HC: There are a lot of cute guys in my classes and at the gym. What is the best, non-creepy way to approach them?
Bro: The gym is probably one of the toughest places to hit on someone, right up there with church and a 7th grade mixer. I would just steer clear of guys at the gym because when people go to the gym, they have one purpose in mind and aren’t going to be very receptive to someone hitting on them. Class is a different situation though. Guys typically go to class to read Buzzfeed or check Facebook and aren’t really focused at any task at hand (assuming its not some 300 level MCB class, in which case, do you really want a nerd?) The first step is simple: start sitting next to those cute boys. That at least puts you in the batter’s box. From then on, anything could happen. The teacher might make you do an in class group assignment to prompt the convo, or he may just start talking to you because you’re simply there. At the very least, you’ll know each other’s faces and approaching him at a bar when you’re both tipsy will be much easier. The bottom line is, if you are sitting five rows behind Chris the cutie and wondering why he never notices you… it probably has something to do with you being five rows behind him.
HC: What should you buy your boyfriend for a gift?
Bro: Well, this is a tough one. Unlike girls who usually drop subtle hints (that often go unnoticed) to their boyfriends of what they want in advance, guys often don’t. So just think about what your boyfriend likes to do, and get him something that he can use over time. It doesn’t have to be a romantic gift, just a good one. Like if your boyfriend runs a lot and you know his shoes are worn, then get him a new pair of Nike Frees and he will be pumped. Whereas if he got you a pair of gym shoes… well… I don’t know how much longer you’d be together. So just remember, it doesn’t haven’t have to be romantic for him just because you want something romantic.
HC: We’ve been hooking up for a while, but we’re still not dating. How do I bring up being exclusive without freaking him out?
Bro: The first thing that came to my mind is why do you want to date this guy? Is it just because you’ve been hooking up so long? But I’ll trust your reasons. I think the best way to go about it is to let him know that’s what you want: a real relationship. He could easily be on the other side of this thinking the same thing, and it seems like you haven’t brought it up directly before, so how is he to know? That being said, just say something along the lines of ‘I really like what we have, and I think we could work well as a couple.’ However, don’t pressure him or put up some sort of ultimatum or even ask him to respond. If he wants that too, he will do it on his own. You shouldn’t want any sort of forced relationship anyways. So it’s just best to let him know that’s how you feel so at the very least, he can’t claim ignorance.
HC: Why is he jealous of my guy friends? How do I find the balance between both of them without ruining either relationship?
Bro: I want to start by saying that it does have something to do with your boyfriend’s insecurity. I’m going to follow this up by saying about 95% of your guy friends would hookup with you if they had the chance, so it’s somewhat justified. Just check your behavior around them. Are you texting them first? Do you compliment them, or make unnecessary physical contact in front of your boyfriend or guy? I ask because those are all cues of flirting, cues that a jealous guy/boyfriend will definitely pick up on even if you don’t. My suggestion here is just to really look at how you act towards your guy friends and how you are with them and be open minded to thinking that you’re boyfriend has some reason to be jealous, then fix it. If you honestly do that and find that neither you nor your guy friends are ever out-of-bounds, then I think the issue needs to be addressed with your guy.