In the age of swiping left and right and awkward first dates, sometimes a need for something new arises. If you are tired of aimlessly swiping, ignoring red flags, or getting caught up in sexually awkward conversations, I invite you on a date: you, me, some other strangers, a screen barrier, and a set of questions. A night of blind dates, try to name a better way to spend your Monday night. Of course, you could stay home and continue swiping on the frat bro who keeps calling your body parts snacks or the girl who, in her bio, labels herself unvaccinated. Or, in a desperate attempt to escape the online dating world, you could come out and meet some really cool people at the ASLC.

I could go ahead and list off red flags to watch out for when on this blind date. Like if their whole personality revolves around Drake or if their phone wallpaper includes them looking awfully snuggly with someone else. But, living in Tallahassee, Florida, you have probably seen every red flag in existence, maybe seen them all come to life through one person. But I assure you, they’ll be no signs of red flags since everyone has to endure a background screening before entering the door.

Now I wish that was true. It would make dating in college a breeze, and then I could truly focus on my studies or planning the perfect themed party. However, as the days go by and Valentine’s Day slowly creeps up, our quest for love in a town that preaches in words “u up” crumbles before our feet. We have come to a point where Valentine's Day seems equivalent to Columbus day, a day questioning who even made this holiday. But hear me out: Blind date Monday, then a follow-up Valentine's Date Tuesday. It sounds like the “u up” Gods are hibernating, and finally, Tallahassee has the opportunity to become a place that fosters relationships and not just one-night stands.

What if this is how we met people? Through a series of questions and a barrier in between. Will that end the reign of toxic relationships? Will divorce cease to exist, and will love prevail? The only way to find out is to show out Monday, February 13th at 6:30 pm at the Askew Student Life Center.

Writer: Solymar Estrella

Artist: Hannah Liu

Tags: Valentines, Dating, Love, Events