Instead of the usual Campus Cutie routine with the hunks from around UF’s campus, the lovely ladies of Her Campus decided to make a Valentine’s Day edition of Campus Cutie where we meet three different couples at different stages of their relationships to get the inside scoop on what a healthy relationship even is. Plus, we figured it would be totally adorable.
Names: Rachel Elliott and Garrett Crawford
Ages: 18
How long have you guys been together? Four months
Where did you guys meet? “We actually met at Grad Bash during our senior year of high school. Garrett’s friend was goofing around and asked my friends if he could model a fanny pack for them. At first, Garrett and I didn’t even see each other, but we ended up sitting together because we were both going to UF. He followed me on Twitter and then when we got to UF, he asked me to get free ice cream at Rawlings with him.”
What were your thoughts about her when you first met? “She was different than anyone that I had ever talked to. She didn’t try to impress me, and I liked her for who she was without putting on an act.”
What is your favorite moment you have had together? “One of my favorite moments was when Garrett invited me over and when I got there, he had taken a table and chairs from the lounge and set up a surprise spaghetti dinner date in his dorm.”
What is your favorite thing about her? “The way that she smiles at me when I see her after being apart for a while.”
What are your plans for this Valentine’s Day? “We’re going to McDonald’s. Just kidding! Garrett won’t tell me what we’re doing but I know food is involved.”
Any advice for people looking for a relationship? “Don’t worry too much about being in a relationship. Sometimes you can find someone great even when you’re not looking.”
Names: Mia Gettenberg and Evan Waxman
Ages: 18 (Mia) and 19 (Evan)
How long have you guys been together? 2 1/2 years
What is your favorite moment you have had together? “One of my all-time faves was two summers ago when I brought Evan with me to New York City for his first time in The Big Apple. We went to the roof of the Rockefeller Center in their Top of the Rock experience, and even though there were so many people enjoying the view out there with us, for a second it felt like we were the only two people in the entire city.”
What is your favorite thing about her? “The fact that she knows me better than I know myself. And she has this crazy ability to brighten the entire room and make everyone laugh.”
Tell us a cheesy story. “We once dressed up as Ash Ketchum and Pikachu for Halloween.”
What are your plans for this Valentine’s Day? “We’re going to spend an entire day in St. Augustine with two of our best friends, who are also dating. We’ll go and visit the Castillo de San Marcos, check out the history museum, and have dinner on the beach. It’s going to be pretty romantic.”
What were your thoughts about her when you first met? “This girl is really cute and I am going to be with her no matter what.”
Any advice for people looking for a relationship? “Don’t settle on just anyone, and know that when you do find that perfect someone, the wait will definitely be worth it.”
Names: Jeff Zimmerman and Sarah Spardy
Ages: 19
How long have you guys been together? “One year, one month and fifteen days at 10 tonight. I’ve been counting.”
What is your favorite moment you have had together? “It was our one-year anniversary so we went scuba diving in the morning, spent some time on the beach after, went on a picnic in the afternoon, got ice cream on the beach later on that night, then wrapped up the day with a Christmas movie and hot chocolate.”
What is your favorite thing about him? “His goofy personality and his patience.”
Tell us a cheesy story. “Before we started talking it jokingly came up in conversation that no one would deserve to date me unless they propose the idea with sunflowers and my favorite chocolate in hand. A few months later, Jeff showed up at my doorstep with a sunflower and my favorite chocolate.”
What were your thoughts when you first met her? “I met her in ninth grade, so it was like ‘Oh hey, she’s kinda cute.’ And then in senior year we started hanging out and I thought ‘Whoa, I’m hanging out with THE Sarah Spardy.’ It blew my mind.”
Any advice for people looking for a relationship? “Don’t be looking for a perfect movie romance. Expect plenty of bumps in the road but don’t let them discourage you from going for what could be a wonderful opportunity. Also, finding someone in the same organization as you are in lets you know you have similar interests and hobbies so you will potentially have good chemistry right off the bat.”