How and Why to Make the First Move

The sun is shining, summer is approaching and cute guys are randomly appearing all over campus. You can't help but stare as they walk past you, but when eye contact is made, all eyes immediately hit the ground. As you walk away, you can't help but think to yourself, "why did I just do that?!"

This is where the trouble begins. One question that I hear too often is whether or not women should ask a guy out. The answer is usually a blatant NO WAY.

Why?

As girls, we have been spoon-fed ideas of the "perfect" romance with Prince Charming with a chariot awaiting in the background, or John Cusack holding his boom box outside our window. We are constantly bombarded with reminders that if the man isn't the one making moves in the relationship, then he will feel emasculated and possibly lose interest. Women are supposed to sit back, look pretty and wait to be asked out on a date.  We are always looking for that attractive male with just the right amount of confidence, but how long are we willing to wait?

Instead of doubting yourself and using the typical "why don't guys like me?" question, why don't women go for what they want and ask a guy on a date? There aren't many reasons why you shouldn't, so why not take a chance and see what happens. This gives women the opportunity to go for a guy that they think is attractive and steer clear from those weirdos who hit on you at the bar. With texting and applications like Tinder, girls are already taking the initiative to talk to guys -- just in a safe zone.  Sure, approaching a guy may be intimidating, but this puts you in control of your dating destiny!

I say forget what we know and go with the new! There are plenty of guys out there who would love to have a girl approach them; we see it quite often on Cal Poly Confessions for crying out loud. Guys fear that their way of showing interest will give us the wrong impression and weird us out, so let's change it up and try something different. You never know who you'll end up meeting.

Here are some fun tips to show a guy that you're interested:

1. Buy him a beer 

For all of the ladies who are 21, if a cute guy catches your attention, send him a beer! This will let him know that you're intrigued, giving him the opportunity to talk to you and make the next move.

2. Go on a guy-friendly outing

Find out what he's interested in or what he did the previous weekend! Try surfing, hiking or the shooting range; this will allow him to see how much fun you guys have together and how adventurous you can be. Starting off as good friends can lead to great things, girls!

3. Check out a concert

There are plenty of spur-of-the-moment concerts along on the Central Coast, so why not go together? Find out what kind of music he likes-- or maybe you both have similar taste. The Mid-State Fair is quickly approaching and there'll be plenty of great country artists, so snag a pair of tickets and go together. This doesn't apply too much dating pressure and allows you both to have a great time.

4. Have a group hang out night

If you don't feel comfortable hanging out with him by yourself just yet, then get a group of your friends together and hang out. Whether it's making food, watching movies, or hitting the beach, this will give you two a chance to get to know each other better and feel relaxed.

Go get 'em, ladies!

Climb Out of Your Comfort Zone

From hiking trails to secret bike paths, there are plenty of adventurous things to do here in San Luis Obispo. But there’s another type of activity that many people haven’t tried yet — climbing. Whether it’s indoor or outdoor, I’m talking about the daring, no-harness type of climbing. This sport helps improve balance, strengthen back and shoulder muscles and is great for better flexibility.

At Cal Poly, the Poly Escapes outdoor climbing park at the Recreation Center allows students to access these routes on a free climbing boulder or a classic rock wall. Climbers are allowed to use these walls during school hours throughout the week and can rent climbing shoes and chalk to make their experience better.

SLO-OP, a local non-profit social club, is a climbing gym run by two executive directors who built the entire place with their own hands. They strive to organize a climbing community in San Luis Obispo that will promote and support the sport effectively. Anyone can become a member at SLO-OP, and though there is a small monthly fee of $45, the benefits are endless. Not only do they have multiple bouldering walls, SLO-OP also has a yoga room and weight room for everyday use. Climbing here is a great way to meet people in San Luis Obispo. Climbers are extremely helpful when it comes to motivation and route movements, and often set up groups for outdoor bouldering trips on the weekends.

Outdoor bouldering is a little different in comparison to indoor climbing, but the exhilaration of the sport is something to love. Psychology junior Michelle Van Riper indulges in both climbing techniques daily and can’t seem to get enough.

“It’s addicting,” she said. “It’s like a self-competition; it’s rewarding to see yourself accomplish different climbs. Bouldering is great because you’re in the middle of nature and it feels like you’re a part of something really beautiful.”

Many websites and books discuss the benefits of bouldering and offer instruction on completing different routes depending on your skill level. There are many places in San Luis Obispo that are perfect for outdoor bouldering, such as Bishop’s Peak and Madonna Mountain. For safety purposes, it is encouraged that climbers own a “crash pad,” which lies below you at all times in case you fall. Poly Escapes offers rental crash pads for students that can be used on and off campus.

From Feb. 28 to March 2, Poly Escapes is hosting an Ice Climb for students seeking an off-campus climbing excursion in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Climbers will be scaling frozen waterfalls and putting their skills to the test during the day, and can enjoy relaxing in the hot springs at night. The price of $150 includes transportation, a hotel room, snowshoes, trekking poles, ice climbing gear, camping gear, two breakfasts and a dinner. It’s a perfect weekend getaway!

Climbing is a great way to de-stress and stay in shape. It is an awesome hobby that challenges you and pushes you outside of your comfort zone; I encourage you to try it!