For The Boys

Girls aren’t going to like this post, but that’s okay.  I’m not writing this post for girls.  I’m writing it for that side of every guy that secretly (or sometimes not so secretly) loves nothing more than being with his boys.  Whether it’s pledging a fraternity, playing on a basketball team, or going out for wings and a beer, sometimes guys just like to do their own thing.  Every guy has a subconscious urge to be “for the boys.”

That being said, society has trained us to see our world as dominated by sex, and in many ways it is.  From ad-campaigns to job interviews, men and women are judged and treated based on their gender every single day.  Sports Illustrated sells its brand with models in swimsuits.  Godaddy.com advertises with raunchy, near-nude celebrities.  Hollister does the same exact thing with tight t-shirts.  The bottom line is that everyone is drawn to a sexy image, and these icons often dictate our actions and decisions.

The heart of the issue lies in the false perception of happiness.  The illusion that if we use certain products or spend time at certain places we will magically become better iterations of ourselves is all around us.  Anyone who believes that axe body spray is an effective replacement for deodorant has fallen prey to this constant pressure to impress the other sex.

I’m not saying we don’t love our girlfriends, or our mothers—trust me we do—but once in a while every guy has to shut out the female persuasions that constantly influence his thoughts and actions.  The beauty of a true manly relationship—platonic by definition and immune to the influence of exterior concern—is the genuine affection that stems from somewhere deeper than the necessity to reproduce.

Not often enough, these days, do I truly take the time to appreciate my boys.  It’s second nature at this point to buy a girl a drink at the bar because society tells us that’s the easiest way to start a conversation.  The act is a means to an end—perhaps well intentioned and kind—but a loaded act nonetheless.  An act for the boys represents another sentiment entirely.  We relate to each other in a way that no girl could possibly understand or replace.

So next time you’re out, forget about short skirts and low cut shirts for five minutes.  Tell your lovely lady friend that you’ll be back in a few.  Throw on some Blink-182 (don’t pretend you’re too cool for All The Small Things), grab your boys (you’ll know who they are), and enjoy the moment.  Because when your girlfriend dumps you, or your hot date walks out with another guy, these are the people who will always have your back.  We don’t need constant attention or bold gestures; we’re bigger than that, but a little acknowledgment can go a long way.  I’m not entirely convinced that this post is even interesting, let alone insightful, but that’s okay, because I wrote it for the boys.

Let's Dance?

            Dances: the epitome of school sponsored social events you wish you never went to.  They can range from the boring, to the awkward, and on rare occasions to the moderately amusing.

            The makeup of a dance is always the same.  The underclassmen scatter around the outskirts of the dance floor.  Freshman boys can be found shooting a basketball, while sophomore guys complain to each other about how lame the dance is.  Meanwhile, the girls cling to their friends in groups of 3 or 4, dancing together in small circles.

            The segregated dynamic prevails until a few brave guys approach their female counterparts and ask them to dance; this step is pivotal in the development of the evening and often separates the mediocre dances from the lousy.  The key is for the gender barrier to be broken as early on in the dance as possible.  After this occurs, the door is open for the rest of their nervous peers to join in on the fun.

            For upperclassmen, the dance is a completely different story.  For juniors and seniors there are several keys to a successful dance experience.  First, people need to go.  If no one goes to the dance, then it simply will not be fun.  Upperclassmen provide the energy of the dance and without them dances will inevitably fail.  Second, there needs to be a good DJ.  No one, and I mean no one, wants to dance to shitty music.  Even if everything else goes right, a dance will always suck if the DJ is bad.

            Lastly, it is the duty of the seniors to bring life to the party.  If the seniors dance the night away, everyone else will follow suit.  No matter how bad the dance is it’s the seniors’ responsibility to make it fun for everyone.  Whether it’s by coming dressed in a theme, holding a dance-off, or requesting an awesome song, the seniors must set the tone for everyone else.

            So, for those of you in charge of planning homecoming, I implore you to keep these things in mind:

1.  More important than anything is a good DJ.
2.  Get people to come! If no one comes, the dance cannot and will not be fun.
3.  Have a theme-a good one.  Students (especially girls) love to dress up.
4.  Get the seniors on your side. Their leadership means everything.
5.  Provide refreshments.  Nothing fancy, but everyone enjoys a sip of soda or some chips throughout the night.

            Finally, if you’re going to a dance, be sure to come in with an open mind.  Sure, it’s more than likely that the DJ sucks, the theme is really dumb, or the girl you like isn’t coming.  But, the fact of the matter is that more than anything the dance depends on you.  Go crazy on the dance floor, be the life of the party.  A dance is only as good as you make it, so as long as you’re going, you might as well have some fun.