Cheers to the New Year

By Laura Cohen

Ever hear someone say, “Out with the old, in with the new?” That’s the best advice for proceeding into the New Year and also the new semester. By putting behind any and all baggage from last year, and focusing on the future, we can all make a smooth transition back into our single-ish lifestyles.

First, take a look around your room and identify what is definitely not yours (or your roommate’s). Take that oversized t-shirt he sent you home in last fall and cut it up into a cropped tank top. That girl who never answers your calls still doesn’t want her hoodie back? Give it to Goodwill. Think of this as your personal feng-shui.

Next, scroll through your cell phone contacts and give it a cleaning. If you constantly drunk text the same guy after 3 a.m. and always regret it, erase him. If you don’t remember the last time you spoke to “Jenny from the bar,” it’s time for her to go. Save yourself the embarrassment and say “Good-bye, 2011 booty call!”

Now, on to Facebook. If you’re still stalking someone you had a failed fling with last summer, end those pity parties and delete them, or at least hide them from your news feed. While you’re there, take a look at your own page. With the new stalker-friendly Timeline everyone can dive deep, deep into your past. If you don’t want all your exes present on your profile, take this time to review your page and decide what is suitable for the public eye and what’s better hidden away forever.

After cleansing yourself of the past, you may realize this month-long reprieve from a happening social life at college has left you a little rusty. Don’t panic. It is quite possible for you to get back into the swing of things.

First, think about why your relationships failed last year, and actually try to change those old habits. Feel free to make some resolutions, and since they concern your dating life, you may actually stick to them.

Then, figure out your priorities and set some goals. What do you want? If you feel like you were too reserved last semester, don’t be afraid to let loose and go hard this time around. If your player reputation has gotten a little old, try pursuing a more consistent hook-up. If you’re not so proud of your history, try playing a little harder to get. A walk of shame in this weather isn’t much fun anyway.

After taking this into consideration, please welcome 2012 with open arms…and maybe a few potential suitors as well.