AND I'M BACK!

Hello and welcome back to your favorite blog about babes and berries everyone!

While it may be a little more difficult for me to find source material to write about berries now that I'm back at Smith, I'm sure I will find plenty of stuff to write about. I apologize it took so long to get back in the swing of blogging- the beginning of the year has been crazy BUT now it's a .... kind of dreary Thursday afternoon AND I just finished a mad rush of papers being due, and I'm in a fantastic mood and ready to kick off a bound to be AW--- WAIT FOR IT--- SOME weekend. That doesn't work as well as Barney Stinson, huh? Oh well. You get the idea.

So! It's a new year, and everyone is surrounded by new people- maybe you're a first year just coming into Smith or wherever, or maybe you're an upper-classperson (like the PC-ness there?) checking out all the new hotties on campus or in your classes. Either way, new crushes are BOUND to happen. So, let's talk about one of my favorite pieces of advice:

IF YOU LIKE SOMEONE, LET THEM KNOW.

Now, I'm going to elaborate. First off, you know when one of your friends comes up to you and is all, "Oh my god, So-and-so is totally into you! She/he thinks you're so hot!" Maybe you've known the person forever, maybe you have to check them out on facebook, but either way: THEY WILL BE ON YOUR RADAR. Everyone likes compliments. Everyone likes to be liked. If you hear that someone is into you, all of a sudden you're going to pay them a little attention, even if it's just for a second in your mind. Maybe the next time you see them around, you'll find yourself giving them a little up and down look or making eyes, all because you know they're into you.

So, there are multiple ways to get into this position in the offensive. Yes, having a mutual friend drop a hint that you're into the person is always easy, and actually not a bad idea, as long as it isn't done too obviously, of course. However, if you're feeling a little bold, it's also a good idea to let them know on your own. It's more personal and way more pro-active to start flirting (subtly) and, at first, making them wonder if maybe you are into them. Here are some suggestions...

First: DON'T BE CREEPY. There is no need to be ALL over them ALL the time. No, no, no. Subtly is way more effective and way sexier. Trust me. I know that some booze in your system may make your confidence go up, but don't be sloppy either. We've all made that mistake and over-flirted and felt like a loser in the morning. I'll take a minute here to apologize for all the times that has happened in my life... aaand, moving on!

My next tip: EYES. You know that look that you get from someone across the room that catches your eyes for a second and makes you wonder. Don't just blatantly stare until they look back, but if you can catch their eyes repeatedly, that's good. Give a little smirk. Hold their eyes for just a second each time casually, then look away. Be busy. Look occupied, but like you're making it worth your time to catch their eyes and let them know you're giving them some attention. This is great for party settings or even across a dining hall.

Casual touching: Maybe you're already friendly but you want to be more. Once again, subtly=awesome. Let them think that maybe you want to be a little more than friendly with them: touch their arm when you talk, linger your hand on their wrist as you say goodbye, lean into them if appropriate. There are plenty of ways to throw in some casual touching, and you should be able to tell right away if it is taken positively or negatively. If they smile up at you or touch back- THAT'S GOOD. If they pull away awkwardly...maybe this was too far. Back it up and take some time to reevaluate.

If you're at this place in your friendship already: invite them over! Be bold! Invite them to a party and make them feel welcome, show them a good time but don't spend all of your time with them. Compliment what they're wearing. Flirt. Be a little physical, especially if alcohol is available as a social lubricant.

If you do these thing and think they might be into you, well then, hopefully you have some game and can reel in the catch.

Now, quick disclaimer. If you are into someone WHO IS TAKEN: DO. NOT. PUSH. IT. I'm all for letting your feelings be known because, hey, maybe they aren't actually happy and you could be awesome and something may work out...BUT, IF YOU TRY MORE THAN ONCE AND IT IS NOT RECIPROCATED, IT'S TIME TO CALL IT QUITS. Don't you think? Move onto someone else awesome! There are plenty of girls, boys, or whatever you're into out there to focus your attention on.

So, with these helpful hints, GO FORTH! Enjoy the weekend! Let your crush have an idea you're into them and maybe the weekend will be better than you expected!