I really needed a vacation. Even though fall semester is almost an entire month shorter than spring (its true!), I still feel the crushing weight of group projects, midterms and impending finals somewhere between Halloween and study period. Thankfully, students are awarded a wonderfully long weekend known as Thanksgiving Recess to sleep off some of those all-nighters and hung-over Sunday afternoons. Thanksgiving is a time where we drink wine with family and friends, enjoy a scrumptious feast that has more carbs than I am willing to admit, and reflect on the people that are most important to us.
For those that don’t know, I fly back to my home for Thanksgiving. Waiting in Terminal C this year, I noticed something I hadn’t seen before: fellow seniors bringing home potential partners to meet their parents. It was like something out of a romantic comedy, with nervous guys being calmed down by doting girlfriends. (I see Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon playing the main characters, but I’m open to the idea of Mark Cornelson and Neil Patrick Harris). Before I went off to college, my parents told me that they would always be happy to host someone I brought home for Thanksgiving. In fact, it’s sort of like jumping a Thanksgiving hurdle in order to really solidify the relationship. After all, a new boyfriend impressing your college friends is so different from when he has to strut his stuff in front of your dad.
But if there was a time of year for such a parental audition, it would be during Thanksgiving, the time of year when such relationships, new and old, are celebrated and championed. The holidays are a magic time of year that begins with the first sighting of those lovely red Starbucks Christmas Cups, and only ends after everyone you know has gained 15 pounds. Only after that point will the gym commercials begin running ads screaming “six months to bikini season,” and you know that all of humanity is f—ed.
Things are going great with my boyfriend but I’m not sure what’s next. We’ve settled in to this loop of dinners and sex but I want to know what I can do to make the next time we go out more special.
Want A Little Kindle
Reading over my past columns, it’s interesting how much of an emphasis I’ve placed on getting and starting a relationship. Perhaps this is because this semester I’ve been single, (or at most, just dating), but nonetheless, retention and romance is an important part of keeping the flames burning, WALK. This romance can be broken down into a few key areas: small things, sexy things and shaking things up.
Small things you can do for your man include buying him small treats, like his favorite coffee early in the morning before his first class, or getting him flowers or a small gift for no special reason. (Personally, I hate having to take care of flowers, but I’m in love with the idea of some guy buying me a rose). You know your boyfriend better than I do, so get him the “small thing” you think he would appreciate most.
Of course, making changes to your sex life is completely dependent upon your current situation. From the tone of your letter, I’ll assume things are fine between you two at the moment, but why not spice things up with some different positions, trying a different location, or even attempting role-play. I would begin by asking him, during a sexy moment, if he’s ever thought about any kinks or fetishes he’d like to try out. Assuming its something you’re comfortable with, like ‘naughty nurse,’ or even watching some pornography together, give it a shot.
Finally, I recommend shaking things up. If your relationship is definitely long-term, you should consider taking a day trip to Connecticut together, or traveling on an overnight adventure to New York City. Groupon Getaways, Expedia or other great discount travel sites often have last minute deals for spontaneous travelers. Plus, it’s always exciting to sleep in a foreign bed, WALK, especially if you don’t need to make it up the next morning.
Luke Pearson a weekly columnist for The Daily Free Press. He can be reached at lpsexquestions@gmail.com
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