With the advent of many conversations taking place in my life regarding old friends in new relationships, weddings, engagements, and romance of the sorts, I thought it pertinent to put it all out there-- on my sleeve if you will-- and talk about what is on every twenty-something's mind... The opposite sex.

Follow these four articles for a modern-day approach to ladies, gents, and where "courtship" has been lost, only to be replaced with the Jersey Shore mentality.
Why I Only Date Southern Gentlemen
A Guide to Being A Southern Gentleman
The New Math on Campus
All the Single Ladies

Just a few other tips that cannot be ignored:

Ladies, take some Carolina advice and STAY CLASSY.  When your mom told you to go back in the house and PUT SOME CLOTHES ON, she was right (Thanks Mom!).  The whole less is more attitude does not apply to fabric.  Take some tips from Stacey & Clinton and accent your best assets, but do it in a way that leaves something to the imagination.

Gents, man up.  Stop creepin'.  Open a door.  Surprise her.  Let your actions speak louder than your words.  And when the time is right, let your words do the talking.  A little positive reinforcement goes a long way.

Court each other.  Girls this applies to you too.  The key to courtship: Patience.  Get to know one another as the story unravels.  Don't be in a rush to get to the next step.  If you're being anticipatory, it means that you're not basking in the moment that you're in.  Get to know one another in an open, honest, candid way.  Let your freak flags fly and be okay with letting each other be unabashedly yourselves.  You'll have fun, I promise.

Think lovingly, speak lovingly, act lovingly.  This is written on my computer to remind me every day.  The first one is the hardest because sometimes I just can't help but think the worst of Indiana drivers, or wonder why that girl is wearing Uggs with a miniskirt (see above re: Stay Classy).  Speaking lovingly is easy as a Southern girl.  All you have to do is finish any statement with "bless her heart" and it sounds sweet.  For instance, "That girl has a face like a horse, bless her heart."  See?  Seriously though, sometimes it's hard to put words out there because if you say them out loud then they must be true.  But where's the adventure if you aren't a little scared?  Lastly, act lovingly.  Be intentional with every move, every hug, every smile.  But avoid the ICK factor.  

Nervous?  Good.  It's your body's way of telling you to pay attention.  This is important dingbat.  Those butterflies in your stomach mean that you're supposed to look at that girl/boy and listen to what (s)he has to say.  Compose yourself.  Good, here we go... Left foot, right foot, left foot, right foot.  

Put your GAME FACE on and stop PLAYING GAMES.  

xoxo,

becky