CAMPUS VOICES

EDITORIAL Love Languages

Since Valentine’s day is right around the corner, it’s important to remember that everyone has their own love language. This term refers to how people give and receive love. This phenomenon was discovered by Gary Chapman, an American author, who is known for “The Five Love Languages” series. According to Chapman the five love languages are:

Words of affirmation: People with this love language value verbal acknowledgement of affection, such as compliments.

Physical touch: People with this love language value physical signs of affection including hugging, hand holding and kissing.

Gifts: People with this love language value receiving visual signs of affection. This love language is not about monetary cost, but the process that went into giving the gift.

Quality time: People with this love language value spending time with loved ones. They feel most adored when a loved one spends intentional time with them.

Acts of service: People with this love language value when loved ones go out of their way to make life easier, for instance, making coffee for them in the morning.

Understanding the love languages will help with communicating love in your life, whether it be giving or receiving. Do you know your love language?

Dappering up before a first date

First impressions are everything; when properly executed, they have the power to open opportunities for an individual’s future. Let’s take this concept and transition into the realm of Shun’de Hooks dating. When you’re putting yourself out there to meet someone up to your standards, it’s imperative to make sure you’re doing your part in that process. How you present yourself on a date can lead to a lifetime of memories or a significant loss of other people’s interests. The other person will make sure they look their absolute best for you; why not do the same for them?

Communicate the plan

Before any date, it’s good to communicate with that person. This allows two individuals to be of one accord when it comes to date night ideas and assists in developing a sense of comfort and safety. Keep in mind you don’t want to bombard your date with information, but communicate enough to show them you are interested.

Clean up

The next one is a given: getting fresh and clean. We know that practicing good hygiene is helpful for the body, but are you aware of how something as simple as smelling great can make a person feel. It is said that the sense of smell can trigger emotion in the brain, like happiness or excitement. Taking that moment to wash up, clean under those fingernails, or spray cologne creates an intimate environment before any contact. Once you get that in check, you want to get yourself groomed. Take the time to get yourself a haircut, touch up if you have facial hair and a facial if the barbering service offers it. Getting these things in order is a thoughtful step in the first impression process of dating. This gives off classy vibes by showing that you take pride in presenting yourself.

Choose your fit

The exact energy you put in communication or your hygiene process is the same amount you put in when choosing from the wardrobe. I’m not here to tell you what to wear; I’m just saying you want to dress for the occasion. Overall, things to think about are wearing relaxed and comfortable clothes. Be mindful of what impression you want to give while on the date.

Man preparing for a first date.

Calm down

When it comes to first dates, there can be a lot going on in your head. Palms may begin to sweat; hearts may begin to race; I think you get the gist. That nervousness is very normal because you’re getting closer to meeting that person. Take some time before

PHOTO COURTESY OF PNW PRODUCTION FROM PEXELS

the date to get yourself mentally together, whether it’s listening to some music or any stress relief activity. Be confident; visualize being present at that moment.

Carry out the plan

After you’ve done everything to prepare for the date on your end, everything else is history. This is where you make that person feel special. Compliment their smile and tell them how beautiful they look to you. Be a gentleman, trust me; chivalry isn’t dead, fellas.

Vol. 86 | No. 9 Midwestern State University Fain Fine Arts Bldg., Room D201 3410 Taft Blvd. | Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 (940) 397-4704 wichitan@msutexas.edu | thewichitan.com @wichitanonline Editor in Chief: Stephanie Robledo Managing Editor: Samuel Koone Design Editor: Omar Combie Photography Editor: Colin Stevenson Business Manager: Abigail Jones Issue Staff: Joey Arthur, Javier Contreras, Natalie Cook, Thalia Doe, Shun’de Hooks, Keza Muvunyi, Joseph Nelson. Advisor: Jonathon Quam

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