Since when do wooden paddles, plastic balls and cups of Keystone equal a date? Is this what Dartmouth students deem romantic? Really? Since when did being asked to play pong become viewed as an invitation for a date? Although Dartmouth is limited in venues for dating, this doesn't mean it's okay for guys to get lazy and begin slacking in the creativity department. I've interviewed several students and the consensus is all the same: Playing pong is not considered a date, and the fact that people even get that notion is a pathetic sign that they've been in Hangover, (cough, cough) I mean Hanover, for one too many terms.
To begin, pong should not be considered a date because it lacks an important element -- romance. Let's be realistic about this: The location is a dirty, smelly, disgusting frat basement. Although the nastiness factor varies by house, the general scene is not conducive to romance. Sorry, but tables sticky from spilled beer do not turn girls on. Even more importantly, a guy trying to seduce me over a game of pong isn't playing for a red light special later that night.
Some argue that pong is dating because the couple is spending time together outside of the bedroom. But if someone of the opposite sex asks you to the gym, is that considered a date? No, it isn't. A date should be exclusive, providing substantial one-on-one time for the couple. During a date, I'd prefer my date to engage in interesting conversation with me. During pong, there isn't much talking. Sure, maybe a few jokes are passed here and there, but you probably aren't learning anything new about your partner. Another point is that while you are playing pong, at least one of the participants is likely to be under the influence of alcohol. If your partner is drunk, then you are incapable of significantly bonding with them. For example, some people are compulsive liars as drunks, others get belligerent; neither makes a solid foundation for a relationship.
Dates should be special events. You shouldn't be ashamed to tell others where you are going and how you are spending time with your significant other. Dating does not equal marriage, so we shouldn't feel like we need to hide it. The fact that you're trying to spend quality time with your boo in a frat basement isn't anything to be especially proud of. I'm not insinuating that women who consider pong a form of dating lack self-respect, but everyone, men included, should put this idea into perspective. There are lots of other things couples can do for dates as long as they aren't afraid to be a little unconventional and creative. Perhaps a picnic on the Green or a trip to the Dartmouth Skiway is more in order if you really want to spend cake time with your partner.
Has being stuck in the middle of nowhere deluded us into thinking that pong is a legitimate signal of romantic interest? If so, the frat scene may have already taken its toll on you.
