With the school year approaching faster than any of us care to admit, many soon-to-be bigs are in full preparation mode for their soon-to-be littles. Because after all, becoming a big is a large responsibility. You’re welcoming a new member into your chapter, showing her why getting her bid is the best thing that’s ever happened to her. You have to teach, guide and protect her in this new world of tailgates, self-proclaimed “frat stars” and Greek social etiquette.You dream that she will be cute, fun, and down to get Taco Bell with you at 3 a.m. when everyone else is sleeping, but the only thing you really hope for is that she will love you as much as you love her. So, without any further ado, here is the definitive list of steps all bigs go through in preparation for their little.
1. Denial: You’re still the baby of the fam tree. You are the sole receiver of gifts and attention, why would you want someone else to take that away you? You don’t even want a little. Maybe next year you’ll be ready.
2. Acceptance: After hearing all the other girls in your pledge class talk about their future littles, you realize the excitement is contagious. And what’s the harm of adding on another member to your fam tree? If she’s anything like you then she’ll be awesome. Why not give it a shot?
3. Alerting the fam tree: So, you’ve decided that you will definitely, 100% be taking a little. The next step is to spread the news. It takes time to plan the perfect fam tree outfit. Your big insists that she’s too young to be a G-big already, she’s busy trying to think of nicknames the kid can call her so she can still feel young.
4. The crafting begins: Procrastination will be the death of you, so it’s best to get started as soon as possible. You want to give your little the world, but then remember your budget only allows for the Walmart discount bin. Not to be discouraged, you collect your coupons, Pinterest inspiration and dive into the glitter glue.
5. Suddenly you remember why you got a B- in art: Surrounded by canvases, paint and who knows what else in your sisters living room, you realized that it’s hard to craft. Know what helps? Wine. Wine always helps.
6. Recruitment jitters: Recruitment has finally started. Your future little is out there somewhere and you need to make her fall in love with you. No pressure.
7. The big/little mixers: There are so many new members, and they’re all so great. You hope once you talk to your future little there will be a click, fireworks somewhere in the distance signaling your future best friend is right in front of you. In the meantime, how do you form a normal sentence to show this girl that you’re not crazy?
8. She’s the one: You’ve found her. She reminds you of the naivety and innocence you had just last year. She is everything you wanted, and she loves Taco Bell too. You rank her a solid #1 on your list of potential littles and pray that she’s as obsessed with you as you are with her.
9. The Reveal: Big/Little reveal has approached and thank TSM you got the little you wanted. Now it’s all about the surprise for her. You and your fam tree prepare the matching outfits, because tonight will be one for the books.
10. The happily ever after: Is it weird that you and your little could be mistaken for a couple? Maybe. Do you care? Absolutely not. You take care of each other, and that’s what it’s all about. The months of crafting and stressing have paid off. The only thing that could make it better is an equally amazing G-little, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
