Well, here it is. The date party. You have been dreading this day because it reminds you that, since you don't have a significant other, you don't have an automatic date. Plus, your Social Chairs probably came up with some theme that will inevitably result in a trip to the Mall at Green Hills.
Stage 1: Finding a Date
If you are like me, you don't have a significant other and while you have plenty of guy friends, a lot of them have their girlfriend's date party on the same night as yours. You could be set up, but what if it's really, really awkward? What if the guy is into your friend and has no interest in talking to you? What if you have nothing to talk about? The possibilities are endless. You decide that your best bet is to try and go with an acquaintance, or you decide that Tuesday night at Sportsman's is going to be your time to shine. You're just going to go up to someone, start a conversation, and then ask them. We'll say, for the sake of this article, that you were successful and found a date at Sportsman's.
Stage 2: The Theme
You decide that you're too old to care about themes and go with the most basic outfit you can conjure up. You don't even tell your date what the theme is until the day of, because you honestly just don't care.
Stage 3: The Dinner
The most fun part of the night and the worst part to plan. You have a group of 15 girls but including dates that's 30 people. Cabana still remembers your last date function and is pretty reluctant to actually give you a reservation. Then, five people drop out, but then two more come back, but then another three decide they're just not going. Somehow, you still manage to have the original 15 girls you started out with because life just likes to laugh at you.
Oh, and it's your credit card that's on the reservation, and you will be charged $100 if half your party doesn't show up. You proceed to send passive aggressive texts asking everyone to confirm their attendance or they can pay you the $100. This dinner is more stressful than your chemistry exam and you vow to never plan another again (Spoiler alert: you plan the next 3). But dinner turns out to be a roaring success. Your date even insisted that he pay! What a gentleman!
Stage 4: The Pre-Game
It happens. Do not deny it. Accept it and move on. You're finally not a sober sister for the first time in what feels like a million years, so you can go hard. Then again, you really don't want to be sent to standards, but you also don't want your date to think you are lame for not drinking after dinner. You sip on a beverage and just hope to God that your date doesn't get sloppy. You do a shot or two and just pray that the bus won't make you motion sick. Getting there is half the battle.
Stage 5: The Bus Ride
Well, you didn't account for the 30-minute bus ride that you and your date were going to have to endure. Yes, you do have to sit next to your date on the bus. But if you're with your friends, it shouldn't be that bad. Besides, make a friend, find out his interests. You made it through sorority recruitment, so you know how to make small talk.
Stage 6: The Venue
There is food and good music, and you are incredibly surprised that your Social Chairs planned such a great event. You dance with your date, take pictures with all your friends, eat all the food, and actually have a good time. You're happy you didn't bail on this date party because even though it seems like an excuse to just get drunk off the rum punch at Cabana, you realize that spending time with your sisters and best friends is ultimately the reason you joined a sorority. You are reminded about the wonderful bonds you have formed and get excited for the next social function. Remember, you only have so many times left where it is socially acceptable to wear an animal print onesie. Take advantage of all of it.
