- ILLUSTRATION BY wo chan

A little etiquette goes a long way at homecoming

Date published: 10/9/2008

BY ERIN JOHNSON

There's a lot to be said for being able to handle one's self gracefully in even the most awkward situations--and that ability is something anyone can master.

While it can seem overwhelming, even the tiniest gestures can make big differences--and have the potential to pay off later.

As many area students prepare to impress their dates at homecoming dances, here are a few rules of dating etiquette to keep in mind:

MAKE EYE CONTACT

It might have something to do with how fast-paced our lives are or how detail-oriented we are or, maybe, our obsession with accessories. Regardless of why, a lot of people don't really think about the effects of making eye contact with whoever's speaking.

Our eyes scan the room, glance at the faces of those around us, might get stuck staring at someone's shoes or earrings and, oftentimes, don't meet the eyes of the speaker.

Whether we're paying attention or not, when others pick up on our lack of eye contact it appears we're unsettled or uninterested.

Just meeting the speaker's eyes conveys interest and gives him a nonverbal compliment--that you're hearing what he's saying and that you're involved in the conversation.

Likewise, meeting your date's gaze when speaking to him or her makes you seem more honest, genuine and confident. Though this manner of conversation might feel awkward at first, it will come to be second nature.

MEET THE PARENTS

First impressions matter. While some steps--such as saying "please" and "thank you"--may seem obvious when meeting your date's friends or family, there are other precautionary measures that you might not think of.

Because you've never met these people before, you don't know what makes them tick. Some people may get offended if, after meeting them, you jump right into personal topics such as politics. To be on the safe side, ask appropriate questions.

Realize that you aren't in a debate, and try to avoid asking questions that could cause one. Asking about things they enjoy doing is almost always a safe topic, and discussing things you're passionate about (in a good way) will help them to remember you and your conversation.

"If you declare you are going as friends, each one should pay. But if you know there is an interest [in each other] the boy should pay." --Lindsay Day, junior, Riverbend High School "If they're still each other's date to the dance, then the guy should pay." --Jake Stinson, junior, James Monroe High School "I think the boy should pay for dinner and the girl should then buy the tickets, to be fair." --Elizabeth Paterson, junior, Riverbend "If the guy asks, he should pay for both. If the girl does, it should be separate." --Christopher Sombatcharoen, junior, Riverbend "I don't know--I'd say pay for your own food and the guy can get the tickets." --Hannah Yousefian, junior, Riverbend "Even if you aren't going out, the guy pays." --Alan Shackelford, freshman, West Virginia University "Split." --Garrett Bush, junior, Riverbend --Compiled by Stephanie Boscovitch

Date published: 10/9/2008