"Cuffing" season is in full swing. We have all witnessed countless cute couples' posts on our friends' social media accounts, and Valentine's Day is just around the corner. For those of us who are single, it's a great time of year to broaden our horizons -- date for fun, or even date with the intention to start a relationship.

Whatever your case, dating in general can be a little nerve-racking. Whether you're a nerd or an athlete, odds are you have some insecurities when it comes to dating and putting yourself out there. I mean, who wouldn't? If you try to talk to a person and they don't want to talk to you, it can be a huge letdown. But being led on can be just as bad. At the end of the day, it doesn't hurt to try, no matter how embarrassing it can be. Once you get over the initial embarrassment of trying to ask someone out on a date, or even just to hang out, everyone has similar thoughts when going on the most nerve-racking date of them all: the first date.

1. This person is cute, but...

Sometimes we go on dates solely because the person is attractive. But having a nice face doesn't equal having a nice mind. So when you're on a date with a hot person and they break out with completely arrogant views on politics or are really sloppy eaters, we are often turned off in an instant. People tend to have higher expectations on the first few dates. It's the sad truth, but just remember to separate nervous behavior from someone who is being a complete jerk.

2. I think I dated his (or her) friend

If you go to a smaller college, it's easier to accidentally go out with someone who has ties with a friend or ex-boyfriend/girlfriend. I mean, with a limited dating pool, you don't have as many potential dates to choose from. So it's easy to forget that Boy X went to high school with Boy Y and they have a ton of history. Social media makes it easier to find these things out, but everyone slips up every once in a while. Hey, accidents happen. And who knows, maybe that friend of a friend of an ex is actually a catch!

3. Am I overdressed (or under-dressed)?

We've all been there. You're heading out to coffee or even a movie, and you're between your high school prom dress or a T-shirt. It's not that you don't have any in-between outfits. You just don't want to over or under dress, because, come on, the worst feeling is that you tried too hard because you took a night out as a serious date, or that you didn't try hard enough because the other person is dressed to the nines. It's nerve-racking either way.

5. He hasn't accepted my follow request on Instagram. What is he hiding?

We all come into first dates with a lot of questions and concerns, generally. We want to make sure we aren't dating a serial killer or someone who is known on campus for their infidelity. Thus, it is fairly common during the age of social media and online reactions to check up on a person's social media accounts to see if there are any immediate red flags. But what if you can't see their profile? Some mystery is good. Too much is slightly terrifying.

6. Is a movie really the best way to get to know someone?

He suggested a movie, and you said yes. But deep down, we all know that watching a movie on the first date can be a disaster. If you don't grab dinner beforehand, there's no way for real conversation to happen. So you're stuck in a theater, wondering if you should grab this person's hand or put your arm around them. Cue awkwardness! You start worrying about it before you even get to the theater.

7. Do I like this person?

Let's be honest here. Unless there was clear and definite attraction or connection before the first date, then you will most likely treat the first date like a job interview. How does this person talk about his family? Is there any weird background that I didn't know about him or her beforehand? Do we connect in any way? It's hard to tell on a first date if you really like the person. Most individuals are nervous and thus fail to really be themselves at first. Others are sure right away. Whatever the case, most people are wondering if they are really "feeling it" once they go on a date with a person.

8. Does this person like me?

Once you've gone on the first date, there are a million questions you probably have about the person you just spent time with. I always wonder what the other person is thinking. Do they want to continue with seeing each other or is this the end of the road? There are some girls/guys who are more straightforward than others, but as for the others, it becomes a guessing game. Whether or not a first date turns into a second date or a lifetime of happiness, the most important thing to keep in mind is your own happiness. With happiness as your first priority, then there really isn't a way to lose.

9. Was that even a date?

I mean, sometimes the guy you like or are interested in is super casual. And when you are asked to "grab a bite to eat," you're like, is this real? Or is he just hungry for Chipotle? Whether you both consider it a date or not, conversations are the best starters to any relationship, so there can still be a happy ending.

Hope you enjoyed a little humor! Happy spring semester!