Your heart tingles in your fingertips as you approach the boy from your Public Speaking class. You only met him a week ago and have not skimmed past the generic "What major are you?" and "Where do you stay on campus?" questions. A flood of anxieties gushes in your temples as you approach the contender for your first pick-a-date.
What will he think? Will he reject me? What if he says no? Will he read too much into this?
Stop. Relax. Take a deep breath, and peruse through the following list before you ask him on that pick-a-date:
1. There's no pressure
A pick-a-date represents a glorified group date with your wing (for nonTU students, a wing is a sort of subtle fraternity or sorority). You will probably not meet your future husband on this endeavor. I have taken friends, strangers, and even my older sister on this adventure. Pick-a-dates service fun times and a chance to get to know new acquaintances.
2. You pay for the "date"
Do not be the freshman who forgets to bring the wallet to the date. Guy or girl, rule of thumb, if you ask someone on a pick-a-date, you pay for the event.
3. Do not fear rejection
Once, our PA had our wing participate in a Quick Pick. For those unfamiliar with the term, Quick Pick is a spur of the moment pick-a-date (for normal pick-a-dates, you have about a week to ask someone). I asked about 10 guys before I found one who could go. People should only turn you down due to time constraints or schedule conflicts.
4. Try to muster the courage to ask someone
After the first time, the process grows easier. However, if the idea of asking absolutely mortifies you, PAs and upperclassmen can find a date for you.
5. Dress for the event
I've known friends to over and under dress for these events. Please do not show up to a movie in a dinosaur outfit (even if it's "Jurassic Park") nor go to an archery pick-a-date in a prom dress. Costume yourself appropriately for the event, but don't overdo it.
6. Be yourself
Sometimes you might have to force awkward conversation with a shy date, or feel the need to be clingy (or run away as far as possible, depending on the date). Don't. Talk with others, like you normally would, and flaunt your personality. If your date shows no interest in the event, you have about 40 other people you can talk to. Do not let one person dictate how you act for the night.
And of course, have fun!