It’s possibly the scariest and most intimidating decision you’ll ever make in your life (ok, well maybe not, but it’s still majorly important). The holidays are stressful as it is, and now you’re forced to contemplate this critical question: Should you get him a gift? There really is a lot to consider. Relationships nowadays – especially in college – are fairly challenging to define. Does he have feelings? Is it a casual thing? The “flirtationship,” the friend with benefits, all common relationship statuses that make this road a rather difficult one to navigate. Quickly, you’re consumed by the paralyzing dilemma and your brain is overflowing with mixed emotions. PANIC MODE. What to do? You must thoroughly consider all possible outcomes. Will this ruin my chances? Does he even like me like that? Will this scare him off? Does he want commitment? These are valid concerns that must be scrupulously analyzed. To get or not to get; that is the question.
How often do you see him? The circumstances in which you get together are vitally imperative to determining your status. Whether you’re catching up in class, meeting up to study or simply talking at a party, they definitely present different approaches for gift-giving. If you’re hanging out regularly during the week, then it’s probably safe to get him a gift. If your sole interactions include sneaking off at parties, he probably isn’t too serious about you. In this situation, do not get him a gift.
Do you text? Any form of continual communication poses a pretty solid situation and therefore is acceptable to get him a gift. You’re clearly on his mind. Any boy who spends his days talking to you is definitely gift-worthy material. Warning: Don’t go overboard. Try something simple; texting doesn’t mean you are in a committed relationship.
Are you overanalyzing? It’s hard to imagine any college relationship without a constant effort to keep up with confusing mind games. Every text is sent with tactful mindfulness: “I’m gonna wait 20 minutes before answering,” “Does this sound okay?” “Do you think he’s going to answer me?” We’ve all been there. Overthinking every word, every Emoji, every punctuation mark; it’s absolute torture. Odds are, if you are reading into things this much, your relationship is not steady enough to handle holiday gifts.
Is this just an unhealthy obsession? He sits three rows in front of you, you’ve never spoken, you don’t even know his name, but MAN are you smitten! You have fallen madly in love and can already feel those magical (and imaginary) sparks flying. You swear that someday you’ll meet, get married, have kids and live happily ever after. You often consider declaring your love, but then remember to keep it calm, cool and collected. You don’t want to come off like a crazy, obsessive freak and blow your shot, right? So for now, keep those dreams to yourself, fantasize on your own time and don’t get him a gift.
The holidays really pack on the pressure when it comes to relationships; a season supposedly filled with joy is now robbed of its cheer. Similarly, gift-giving has become the be-all end-all, a stressful burden added to your list of things to do. So before you do something you may later regret, think things through and carefully evaluate your relationship. Ultimately, the decision is up to you, so you better hope you made the right one!