“It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” said no one, ever, about semi-formal season. Or, if they did, it was sung in an obnoxiously sarcastic way. Okay, that might be a little harsh. Semi-formals are great excuses to wear that dress that you bought over the summer and have been waiting to show off, and also a fun way to celebrate a great semester with your sorority sisters. Sadly, however, the process of finding a date can be stressful enough to kill your excitement for the big night. Here are some suggested options for choosing your date to make sure that he or she makes your night turn out just the way you want it to.
1. The Set Up: Oh, set ups. The process through which you believe you might be that one girl in a thousand who hits it off with the stranger they’ve never met before the night of the formal (or for an awkward “hi nice to meet you” lunch ahead of time) and will magically end up being college sweethearts. Okay, I might be a little bitter given that a boy I was set up with bailed on me at 2 a.m. the night before my event. If you’re looking for an excuse to meet a fun boy you wouldn’t meet otherwise, this route could be for you. My biggest tip: let it be a setup. Don’t be too picky and ask someone who knows boys outside of your usual social circle so you can truly meet someone you haven’t met before. Or, if there’s a cutie you “sorta kinda” know, ask a friend to “set” you up (cough cough wink wink). Just be prepared for a little awkward ice breaking and having to entertain your date throughout the night.
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2. The friend you casually hook up with from time to time: We all know what, or rather who, I’m referring to. So, you casually DFMO with your guy friend occasionally? As long as your friend wouldn’t read into it too much, this could be the perfect date. Think about it: no awkward meet and greet, having someone who you don’t feel obligated to entertain 24/7 throughout the evening, and knowing if you want the night to have more of a romantic vibe, it could happen.
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3. The 100% platonic guy friend: There’s always the option to take one of your close guy friends if you’re looking to keep things platonic for the evening. Warning: subtly imply that nothing is going to happen in order to avoid having to duck a kiss on the dance floor. Bring a guy friend who has other friends going so that you won’t feel obligated to be his one-woman entertainment show for the night and can leave him to dance with your girl friends.
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4. Your BFF: I’m of the personal belief that if you’re going to take a friend, why not just make it your BFF in another sorority? We’re progressive enough that there is no shame in bringing one of your female friends to your formal and spending your night shamelessly dancing your butt off all night on the dance floor. Taking your best friend is easy because there’s no potential hook up drama and you know you could have fun with them digging for trash in a dumpster…so going to a formal event will be even better. This gives you the opportunity to ask your date in a ridiculously cheesy, prom-esque way.
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5. Flying solo: Beyonce said it right: “Me, myself, and I.” That’s all you need. No obligations, just a night of fun for you as you get to waltz around the dance floor without having to worry if your date is having fun. Girl power FTW.
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Article cover photo via eonline.com