It’s no secret that the lack of open restaurants, movie theaters, and events due to COVID led to making actual “dates” less common. In light of that, dates have turned into “movie nights,” where you’d meet up at somebody’s house rather than a neutral location. Thus began the large wave of what we know as “hook-up culture.”
Although COVID cases are luckily much lower now than they were last year, “hook-up culture” still exists. In college at least, it is more common to stay in with your date rather than to go out to dinner or a movie. This has helped to alleviate the pressures of dating in a public setting, however, it puts certain pressures on dates to include sex. For some, this is the ideal set-up, but for others it’s a nightmare. So I have put together a list of 5 ways to avoid a “hook-up” date in today’s dating climate.
- Choose to go on a double date
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Even if you decide to stay in with your date, having another couple present could diffuse the pressure of the idea of “hooking up.” It could also be a fun night with friends!
- Drive your own car to the date
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By driving yourself to the meet up, you can ensure that you have a ride home, and the narrative of “convenience” will be less likely to play out. It puts you in control of your transportation at all times.
- Limit your alcohol consumption
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It’s no secret that alcohol removes inhibitions, and the more you drink, the harder it could become to turn down temptations. If you have decided beforehand that you do not want to hook-up, then this will help you stay firm in your answer.
- Have a friend on standby
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It can be helpful in some cases to have a plan that consists of a friend giving you a valid excuse to leave if necessary. If things become uncomfortable for you, you could tell your date that you promised to pick up/drop off a friend at the airport, or that your friend is going through a difficult breakup and needs to talk right now. Whatever works to kindly excuse yourself from an unwanted situation!
- Just say no
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It may seem intimidating, and maybe even a little uncomfortable, but it is okay to tell your date that ‘hooking-up’ is something that you just aren’t ready to do with them yet. A good person will respect that, and if your date doesn’t respect that, then you wouldn’t want them in your life anyways. The good news is no matter what the situation, this is always an option.
Hook-up culture is at an all time high for college students everywhere, but there are ways to avoid it. It isn’t always easy to go against the grain, but it’s important to know that just because something is expected doesn’t mean it is guaranteed. No matter what the dating trends are, respect and consent are still the most important things. If your date can’t respect what you want, then they aren’t mature enough to be dating. Remember to only go to somebody’s house alone if you are sure you trust them, share your location with your friends and family, and don’t trust that everybody you meet will immediately have your best interests at heart. It is most imperative that you are able to control the direction in which your date goes. So breathe, and enjoy your dating life with the confidence that you have the tools to avoid anything that isn’t welcome.