Houseparties has the reputation for being the most fun weekend of the year: a three-day all-out dressed-up debauch in all its unfettered and winsome glory. Who could complain? But dreams of Princetonian Party Nirvana can set the stage for plenty of earthly drama. For a weekend with prospects of being so right, the stakes are high for at least some things to go wrong. Certainly, no one wants their house party to turn into a private lawn fight for two.
So, in our recent tradition of guiding you through tricky spots, we've asked around and compiled a useful guide to completing the upcoming dating marathon hydrated and happy. Whether you're a freshman gal or a senior guy, planning on Terrace or TI, whether you're just friends or already eyeing the University Chapel, hopefully this list of do's and don'ts will rocket you to a successful weekend.
It may seem like bad form to start on a 'don't,' but this one is important, so here goes. DON'T let your expectations get too high or too specific.
Just talking about houseparties can get people excited, and anticipation can be a big part of the fun. However, the experienced housepartiers of Princeton warn that too much buildup can ruin your weekend if the festivities don't follow the form of your dreams. It's like that time when all you wanted for your birthday was a red Power Ranger, but your parents got you the blue one. After your initial rage, you probably realized that the blue one was actually way more awesome. Keep in mind that it's just a weekend, albeit a souped-up weekend. Campus sages advise just letting houseparties be what they will. This isn't to say don't prepare — prep and primp away! Just make sure that clothes are the weekend's only casualties, not your ability to have a good time. Speaking of clothes, DO wear things you aren't too attached to.
Of course, when one enters a dating marathon, one suits up to win the race. Everyone wants to look their best during houseparties. But before you slip into your very favorite outfit, ask yourself whether you'll be upset if it gets ruined, because it's going to get ruined to some degree. A lot happens at houseparties that our finest attire is just not equipped to handle. For example, stilettos: just not meant to be worn in a muddy backyard, and that couture designer probably never meant for your dress to twist like this. We've also heard that tuxedos are somewhat unforgiving, especially if the wearer finds himself in an impromptu wrestling match. This weekend is not the time to whip out any heirloom pieces. Grandma's pearls don't like robo as much as you do. Most importantly, when you're hanging out with a date or friends, you want to be more concerned with the hedonistic tasks at hand than with the condition of your clothes. In the end, most Princetonians recommend putting on something that you can bid goodbye without too many tears.
Clothes aren't the only things that can be claimed as sacrifices by the houseparties gods and their indelible beverages — your date could be up for grabs as well. So here's our next suggestion: If you're going casually, DO stay casual.
If you plan to spend the weekend with a friend or acquaintance, keep in mind that in the world of houseparties, the pairs may change but the dance is still the same. This is not to say that the best way to approach each evening is with a roving eye, or that you should ditch your date without a thought. Just keep in mind that during a weekend of casual dates, your relationship is just that. Though date poaching is not necessarily a houseparties tradition, it has been known to happen. Much like in the animal kingdom, such territorial encroachments usually lead to a battle of wills — manifested in this case as a series of staredowns and intense Beirut competitions. In any case, the only way you can really lose in the disappearance of a casual date is by drowning in your own melancholy. Don't be sad, your freedom has been handed to you. Let it ring!
Unforeseen date-swapping aside, most of us plan to love the one we're with this weekend, and that brings us to our next point. DO like your date
This one is a real no-brainer. Three days with the same person can be a long haul if you run out of things to say before the second course on Friday night. For most, this is a non-issue, as most people attend with friends or significant others. For new dates, there's really nothing to do but hope for the best. To help keep the sailing smooth, don't form any particular expectations of your interactions — if you're surprised, just hope that it's pleasantly.
There's really no way to ease into this last tip. It is nonetheless one of the most important points to be made. DON'T lick the ice luge, if there is one.
You can translate ice luge to mean whatever houseparties accoutrements your club may have. We're all about personal health here at SCORE, and while playing with the houseparties props is always fun, do remember that you're not the first — or the last — to take a lick. Your date wants a floral bouquet, not a bacterial one. Duly warned.
In the end, both the best and the worst of houseparties experiences make for good storytelling. Here's wishing you some of the best. Wise Princetonians have advised that a key element to enjoying yourself is staying relaxed in the face of anything that houseparties may dole out. Have a super sweet weekend!
You can contact Katrina and Kristina at krogache@princeton.edu and kahines@princeton.edu.
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