For every Greek life student receiving a little can be such a rewarding experience. The week looks something like this: excitement from discovering who she is, devious planning with your fam, running around campus with excessive apparel/gifts and then the final relief and return of excitement once the whole week is a success!
Regardless of how well you plotted and stalked there are still many opportunities for a little to figure out who her big is. Here are the most common ways bigs forfeit their identity:
1. The one where you write your name on a Starbucks cup...
Who doesn't love a yummy a caramel macchiato?! Starbucks is an easy gift to give to your little in between classes and she'll definitely appreciate the extra energy. But, it will totally give the surprise away if it's your name on the cup. So make sure to tell the barista any name other than yours!
2. The one with the frat boy mishap...
Sending fraternity boys to serenade your little in a park or to deliver a gift is a great idea... until they tell her who you are. Don't assume that every fraternity guy knows that big-little week is supposed to be secretive. It's best to be explicit.
3. The one where you actually have each other on Snapchat...
My big- "You're sure you don't have her on snap?"
Me- "Yeah, why would I post a story of 'x, y, and z' if I did???"
My big- "Just checking!"
Ten minutes later...
Me- "Omg why does it say 'insert-little's-name-here' just viewed my story???"
This is the sad tale of how my identity was revealed. Solutions: CHECK and then temporarily block or don't post accordingly! Still kicking myself for this...
4. The one where she walks in...
My favorite part of big little week was coming home to my room totally decked out in turquoise and grey (Zeta Tau Alpha colors), way too much candy and apparel. But, I'm going to guess my experience with this would have been a lot different had I walked in on my big decorating. Make sure to tell your little to stay away for a good hour, thereby giving you enough time to do your thing and leave before she returns.
5. The one when her roommate tells her...
Planning with roommates is inevitable if you want to decorate or leave gifts in your little's room. First things first: don't even tell her roommate your name. There's less of a chance for your little to get it out of her roommate if her roommate really has no idea who you are. It's also a good idea to tell your little's roomie not to describe you or give your little absolutely any clues on who you are.
Okay lets be real even if you break one of these five common "no no's" big little week will still be a ton of fun. Identity revealed or not your little is sure to appreciate all the love and presents!
