Alexa Karas is a dating expert born and raised in the Windy City. She’s been taken to the Willard dining hall on a first date and has even walked home from a boy’s house in a Risky Business-themed Halloween costume — however, she still loves and believes in dating. Her other hobbies include studying film, empowering her sorority sisters, and taking long walks on the beach at sunset.
A new year means it’s time for a new you. Asking yourself these questions can put you on track to a healthy dating life in 2011:
• Why do I want to start dating? If the reason is negative in any way, then you are not ready to date. Dating another person should be a healthy addition to your life, not a cure for a current problem. The first step to finding and maintaining a healthy relationship is to be stable as an individual.
• Do I have time to date? If you can barely keep up with your school work because of baseball practice and biology lab, then you will never be available for a significant other. Clear your schedule of excess baggage and allocate free time for dating. (Yes, that means some weekdays too!)
• How old is my underwear? There may not be an expiration date on your delicates, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t gone bad. Freshen up that wardrobe from head to toe. Maybe get a haircut too. You’ll be surprised at how much attention you can get from a little sprucing up.
• Am I willing to open my heart to another person? It can be very difficult to allow another individual into your life and your heart, especially if it’s been broken before.
Take a deep look inside yourself and see if you are willing and able to trust and love.
This article was originally published in The Current, a weekly supplement to The Daily Northwestern.
