iFlurtz? You Flurtz

When Class of 2007 Social Chair Jennifer Mickel suggested that in addition to the Alcohol Initiative, Princeton should have a "Dating Initiative," she was only joking — at first.

But Mickel later realized that a lot of students wanted a legitimate dating scene on campus. Which is why Mickel, along with Class of 2007 President Jim Williamson and other members of the Undergraduate Student Government, organized iFlurtz just in time for Valentine's Day.

iFlurtz, like the Center for Jewish Life's recent speed dating event, tries to pair students with compatible mates. And even if students don't find their one true love, the service provides a few minutes of entertainment.

iFlurtz itself is a nationwide business that produces customizable questionnaires used by many universities to organize similar campus matchmaking events.

During reading period and finals, 600 students filled out a 30-question, multiple-choice form. For a dollar they can find out the results of their processed forms, which will list their 10 most and 10 least compatible matches, as well as their 10 "friend" matches.

With this information, students can seek out their matches on their own or attend Friday's Chocolate Party at Cloister Club, which is open to all.

"If nothing else," Mickel said, "come for the chocolate!"

Mickel and Williamson are still debating whether or not the Chocolate Party should have heart-shaped nametags for potential matches to meet each other. While those who noted on the questionnaire that they "think of college as . . . c) a way to find someone to marry" might not have trouble meeting their future spouse, good luck to the person who chose "a) leather accessorized with chains and spikes" as the clothes their "ideal match would be wearing."

Mickel and Williamson both signed up for iFlurtz and are excited to get their results. Mickel plans to "seek out my number one match," she said. "I hope he finds me."

Williamson, on the other hand, is particularly intrigued by his 10 least compatible matches. "They say opposites attract," he said.

Yet it seems unlikely that many iFlurtz matches will provide chances for lasting love, despite the number of people signed up. Pam Testani '07 said she filled out her questionnaire "for kicks," but added, "it's worth giving a try."

Luke Owings '07 also filled out the form "for a laugh," he said. "But it'll be fun to go up to someone and say 'me and you, we're compatible.'"

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While Owings hopes to find his true love, he agrees it probably isn't a realistic goal. But "anything on campus that introduces people across college, eating club and extracurricular lines is a good idea," he said.

Will iFlurtz change what is generally perceived as the sorry face of dating at Princeton? Probably not.

"If you want to date . . . you have to put in the effort," Owings observed. "And filling out a questionnaire that asks if you think 'the rearview mirror is for c) checking out the hottie in the car behind you' might not lead to lasting love."

Yet Thomas Dunne, associate dean of undergraduate students, said he hoped the event would "allow students to be proactive and start dating earlier than the last week of senior year, when seniors attend their 'Last Chance Dance.'"

"Maybe we'll have a radically different dating landscape around here in a few months," Dunne said.

And with Valentine's Day falling three days after the Chocolate Party, it certainly doesn't hurt to make one final stab at finding someone who might send you flowers on Monday — or at least meet you for a late meal.