TresSugar

Head of the Class: How Was Your College Transition?

TresSugar — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:00:00 -0700

One day you're in, and the next day you're below New York's 14th Street where, as Blair puts it on last night's Gossip Girl, "there's no class system." Is anything going right for poor Blair on her first day of college? Her gift bags and maid fail to impress her dormmates; her archenemy is her roommate; and that sushi/sake party is an epic fail. Seems like the former queen bee of the Upper East Side is struggling to get her well-heeled foot in the doors of NYU.

Worst of all, rags-to-riches and former social outcast Dan and childhood friend Vanessa find instant popularity. This role reversal might force Blair to confront the age-old - or old-age! - question: have I already peaked?

Nah. She's way too narcissistic for such negativity. So despite losing her headband, which I am pretty sure symbolizes her crown, I am confident Miss Blair will find her way to the head of the class of 2013. Besides, if I remember college correctly, nothing that happens the first week stands for four years.

Did you experience a role reversal in college, or were you just happy to be free from "roles" altogether?

For more Gossip Girl coverage, check out Buzz's recap, CelebStyle's fashion breakdowns, and the quizzes on Bella, Fab, and Geek.

Photos courtesy of The CW

Where Do You Stand? Hanging With Her and Her Boyfriend

DearSugar — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:00:00 -0700

Admittedly, I haven’t always been the biggest fan of all my friends’ boyfriends, but even when I think they’re especially great guys, I still love spending time with just my friend. Of course, I’m happy to oblige a couple hangouts now and then, but in the end, I prefer time with my friends alone. I suppose it’s all about a healthy balance, but where do you stand in terms of spending time with your friends’ significant others? Are you just as happy to be with her and her boyfriend as you are to be with just her?

Source

Handle This: He's Out Almost All Night

DearSugar — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Since your boyfriend is heading out for a night with a buddy, you decide to take advantage of having your shared apartment to yourself, assuming he won’t be home until 2 a.m. But when you wake up at a half past three and there’s still no sign of him, you’re concerned and call his cell phone. When he doesn't answer, you start to become a mix of worried and annoyed.

He rolls in just after four, and you’re still awake waiting for him. When you confront him about staying out so late, he starts getting defensive, and claims he shouldn’t have a “curfew.” His response just made you more angry, so how would you handle this?

Source

The How-To Lounge: A Proper Girls' Night Out

DearSugar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:00:00 -0700

Every woman, even the ones that love spending time at home with their significant others, needs a night with their female friends every once and a while. But sometimes even our best intentions for making it a bonding extravaganza gets thrown by the wayside in the midst of drama. If you have a night out with your gal’s coming up, check out my tips for making it as successful and fun as possible. To see them read more.

Have a plan before the day of. Pick a few places that would be good for your group. Then send out an email and let people vote on which place they like best. It will make everything easier if there’s a specific time and place in mind.
Make sure everyone understands that men are not invited. Even if you have to spell it out for them, it’s worth it. There’s nothing like one girl inviting her boyfriend to ruin everyone’s mood.
Plan on getting ready together if you can. Rushing around with your girlfriends before leaving will help get your energy up for the night out. Plus, it’s always nice to have someone around to ask opinions on your ensemble.
Let the night be an opportunity to splurge. Make dinner a smorgasbord. Order a dessert or two. Drink one glass of wine too many. Even if it means saving up for a few weeks, giving into temptation is worth it every once and a while, especially on a night that's meant to be fun.
Remember it’s all about your attitude. If you stay positive, it’ll reflect on every one else so put on a smile with your LBD!

Source

Dear Poll: Do You Drink to Feel More Comfortable in Social Settings?

DearSugar — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Although I do enjoy a drink out with my girlfriends, I definitely know that there’s a difference between drinking socially and drinking to be social. However, many people suffer from anxiety when presented with certain social situations, and the natural effects of alcohol often curb those worries. Though it can lead to more problems than it's worth, it's not surprising to find that some people feel they have to drink to be comfortable among others. Do you drink in order to feel more comfortable socializing?

Source

The How-To Lounge: Going Out With a Group

DearSugar — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 07:00:00 -0700

Enjoying a night or weekend with a group is almost always a strange mix of fun and frustration. As exciting as a good group dynamic might be, it can also be difficult to manage. If everyone starts tugging in different directions, it’s not uncommon for tension to build. If you encounter your share of group outings, read my ideas for making them a bit easier and read more.

It helps to know ahead of time what you’re dealing with. It is a group of five? 10? 20? It’s much easier to deal with a large group when your mind is in the right place.
If there’s a meal involved, make sure to bring cash so you won't have issue when it comes to splitting the tab - you don’t want to be stuck throwing down your card and paying twice as much as everyone else. In fact, it’s an even better idea to ask for your portion to be on a separate tab right when you sit down.
Get ready to go with the flow. Mingling with a group is a more pleasant experience if you don’t try to lead the pack. Instead, try being as adaptable as possible.
Don’t feel like you have to do something you really don’t want to do. Though being easygoing is important in a group setting, you’re still an individual. Don’t let your needs or concerns be stepped on.
Finally, act the way you want the rest of the group to be. If you want it to be a high-energy night, then you have to project that attitude. Whereas if you want it to be mellow, then reflect that in your conversation and actions. One person can really affect the mood of the entire group.

Source

Do Tell: Are You and Your Friends Socially Compatible?

DearSugar — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 10:00:00 -0700

When you initially make friends with someone, it’s almost always because you have something in common and enjoy each other’s company. But as time flies by and life changes, sometimes the things that brought you together and the activities you enjoyed doing together change.

I’ve distanced myself from a few friends over the years whose lifestyle was no longer conducive to my own - they still want to party every night, and I like to be in bed at a reasonable hour. It’s amazing how changes in social life can make a difference in a friendship. Ladies, do tell: do you find this to be the case with your friends, too? Are you and your friends socially compatible still, or not so much?

Source

The How-To Lounge: Leaving a Lasting Impression

DearSugar — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:00:00 -0700

Leaving a lasting impression will not only help your name come to mind in the work place, it'll also up the odds that the cute gent you met will search everywhere for your number the next morning. Since I know there are a few of you out there who'd rather fade into the background than stand out in the crowd, I have a few ideas for how to leave an impression without making a fuss. To see my ideas just read more.

Obviously, if you're looking to make an impression, you want it to be a good one so set the tone by having a positive attitude. If you have positive energy, others will not only be drawn to you, but they'll pick up on that vibe and liken it to your face and name.
Try to make a statement in either your personality, opinion, or dress. Don't worry; I'm not suggesting that you drape a feather boa over your shoulders every time you meet someone new, but there's something to be said for someone who dresses the role that they're trying to convey. Just be yourself - you're unique and that alone will make you stand out.
Do what it takes to be an active participant in whatever is going on around you. It's important to be able to join a conversation and respond to others.
Just because you're joining in a conversation, it doesn't mean that you should try to dominate it. In fact, it's not a bad strategy to use an opening question to give other people the opportunity to talk. Oddly, I've noticed that people tend to associate positive thoughts and memories with people who listen to them.
On your way out, make sure to give goodbyes to everyone. Think of it as a way to give them a last reminder of who you are. You'd be surprised by how such a simple thing can make a big difference.

Source

Fun Ways to Get Together With the Girls

DearSugar — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 10:00:00 -0700

Sometimes it seems like we spend so much time focusing on new ways to go on a date or enjoy time with our guy that we forget there's an entire world of ideas for spending time with just our girlfriends. So in support of hanging with your ladies, I've come up with some ideas to make for a memorable time. But feel free to weigh in with other ideas of your own!

Host a good old-fashioned cocktail party with a signature drink and appetizers. Spice it up by asking your friends to each bring their favorite dessert. When you're not munching on finger foods, you can indulge your sweet tooth.
Get active. Slip on your tennis shoes and hit the courts, or pick a safe trail in your town and go for a hike. If guys can have pick-up football games, why can't girls have impromptu sunset strolls?
Take turns giving dinner parties and trading recipes. It's a fun way to bond and learn something new!

To see my other ideas, just read more.

Since most of us are trying to save money or can't take a few days off work for a vacation whenever we feel like it, try saving up to splurge on a cabin or house by the beach for a weekend together. It's a great way to actually relax for a while.
Try something completely out of your element! You can take a group self-defense class or sailing lessons. Exploring something new together is a great way to bond with your girls!
Throw an in-home dance party. You don't need a DJ or a full bar, just an iPod and your favorite bottle of wine. There's nothing like getting completely silly with your friends when there's no one around to watch!

And don't forget the Sex and the City night fall-back plan when all else fails. All it takes is a couple hours of good girl talk and a few hearty laughs to create the perfect get-together with your friends!

Source

Relationship Protocol: Have You Ever Embarrassed Each Other?

DearSugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:00:00 -0700

As your relationship develops and you grow closer together, eventually you begin to learn the more intimate details of your partner like his particular neuroses and even his bathroom habits. Being privy to so much private information about the other, it would be simple to break one of the good standby relationship rules - making the other person look good - by revealing one of those intimate details to others. Fortunately, most of us have enough commonsense to avoid such an indiscretion.

But sometimes, whether we're feeling particularly spiteful or simply suffering a slip of the tongue, certain bits of information, opinions, or behaviors, which you'd bother rather keep private, can make their way into a social setting and serious embarrassment can ensue. Hopefully this doesn't happen often, but ladies, have you and your man ever embarrassed each other? If so, was it intentional or totally accidental?

Source