet tooth with the natural sugars found in fruit.

“Fruit is sweet and can help turn off your appetite,” says Larsen. Fruits like apples and raspberries are particularly good at filling you up."

If finding fresh fruit on campus is tricky, Schantz recommends opting for Greek yogurt to satisfy a sweet tooth.

Red meat

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying some red meat from time to time—just don’t overdo it! Other meats like poultry and seafood will still help balance out your iron levels but don’t contain as many saturated fats as red meat. For the vegetarian collegiette, make sure you’re getting enough iron by filling your diet with beans, dark-green leafy vegetables (like spinach), iron-enriched cereals, seeds and dried fruits (for a full list of the foods highest in iron, check out WebMD).

Chocolate

Good news: Chocolate can actually be good for you! It contains tons of antioxidants and can improve heart health as well as blood pressure. That doesn’t mean you should polish off an entire bag of M&M’s, but you don’t need to deprive yourself, either.

Instead of milk chocolate candies, opt for solid dark chocolate that contains at least 70 percent cacao, which is lower in calories than milk chocolate and is richer in antioxidants that can protect you from heart disease.

For a sweet drink, Larsen suggests whipping up some hot cocoa made from dark baker’s chocolate. For an easy recipe, Larsen recommends breaking off about one ounce of chocolate from a dark chocolate bar and heating it up in one cup of skim milk sweetened with your favorite non-calorie sweetener, either in the microwave or on the stove. Enjoy your chocolate, but in moderation!

Salty snacks

Reaching for salty snacks like potato chips is often an indicator ofstress, so don’t be surprised if you experience more salty cravings around finals. Curb your salty cravings with snacks that contain small amounts of salt, like lightly salted almonds.

Larsen also recommends noshing on tree nuts, walnuts, pecans and pistachios. “The healthy fat will keep you satisfied until the next meal,” she says. Create your own trail mix of unsalted nuts and keep it in a container in your room for when a salty craving strikes!

There’s nothing wrong with giving into the occasional craving, but knowing how to resist cravings and what to reach for instead will keep you from going overboard.

Designer Scarves & More--Free!

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Scarves are an absolute winter wardrobe staple for collegiettes. They’re perfect for layering with, and are a great way to pull together an outfit or add color to a darker palette.

But as fashion-forward collegiettes, you’re not looking for just any scarf. So that’s why we’ve teamed up with ChicTweak to give away five $100 shopping sprees to the site! You’ll find hundreds of designer scarves on the site from covetable brands like Chan Luu, Diane von Furstenberg, We Are Owls and dozens more. You can also shop for all the accessories you’ll ever need: trendy round-frame sunglasses, cute clutches for your going out look, adorable stud earrings and even rolling luggage cases for your travels this winter—as in, everything that’ll take your look to the next level, no matter what the occasion. Want some style inspiration? Follow ChicTweak on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Enter below now for one of 5 chances to win $100 to update your winter style!

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7 Tips for Meeting Your Girlfriend’s Parents

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Maybe you’re head over heels, 100 percent in love with this girl, or maybe the two of you decided that spending the holidays together would be a fun next step in your relationship. Either way, the inevitable is coming: It’s time to meet her parents.

Sure, it's something that all of us who choose to date have to go through at some point, but meeting the parents becomes an entirely new beast when you’re not straight. What if her parents are totally uncool with their daughter dating a girl? What if they’re awkward? How gay should you act?

Don’t worry, nervous collegiettes; we’ve got your back. With the help of etiquette expert Jodi RR Smith and relationship specialist and counselor Christina Spaccavento, we have seven tips to guide you before you head off to meet the parents!

1. Talk to your partner beforehand

No one knows your partner’s parents better than your partner. Maybe they seem hardcore conservative but are actually totally inclusive, or maybe it’s the total opposite. Instead of planning for battle or going in blind, it’s a good call to express your nervousness to your partner and to trust her to be honest with you.

This will also help you figure out just how “out” you should be. If things really are a battleground at home, it may be best to avoid being handsy at the dinner table. Setting boundaries ahead of time is a good call so that any bad situations can be prevented. Let your partner know what you’re worried about. That way, if something comes up in the moment, you can give your partner a look or send her a quick text telling her you feel uncomfortable with something her parents did or said. You deserve to feel safe and comfortable in this new situation.

Spaccavento, who has experience working with LGBTQ+ couples, says, “When interacting with less-than-supportive parents, it is essential to be a unified team. Talking about your values and boundaries as a couple and coming to a decision together about parent behaviors that you're happy to let slide and other behaviors that just aren't okay is the best way to protect the relationship and ensure both partners feel mutually supported and loved.”

2. Be respectful and polite

In the same vein, no matter what your partner’s parents’ political stances are, you still want to remain respectful of them as the parents of the person you’re in love with. You may not end up being best friends, but it’s really important to establish a mutual neutrality if nothing else. Show respect by being culturally sensitive, being polite and watching your language.

“Use the salutations that you feel are fitting to the situation, but recognize and respect whatever the parent tells you to call them,” says Nicky, a senior collegiette who met her girlfriend’s parents this past summer. “Speak how you were raised, but respect whatever is asked of you and try not to make any assumptions. Be safe rather than sorry.”

It can be difficult to avoid seeming forced in your politeness. Smith, author of The Etiquette Book: A Complete Guide to Modern Manners, says, “If you are relaxed and confident, then the politeness is not forced.  Being polite means being your best self.”

Bringing a gift can also be a way to get things started on a positive note. “A gift is a token of your appreciation for their hospitality,” Smith says. “A homemade treat, box of chocolates, flowers or bottle of wine are all easy options. If there are younger siblings, it is worth extra points to bring a little toy for them as well.”

We all know how awkward it is to run into conflicts in someone else’s home, and we wouldn’t want you to run into a bad situation with your partner because you were rude to her parents.

3. Don’t be anyone you’re not

While meeting the parents may be all types of terrifying, at some point or another your true self will come out. You may as well get all of it out there at the first meeting. While it may not be the best idea to curse like a sailor or launch into a rant about your radical political views, you’re not doing yourself any favors if you decide to play the role of super-girly sweetheart if you’re more butch and prefer sarcasm over all other forms of communication.

Spaccavento says, “When meeting your girlfriend's parents for the first time, it is always fundamental to be yourself. Having said that, it is always a good idea to brush up on your general etiquette and conversational skills so that you feel prepared to handle any situation. And make sure you are showered, shampooed and shined for the occasion. Being well dressed (in whatever your style is) and good personal grooming is always a must.”

You’re important enough to your girlfriend to be brought home to the parents. Keep this in mind in case any self-doubt tries to cloud your thoughts!

4. Talk yourself up

Looking to get an in with the parents? Talk yourself up.

“Don’t shy away from the good things,” Nicky says. “Don’t be afraid to say what you’re good at. Let you partner’s parents know your future goals. It’s important that they hear about you from you, and not just from your partner.”

At the same time, though, it can be difficult to talk yourself up without seeming conceited. Smith recommends finding a balance.

“The easiest way not to brag is to answer the question fully and completely without going on and on, thereby allowing the other person to follow up,” Smith says. “[For example, if the parent asks] ‘What activities do you do at school?’ you can follow up with, ‘I sing in the coed choir, run track and work at college newspaper.’ If the parent says, ‘Oh, what do you do at the newspaper?’ you can state, ‘I started as a reporter, and this year I am the editor.’”

All parents want their kid to be with someone who is truly good for their child, and by showing off your best qualities, you’re definitely taking a step in the right direction. Talk about the community service you engage in, what you’re studying, your hobbies and anything you feel committed to. Build yourself up as a human, not just the person dating their daughter.

Additionally, be sure to ask questions about your girlfriend’s parents and to be engaged beyond listing off a dozen things you’re great at.

5. Find your allies

During the holiday season, if you’re meeting the parents, you’re probably meeting other family members, too—potentially beyond your partner’s immediate family. This can be really helpful, because even in a more conservative family, you may be able to find an ally in the crowd. When talking to your partner beforehand, ask if there’s anyone you can count on to help you navigate any awkwardness.

“When I took my girlfriend to a family wedding, I found the most progressive people in my family and made sure that both parties were aware of the other and how they were connected to me,” Nicky says. “I offered my girlfriend conversation starters that would help her connect to these family members.”

Whether this means befriending a hardcore ally or finding a member of your partner’s family who identifies as LGBTQ+ (whether openly or more privately), feeling connected to someone beyond your partner can help you feel less alone in this new territory.

6. Kick your nervous habits

We all have those nervous habits that can be off-putting in introductory meetings. Don’t play around on your phone just because you feel awkward. Nervous habits you express as a result of being shy could be interpreted as you being rude or stuck up. The same goes for biting your nails or playing with your hair at the table.

It may be helpful to just try to pay attention to your nervous habits. Figure out what they are (or ask people close to you) so you can be aware of them and prepared to avoid them. Keep your phone off or put it in your bag. You may also find it helpful to ask your partner to give you a signal if it’s time to tone it down—nothing like an eyebrow raise to help you shut down your anxious cackle.

“It is always a good idea to be in the right mood and frame of mind before meeting your girlfriend's parents,” Spaccavento says. “So make sure that you are well rested, have had ample time to get ready and factor in enough travel time to be punctual to the meeting.”

While coming up with specific topics of conversation beforehand can seem too forced, thinking about what you do and don’t feel comfortable talking about may be a good call. Spaccavento says, “Thinking about your personal boundaries and which aspects of yourself you would be happy to share with your girlfriend's parents is also important. So, you'll probably be more than happy to answer questions about your pet schnoodle, but might want to steer clear of any probing into your past relationships. And if you know that you can get a little tongue-tied with new people, having a few interesting and engaging conversation starters is a good idea.”

7. Know that her parents are probably nervous, too

While it may seem like you’re at a total disadvantage in the situation, you’re the outsider entering someone else’s home and being given access to all types of personal information. You can bet that the parents are wondering what you’ve heard about them (is it good? Or is it bad?) and if their home stacks up to what you’re used to. You’re being given the chance to make some judgment calls on this first meeting, and that isn’t something to take lightly.

Help the parents love you (and stress out a little bit less) by following their rules. Smith says, “Whether you are straight or LGBTQ, the same guidelines of respect apply. If the parents have you sleeping in separate rooms/spaces, you should retire to those assigned spots and emerge in the morning from those assigned spots. What goes on in between is no one else’s business but yours.”

On top of being a rule-follower, break the ice by making a joke addressing the awkwardness, or, if you’re not so funny, breeze right past it. Ask the parents questions, like how they met or what their interests are. One thing to remember is that your girlfriends’ parents are just people, just like you are. Bring your sparkling personality to the table and give your partner’s parents a chance to love you for the very same reasons that your partner does.

It’s also very possible that your girlfriend’s parents are still new to the idea of her dating a girl, so this meeting can help you ease them into the idea. “This is a tough one when you are already starting on the back foot, but a great way to connect with your girlfriend's parents is to connect with them on something they like,” Spaccavento says. “This will show them that there is some common ground that you share and help them to see that you are a normal person, just like anyone else!”

We hope that these tips help you out when you’re getting ready to meet your girlfriend’s parents. What advice do you have for LGBTQ+ collegiettes heading out to meet the parents? Let us know in the comments below!

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