young and in (long-term) love
So you’ve met that perfect guy or gal, and you’ve settled down. Long-term relationships can be great—hello, cozy dinners in, Tuesday-night snuggle sessions, and not having to wear makeup all the time!—and they can make you feel super grown-up. But getting too serious too soon can ruin a relationship. Cases in point: Reese and Ryan. Britney and Kevin. Nick and Jessica. First came love, then came marriage, and in some cases, a baby in a baby carriage. And after that? Divorce.
Of course, not every serious relationship dies a slow death. And I’m not advocating we all stay single forever. But why push a relationship to a place it’s not ready to go? Playing the field is so much fun, especially while we’re young. Don’t you want to get out there, meet new people, and then see if you’re still meant to be? I’m just saying, if it ain’t broke, don’t put a promise ring on it!
sightings
J in her father’s town car, being whisked to JFK. Headed to Paris to visit Maman, or has someone decided to take an impromptu trip?… J.P., walking his three puggles in the park, solo. Did somebody get left behind?… S.J., J, and G, coming out of hot spot 1Oak in the wee hours. Doesn’t anybody stay in on Thanksgiving anymore?… Lastly, swim team playboy H, cozily ensconced in a booth at Rose Bar with a very flirty French girl giving him some very flirty French kisses. Hope she didn’t notice him texting under the table! Who could be important enough to divide his attention?
your e-mail
q: Dear Gossip Girl,
So, I met this guy and we had so much fun, and we even made out. He took my number and said he’d call. But then he didn’t. It’s been a week and I haven’t heard from him, and I’ve hung around the spot where we met but still no sign of him. What gives?
—hoodiegirl
a: Dear H,
I’ll keep it short, but not so sweet: Sounds like he’s just not that into you. Sorry!
—GG
the parent trap
Finally, it’s come to my attention that some people are missing their basic manners when it comes to behaving themselves appropriately while being hosted by another family. Yes, it can be weird to hang out with parents who aren’t your own. But think of it this way: If they decide you’re a good influence on their offspring, you’ll be showered with college recommendations and cool presents and receive a carte blanche invite to their house. So keep your eye on the prize and follow these three ultra-simple rules.
Flatter the mom. Ask her who her stylist is. Tell her how young/tiny/amazing she looks, even if she’s obviously squeezing into a way-too-small size four and has highlights circa Memorial Day.
Don’t get drunk at dinner. There are plenty of opportunities to do that sans the parents, so don’t just chug their vintage 1980 L’Evangeline bordeaux. Especially since you probably participated in drinking that other bottle they think they misplaced.
Stay out of their way!Remember, most parents don’t really want to do the intergenerational bonding thing—they just want to make sure their children act suitably appropriate and are entertained. Prove that you’re entertaining and appropriate, and they’ll be more than happy to keep their distance.
And, for extra credit—or if you’re trying to score that seventeenth-birthday Mercedes—try using these rules on your own parents. After all, your own parents deserve the same kind of respect that you show to Muffy and Jim from the club, don’t they?
As if it weren’t easy enough already.
You know you love me,
gossip girl