Listening Ears at Emory

Ah, spring is in the air and images of bikinis and beautiful sunsets replace the dull monotony of midterms. Cancun, Cabo, Panama City, wherever your destination, Spring Break seems to have been invented for the college student. It does, pose a problem, however. Whether you have been in a relationship for 3 days, 3 months, or 3 years, if you and your lover are parting ways for this week of mayhem, shit is bound to hit the fan unless you apply plenty of love block.

While there are probably less than 2 percent of lovers who have complete and unfaltering trust in their other half, the rest of us delve into spring break debauchery with unequivocal doubt. What if Michael meets that drunken freshman hottie in a plaid bikini that just can’t say no? Oh no, my girlfriend is going to the same beach as the Varsity Basketball player who bumped into her towel clad on their freshman hall! These thoughts can plague even the most savvy of beach goers.

If communication will be a problem over the break, (email and phone access can be difficult) make sure to bring it up before you part. While this conversation can be awkward, I assure you that you aren’t the only half of the party having these thoughts. Keep it light hearted but come to a conclusion together of general, yet light, expectations. Spring break should be fun, and it can be even if you are hitched for the 7 days of delight. Instead of precursory accusations, just make your significant other aware of your potential worries, give them a chance to respond, then YOU listen to theirs.

Questions like “how would you feel if I danced with a stranger in a bar?” might be weird and sort of 6^th grade but they can get the conversation going. Ultimately, after the break, you will be ready to be back in the arms of that special someone. Time apart is a test in and of itself; the madness of spring break is more like Navy Seal training for the heart.

Have a little chat to get and stay on the same page. Be able to enjoy your vacation with a peace of mind. And if something does go awry, don’t freak. Talk it out calmly and sober, when you are both back together. Most importantly, HAVE FUN, down that virgin pina coloda ‘till the brain freeze don’t freeze no more, and wear a lot of sun block!!