<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>Hitched Archives - The Utah Statesman</title> <atom:link href="https://usustatesman.com/tag/hitched/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://usustatesman.com/tag/hitched/</link> <description>USU's Student Newspaper</description> <lastBuildDate>Mon, 08 Feb 2021 00:42:54 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1</generator> <image> <url>https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/cropped-screen-shot-2017-10-19-at-4.33.29-pm-32x32.png</url> <title>Hitched Archives - The Utah Statesman</title> <link>https://usustatesman.com/tag/hitched/</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <item> <title>10 Lines from literature for your inner hopeless-romantic</title> <link>https://usustatesman.com/10-lines-from-literature-for-your-inner-hopeless-romantic/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dara Lusk]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 09 Feb 2021 17:00:39 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[All]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Arts & Entertainment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Arts and Culture]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Books]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Lifestyle]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Lifestyles]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Literature]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Love & Sex]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Student Life]]></category> <category><![CDATA[entertainment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[February 2021]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Hitched]]></category> <category><![CDATA[lifestyles]]></category> <category><![CDATA[literature]]></category> <category><![CDATA[love]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://usustatesman.com/?p=22113457</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>It is easy to be cynical in this modern world, but deep down, I believe everyone is partial to romance.…</p> <p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/10-lines-from-literature-for-your-inner-hopeless-romantic/">10 Lines from literature for your inner hopeless-romantic</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It is easy to be cynical in this modern world, but deep down, I believe everyone is partial to romance.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Romance is arguably the most common motif in literature. It has been the subject of legends, poems and novels for millennia. While many of these romances are forgettable, some have defined our concepts of love.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here are 10 lines from literature to satisfy your inner hopeless romantic (and, yes, boys we do expect you to take notes): </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">1. “You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” — </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Pride And Prejudice” by Jane Austen</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mr. Darcy is a classic literary romantic hero, so it only makes sense our list’s first line is from him. This simple quote conveys not only love but deep respect for Ms. Elizabeth that is enough to make anyone swoon.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">2. “Doubt thou the stars are fire/ Doubt that the sun doth move/ Doubt truth to be a liar/ But never doubt I love.” — “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Romeo and Juliet” is doubtless Shakespeare’s most romantic work, but this line from “Hamlet” is just as dreamy. In a letter to Ophelia, Hamlet emphatically assures his love with enough conviction to pacify any insecurity. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">3. “Tis better to have loved and lost/ Than never to have loved at all.” — “In Memoriam A.H.H” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Is there anything else to say? </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Beautiful. A little easier said than done, especially in a global pandemic, but beautiful, nonetheless. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">4. “Who, being loved, is poor?” — “A Woman of No Importance” by Oscar Wilde</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Again, need I say more? </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">5. “He wants to put his story next to hers.” — “Beloved” by Toni Morriso</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On the surface, this may not seem very romantic. I know I did not originally read it that way. But believe it or not, my 19th-century British literature class last semester spent a bit of time discussing this in a romantic light. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Matt Smith’s Doctor Who said it best: “We are all stories in the end.” The idea of putting your story next to someone else’s implies a couple spending their life together but in a way that makes them equal. One is not dominant over the other; they are each their live’s protagonist. They support each other through compromise rather than demands. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To live as one while retaining individuality is a wonderfully romantic idea. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">6. “Whatever our souls are made of, mine and his are the same.” — “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Brontë</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The sheer level of toxicity in this relationship aside, Catherine is fueling all our soulmate fantasies by describing Heathcliffe this way. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Is it so much to ask to find a cosmic connection? </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">7. “Every atom of your flesh is as dear to me as my own: in pain and sickness it would still be dear.” — “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">No one is at their best when they are sick. I mean, most people refuse to go out in public or even send a Snapchat until they have done their hair, washed their face and put on an ounce of makeup. Charlotte Brontë has captured our desire for unconditional acceptance and love regardless of looks. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">8. “Wheresoever she was, there was Eden.” — “The Diaries of Adam and Eve</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">” </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">by</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Mark Twain</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We all have people — whether friends, family or significant others — who instantly make a place better. Being that for someone is one of the most romantic things I can think of. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">9. “Love seeketh not itself to please/ Nor for itself hath any care/ But for another gives its ease/ And builds a Heaven in Hell’s despair.” — “The Clod And The Pebble” by William Blake</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Beyond the amusing rhymes, William Blake presents a beautiful image of a love strong enough to endure any misfortune. That is all any of us can ask for. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">10. “To suffer with you is the best happiness for me.” — “War and Peace” by Leo Tolstoy</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I saved my personal favorite for last. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Similar to Blake’s quote, Leo Tolstoy is writing about a desirably deep romance. It can be hard to think of happiness in troubling times, but to be able to because of one person is something poets would fight for. </span></p> <p><em>*Photo by Bailey Rigby.</em></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-22109912 alignleft" src="https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/daraheadshot-451x600.jpg" alt="" width="230" height="306" srcset="https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/daraheadshot-451x600.jpg 451w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/daraheadshot-751x1000.jpg 751w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/daraheadshot-225x300.jpg 225w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/daraheadshot-1154x1536.jpg 1154w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/daraheadshot-1539x2048.jpg 1539w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/daraheadshot-335x446.jpg 335w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/daraheadshot-1050x1398.jpg 1050w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/daraheadshot-150x200.jpg 150w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/daraheadshot-376x500.jpg 376w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/daraheadshot-1122x1496.jpg 1122w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/daraheadshot-840x1120.jpg 840w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/daraheadshot-687x916.jpg 687w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/daraheadshot-414x552.jpg 414w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/daraheadshot-354x472.jpg 354w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/daraheadshot-scaled.jpg 1923w" sizes="(max-width: 230px) 100vw, 230px" /><em>Dara Lusk was born and raised in northern Virginia outside of Washington, DC. She is majoring in English with an emphasis in Technical/Professional Writing and a minor in Anthropology. When not writing she loves reading and annotating classic literature.</em></span></p> <p><em><a href="mailto:dara.lusk@usu.edu"><span style="font-weight: 400;">—dara.lusk@usu.edu</span></a></em></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">@dara_marie_</span></em></p> <p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/10-lines-from-literature-for-your-inner-hopeless-romantic/">10 Lines from literature for your inner hopeless-romantic</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>First date secured! What about the second?</title> <link>https://usustatesman.com/first-date-secured-what-about-the-second/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Emily White]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 08 Feb 2021 16:30:45 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[All]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Arts & Entertainment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Arts and Culture]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Hitched]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Lifestyle]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Love & Sex]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Student Life]]></category> <category><![CDATA[entertainment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[February 2021]]></category> <category><![CDATA[lifestyles]]></category> <category><![CDATA[love]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://usustatesman.com/?p=22113448</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Dating is hard. There, I said it. It doesn’t matter where you live, who you are or how old you…</p> <p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/first-date-secured-what-about-the-second/">First date secured! What about the second?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dating is hard. There, I said it. It doesn’t matter where you live, who you are or how old you are, dating is one of the most difficult games to play. For the record, I hate it when people refer to dating as a game. I think dating should be transparent, but that’s just not the reality of it. People (myself included) are just too scared of being shot down, which makes dating much more difficult. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Still, first dates occasionally come our way, but how can you secure a second date?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">1. Be yourself</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Don’t even think about ignoring this one, because it’s the most important point I’m going to make in this entire article. Let me say this loudly for the people in the back: You are the most fun, kind, beautiful person when you’re being true to yourself. I’ve just learned that people actually like me when I’m quirky, loud and slightly obnoxious because that’s who I am. Be as transparent as you can on your first date and I promise, they will like you (unless they’re a jerk, so you aren’t losing much). Being a “nice girl” is the biggest mistake I’ve made in my dating career because the truth is, I’m not a nice girl. I’m not polite, quiet and I don’t put up with bad behavior. When I decided that I didn’t want to lie to my dates, I started having more fun and people liked me more. Trust me, you are worth a second date as you are. You don’t have to pretend to be someone else to be liked. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">2. Focus on having fun.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ninety-nine percent of the time, first dates involve fun activities, so have a good time. It’s hard to put down the huge pack of anxiety and fear we bring on dates, I know. Still, the best remedy to my anxiety has always been escaping in joy. Let yourself live a little. Laugh a lot and have a good time. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">3. Talk about the second date while you’re on the first date</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Your date is never going to ask you out again if they think you aren’t interested, so give them signs that you like them. Joke around, listen to them, ask sincere questions and find out what you have in common. Talking about movies is my go to move; if they haven’t seen my favorite movie, I say “we have to watch it together” and if they are down, they’ll agree. Boom, second date. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">4. Leave them wanting more.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Don’t let the date go on for too long, if you can help it. The last thing you want is to have your date exhausted by the end of the night, so keep things short. Be sure to give them time to talk, too. Don’t reveal too much about yourself, remember, they should want to get to know you more. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">5. This date doesn’t determine your worth</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Not every date is going to end well. Not every date will be fun. But your confidence shouldn’t come from whether or not you’re going out with someone. Your worth is not dependent on people’s opinions of you. Dates are great, second dates are better and being confident in yourself is best. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img decoding="async" class=" wp-image-22109888 alignleft" src="https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/emilywhiteheadshot-scaled-e1591993842722-533x600.jpg" alt="" width="205" height="231" srcset="https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/emilywhiteheadshot-scaled-e1591993842722-533x600.jpg 533w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/emilywhiteheadshot-scaled-e1591993842722-888x1000.jpg 888w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/emilywhiteheadshot-scaled-e1591993842722-266x300.jpg 266w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/emilywhiteheadshot-scaled-e1591993842722-1363x1536.jpg 1363w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/emilywhiteheadshot-scaled-e1591993842722-1818x2048.jpg 1818w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/emilywhiteheadshot-scaled-e1591993842722-335x377.jpg 335w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/emilywhiteheadshot-scaled-e1591993842722-1050x1183.jpg 1050w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/emilywhiteheadshot-scaled-e1591993842722-150x169.jpg 150w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/emilywhiteheadshot-scaled-e1591993842722-444x500.jpg 444w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/emilywhiteheadshot-scaled-e1591993842722.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 205px) 100vw, 205px" /></span></p> <p> </p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Emily White is a junior studying English and broadcast journalism. She is currently serving as the senior writer for the Lifestyles section of the Statesman.</span></em></p> <p><em>—emily.white@usu.edu</em></p> <p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/first-date-secured-what-about-the-second/">First date secured! What about the second?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Dear diary, should we date? Red and green flags to look for in a relationship</title> <link>https://usustatesman.com/dear-diary-should-we-date-red-and-green-flags-to-look-for-in-a-relationship/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Darcy Ritchie]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 08 Feb 2021 16:30:28 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[All]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Arts & Entertainment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Hitched]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Lifestyle]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Lifestyles]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Love & Sex]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Student Life]]></category> <category><![CDATA[February 2021]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Green flags]]></category> <category><![CDATA[love]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Red flags]]></category> <category><![CDATA[relationships]]></category> <category><![CDATA[saavi]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://usustatesman.com/?p=22113451</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>What should you be looking out for when starting out a new relationship? Felicia Gallegos, the outreach and prevention coordinator…</p> <p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/dear-diary-should-we-date-red-and-green-flags-to-look-for-in-a-relationship/">Dear diary, should we date? Red and green flags to look for in a relationship</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What should you be looking out for when starting out a new relationship? </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Felicia Gallegos, the outreach and prevention coordinator for the Sexual Assault and Anti-Violence Information Office, or SAAVI, shared a few red and green flags to watch out for in your budding romance. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><em><b>Red Flag: exerting power or control over you </b></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A partner exerting control over you can manifest in many different ways. Some examples are name calling, controlling what you like or post on social media, or constantly checking your location. Some couples are comfortable with sharing locations and social media accounts, but if you’re being forced to do so, your partner is adding a level of control to your relationship. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><em><b>Green Flag: ability to communicate</b></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If your partner is able to consistently and clearly communicate across the board, that’s a good sign. Watch for consistent patterns of communication. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><em><b>Red Flag: physical and verbal aggression</b></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In a healthy relationship, a couple should be able to talk through conflict without it reaching a level of aggression. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><em><b>Green Flag: respects your boundaries</b></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Your partner should always respect your boundaries, and this starts with your interactions online. A good partner will never pressure you to do something you’re uncomfortable with, in real life or over text.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><em><b>Red Flag: isolation</b></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Watch out for a partner who tries to cut you off from friends, family and hobbies. In a healthy relationship, you should have your space and they should have their space. You should have your space as a couple without engulfing each other. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><em><b>Green Flag: wants to get to know you </b></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A good partner will want to know why you are who you are. It’s a bonus if learning your boundaries is part of this conversation. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><em><b>Red Flag: disrespects boundaries </b></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You should be able to share what you’re comfortable with without being pressured to do otherwise. Before even beginning a relationship, it’s a good idea to sit down and talk through your boundaries with yourself. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><em><b>Green Flag: practices consent </b></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A good partner will practice consent in all aspects of the relationship and will always respect your decisions about what you’re comfortable with. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you feel that you are in a situation where you need help, SAAVI provides confidential victim advocacy and counseling for the Utah State University community. More information about their services can be found on their </span><a href="https://www.usu.edu/saavi/index"><span style="font-weight: 400;">website.</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img decoding="async" class=" wp-image-22110067 alignleft" src="https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/headshot1-477x600.png" alt="" width="228" height="287" srcset="https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/headshot1-477x600.png 477w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/headshot1-795x1000.png 795w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/headshot1-238x300.png 238w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/headshot1-335x422.png 335w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/headshot1-1050x1321.png 1050w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/headshot1-150x189.png 150w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/headshot1-397x500.png 397w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/headshot1-1122x1417.png 1122w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/headshot1.png 1126w" sizes="(max-width: 228px) 100vw, 228px" /><em>Darcy Ritchie is a second-year journalism student at Utah State from Idaho Falls, Idaho. Outside of writing for the Statesman, she loves to DJ for Aggie Radio, eat french bread in the Walmart parking lot, and tweet.</em></span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">—darcy.ritchie@usu.edu</span></em></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">@darcyrrose</span></em></p> <p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/dear-diary-should-we-date-red-and-green-flags-to-look-for-in-a-relationship/">Dear diary, should we date? Red and green flags to look for in a relationship</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Utah State’s Instagram love stories</title> <link>https://usustatesman.com/utah-states-instagram-love-stories/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[William Bultez]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 08 Feb 2021 00:34:59 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[All]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Arts and Culture]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dating]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Lifestyle]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Lifestyles]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Love & Sex]]></category> <category><![CDATA[On campus]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Student Life]]></category> <category><![CDATA[February 2021]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Hitched]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Instagram]]></category> <category><![CDATA[love]]></category> <category><![CDATA[love stories]]></category> <category><![CDATA[on campus]]></category> <category><![CDATA[relationships]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Utah State]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://usustatesman.com/?p=22113453</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Some dating experiences are better than others. But at least the not-so-good ones can make for some hilarious stories. @adam__smart…</p> <p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/utah-states-instagram-love-stories/">Utah State’s Instagram love stories</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Some dating experiences are better than others. But at least the not-so-good ones can make for some hilarious stories.</span></p> <p><em><strong>@adam__smart</strong></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I only had my drivers permit when I went to homecoming my junior year of high school so I had to have parents sit in the backseat when I drove my date and I around</span></p> <p><em><strong>@bosleyxjosh</strong></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">My ex is a hair stylist. she doesn’t post a lot, but a day or two after we broke up she posted a “top 10 worst products for your hair” on her story and #1 was this conditioner I had been using for several months. Shortly after she blocked me,</span></p> <p><em><strong>@sarahrosethompson22</strong></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On a date we stopped to watch a christmas light show with a donation box. He proudly walked up there and biffed it hard on the ice</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sometimes, unideal dating experiences can still lead to better times down the road. </span></p> <p><em><strong>@kylie.marsing</strong></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We met at work, and I tricked him into taking me on a date. 2 years later…</span></p> <p><em><strong>@sophieeewardle</strong></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We had just started dating and he accidentally whacked me in the face when he leaned in for a kiss. We’ve been dating for 3.5 years</span></p> <p><em><strong>@elizajayne.m</strong></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Met in junior high, “dated” in 8th grade, broke up, stayed friends, dated again Sr. Year, going on 3 yrs!</span></p> <p><em><strong>@kele_kele13</strong></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">My husband matched with my roommate 3+ years ago…it worked out wonderfully</span></p> <p><em><strong>@brittshigham</strong></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I met my now husband 8 years ago on match.com. We were engaged 2 weeks after meeting.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">And sometimes, just some chocolate is good enough.</span></p> <p><em><strong>@kmama_bear20</strong></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Well, my hot chocolate and I are doing very well. We spend lots of time together; it’s a real treat</span></p> <p><em>*Photo by Baily Rigby.</em></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-22109913 alignleft" src="https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/headshot3-487x600.jpg" alt="" width="264" height="325" srcset="https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/headshot3-487x600.jpg 487w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/headshot3-811x1000.jpg 811w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/headshot3-243x300.jpg 243w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/headshot3-1246x1536.jpg 1246w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/headshot3-1661x2048.jpg 1661w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/headshot3-335x413.jpg 335w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/headshot3-1050x1295.jpg 1050w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/headshot3-150x185.jpg 150w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/headshot3-406x500.jpg 406w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/headshot3.jpg 2000w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 264px) 100vw, 264px" /></span></p> <p> </p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">William Bultez is a broadcast journalism major from Idaho. He is a film fanatic, dog lover and music enthusiast who enjoys the outdoors.</span></em></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">@willistheginger</span></em></p> <p><em><a href="mailto:william.bultez@aggiemail.usu.edu"><span style="font-weight: 400;">—william.bultez@aggiemail.usu.edu</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></em></p> <p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/utah-states-instagram-love-stories/">Utah State’s Instagram love stories</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>HITCHED – Marriage traditions in other cultures</title> <link>https://usustatesman.com/hitched-marriage-traditions-in-other-cultures/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[William Bultez]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2020 22:00:53 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[All]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Hitched]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Lifestyles]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Student Life]]></category> <category><![CDATA[cultural]]></category> <category><![CDATA[traditions]]></category> <category><![CDATA[weddings]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://usustatesman.com/?p=22109258</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>While the state of Utah is not known for being a melting pot of races and ethnicities, one of the…</p> <p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/hitched-marriage-traditions-in-other-cultures/">HITCHED – Marriage traditions in other cultures</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While the state of Utah is not known for being a melting pot of races and ethnicities, one of the main priorities of Utah State University, according to President Noelle Cockett, is diversity. But in order to embrace diversity, one must first understand the minority cultures and races at the university.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">And an important component of any culture is courtship and marriage patterns, something USU students Justin and Ashley Bresee had to take into account for their wedding.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We ended up really just combining traditions from both cultures to make a wedding experience that was very unique,” Justin said.</span></p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-22109262" src="https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/fb_img_1584060350622-600x600.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="600" srcset="https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/fb_img_1584060350622-600x600.jpg 600w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/fb_img_1584060350622-300x300.jpg 300w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/fb_img_1584060350622-335x335.jpg 335w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/fb_img_1584060350622-912x912.jpg 912w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/fb_img_1584060350622-550x550.jpg 550w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/fb_img_1584060350622-470x470.jpg 470w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/fb_img_1584060350622.jpg 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With different cultural backgrounds — Justin from the United States and Ashley’s family from Mexico — they had to make many compromises to make sure both families’ customs were represented. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Sometimes it was difficult for either family to understand the traditions of the other families,” Justin said, “but in the end, it turned out wonderfully,” </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One Hispanic custom implemented into their wedding was the “money dance.” This involved reception attendees paying a couple of bucks to dance with the bride or groom. Additionally, all their food was Latino, while the music was a mix of both cultures, including line dances which Justin said was “fun to see people from the opposite culture learn.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Conversely, American dating and marriage culture can be difficult for international students to understand, even without Utah’s additional complications. Heavily influenced by the practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Utah dating norms can stray wildly from norms across the country.</span></p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-22109260" src="https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/fb_img_1584137743148-600x400.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="400" srcset="https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/fb_img_1584137743148-600x400.jpg 600w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/fb_img_1584137743148-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/fb_img_1584137743148-300x200.jpg 300w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/fb_img_1584137743148-335x224.jpg 335w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/fb_img_1584137743148-1050x701.jpg 1050w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/fb_img_1584137743148.jpg 1079w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At USU, China is the most common country for international students. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One of the biggest differences between the cultures is online dating and public affection. After only a short time at USU, Mormon culture will be noticeable. In China, dating and affection in public are much more common, which may be due to fewer people dating at USU overall or just cultural differences.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Another difference is the age at which people tend to date and get married.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Meredith Wang, a professor at USU, said high school kids are not usually allowed to date in China because parents and teachers tell them it will distract them from their studies. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Wang said that once in college, Chinese people date more than Aggies do. However, they also said Utahns will, in general, get married much sooner and during school more often than Chinese people do.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In Chinese culture, careers and schooling often take precedence, ending with couples split up across the vast nation. The couples will date more seriously and get married more in the workplace than in college due to the uncertainty college can create for their futures.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">How much parents get involved in their children’s dating is another important part of the culture.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Parents are usually not involved in the dating part,” Wang said. “But if a couple decides to get married, parents will be very involved in the decision and the process.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Although many Chinese parents will be very judgemental about their child’s fiancé, taking into account their home, family and degree. But in recent generations parents have become more lenient about who their children date and decide to marry. </span></p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-22109261" src="https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/fb_img_1584133579770-600x600.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="600" srcset="https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/fb_img_1584133579770-600x600.jpg 600w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/fb_img_1584133579770-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/fb_img_1584133579770-300x300.jpg 300w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/fb_img_1584133579770-335x335.jpg 335w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/fb_img_1584133579770-1050x1050.jpg 1050w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/fb_img_1584133579770-912x912.jpg 912w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/fb_img_1584133579770-550x550.jpg 550w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/fb_img_1584133579770-470x470.jpg 470w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/fb_img_1584133579770.jpg 1080w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></p> <p><em>—<a href="mailto:william.bultez@aggiemail.usu.edu">william.bultez@aggiemail.usu.edu</a></em></p> <p><em>@willistheginger</em></p> <p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/hitched-marriage-traditions-in-other-cultures/">HITCHED – Marriage traditions in other cultures</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>HITCHED – Finding a partner in Logan’s LGBTQ+ community</title> <link>https://usustatesman.com/hitched-finding-a-partner-in-logans-lgbtq-community/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Darcy Ritchie]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2020 15:00:23 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[All]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Hitched]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Lifestyles]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Student Life]]></category> <category><![CDATA[LGBT]]></category> <category><![CDATA[LGBT+ community]]></category> <category><![CDATA[relationships]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wedding]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://usustatesman.com/?p=22109251</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>It’s no question that dating can be hard, but it’s even harder for members of the small LGBTQ community in…</p> <p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/hitched-finding-a-partner-in-logans-lgbtq-community/">HITCHED – Finding a partner in Logan’s LGBTQ+ community</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It’s no question that dating can be hard, but it’s even harder for members of the small LGBTQ community in Logan, Utah. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Henry Fye, a gay freshman at Utah State University, described his overall dating experience in Logan so far as negative.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I feel like the LGBT community in this area is really small, so there’s not really any options,” Fye said. “It’s nonexistent pretty much.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When asked how many openly gay men he had met so far at USU, he answered that he could count them on one hand. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Another student, Nat Skousen, who identifies as pansexual questioning and nonbinary trans-femme, expressed similar experiences dating in Utah. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Dating is hard here simply because it’s hard to meet people in the LGBTQIA+ community who are visible, single or willing to date,” Skousen said. “That, coupled with the challenges of dating in general, it’s difficult to be in a relationship.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Skousen also expressed Utah’s conservative culture causes visibility to be difficult for members of the LGBTQ community.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We live in a very conservative area, and while we have Pride and organizations dedicated to deconstructing stigma and discrimination,” Skousen said, “it still definitely occurs — and from anybody.” </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Finding open and visible members of the community is a struggle for most students in the area, and while dating apps help with visibility, opinions on the apps are mixed. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Brinleigh Cahoon, a bisexual USU student, has found dating apps to be helpful.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Dating sites have definitely helped. Tinder is alright, but for my gay side, I like the site Her,” Cahoon said. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Even with the dating apps, Cahoon still identified finding people to date in Utah as her biggest challenge.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The sites definitely make it easier, but sometimes I see a girl, and I’m getting gay vibes. But I don’t want to seem predatory, so normally nothing happens,” Cahoon said. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On the other hand, Fye’s experience with dating apps has been unsuccessful. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I’ve used Tinder. Not very good. You can only go so far talking on an app,” Fye said. “It just never really goes anywhere.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Though much of the LGBTQ community in Logan struggles to find dates, many students have great success and are in steady relationships. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">USU student Chantelle McCall met her girlfriend when they lived on the same floor in Valley View Tower during her freshman year. They have been together for two years now. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Being in a steady relationship is difficult no matter what, but McCall identified the conservative culture in Utah as a challenge unique to relationships for the LGBTQ community. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It’s definitely conservative, especially Logan. Walking around holding my girlfriend’s hand in the grocery store, you definitely get a double take. Everyone has to go, ‘Oh, they’re holding hands. They’re together,’” McCall said. “Holding hands with her in public is almost uncomfortable, and I shouldn’t let it bother me, but also, it’s kind of hard to ignore people watching.” </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For those in the community struggling with dating, McCall advises them to get involved and meet more people. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“There’s definitely people, and there’s definitely a good group here in Logan. There’s a pretty diverse range of individuals here,” McCall said. “Just keep looking, and keep trying. Get to know people, and get involved with things. You’ll find them. Don’t worry,” </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Nat Skousen encourages those struggling to get numbers and ask everyone on dates. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“If you’re attracted to them, go for it,” Skousen said. “We shouldn’t be ashamed to be asking people on dates, no matter our identity or sexuality.”</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">—darcy.ritchie@aggiemail.usu.edu</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></em></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">@darcyrrose</span></em></p> <p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/hitched-finding-a-partner-in-logans-lgbtq-community/">HITCHED – Finding a partner in Logan’s LGBTQ+ community</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>HITCHED – Relationship Q&A</title> <link>https://usustatesman.com/hitched-relationship-qa/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Alek Nelson]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2020 15:00:06 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[All]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Hitched]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Lifestyles]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Student Life]]></category> <category><![CDATA[relationships]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wedding]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://usustatesman.com/?p=22109245</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>While we would like to think we can figure out relationship problems on our own, it’s often helpful to get…</p> <p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/hitched-relationship-qa/">HITCHED – Relationship Q&A</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While we would like to think we can figure out relationship problems on our own, it’s often helpful to get some outside advice, whether it’s from family and friends or maybe even a therapist.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kay Bradford is a professor in the Family Studies Department at USU. With a Ph.D. in marriage, family and human development, his research focuses mainly on relationship education and how it can help those in relationships. We had the opportunity to ask him a few questions:</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Q: What got you interested in studying relationships and family life?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A: I find the power of people’s relationships fascinating. Relationships grow in importance in our lives. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Q: If you had one tip to give young adults that are dating, what would it be?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A: Be real, your best self, and look for the best in the other. Research shows us that the better you know a person, the better the relationship.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Q: What would you say is the biggest detriment to relationships today?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A: Even in a great relationship, the other person can’t make us happy. We bring who we are to a relationship. Again, be your best self!</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Q: How can couples learn to communicate better?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A: I hear, “We can’t communicate,” but couples communicate constantly, for better or worse. Especially if you disagree, consider her/his point of view. She/he may return that favor, or probably already does that for you.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Q: What are some tips for handling disagreements in a relationship?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A: As cheesy as it sounds, try reflecting back what the other person said. It could be a revelation.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Q: What are some signs of a healthy relationship?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A: Look for respect, trust, and honesty. If those things are there in the relationship, then caring, fairness, and good communication are often there, too.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Q: What are some signs of an unhealthy relationship?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A: Manipulation, dishonesty, and control are “EXIT” signs in a relationship.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Q: Why is visiting a marriage and family therapist useful for couples?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A: While therapy can help couples see their strengths and challenges, relationship education is a great option for most.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For singles in Utah, I strongly recommend our free class, “How to Avoid Falling for a Jerk or Jerkette.” Taught through USU Extension, these classes are available in many counties in Utah. We also have free classes for healthy couple relationships, parenting/fathering, and blended families: </span><a href="https://healthyrelationshipsutah.org/class_descriptions/smart-dating-class-description"><span style="font-weight: 400;">https://healthyrelationshipsutah.org/class_descriptions/smart-dating-class-description</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">—</span><a href="mailto:alek.nelson@aggiemail.usu.edu"><span style="font-weight: 400;">alek.nelson@aggiemail.usu.edu</span></a></em></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">@</span>nelsonalek </em></p> <p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/hitched-relationship-qa/">HITCHED – Relationship Q&A</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>HITCHED – How to balance a friendship with a relationship</title> <link>https://usustatesman.com/hitched-how-to-balance-a-friendship-with-a-relationship/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[William Bultez]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2020 22:00:58 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[All]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Hitched]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Lifestyles]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Student Life]]></category> <category><![CDATA[relationships]]></category> <category><![CDATA[weddings]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://usustatesman.com/?p=22109239</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>We’ve all been there. Your friend finds a significant other and suddenly you’re no longer a priority. You vow you…</p> <p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/hitched-how-to-balance-a-friendship-with-a-relationship/">HITCHED – How to balance a friendship with a relationship</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We’ve all been there. Your friend finds a significant other and suddenly you’re no longer a priority. You vow you won’t do the same, but chances are, if you find a significant other yourself, you will do the exact same. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Once we begin dating someone or get married, it is all too easy to forget our other friends. Even if you make an effort to keep in touch or make time for them, it will never be the same, unless you’re single together again. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It’s an interesting dynamic once you get married,” said Jenelle Graham, a student at Utah State University. “You almost get sucked into your own little vortex where it’s just you and your spouse.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Graham said she had been married for about three months before she realized she had alienated her friends. At one point, after being the only person either talked to for a long time, the couple decided they needed to branch out more and reconnect with their old friends. Although she now makes a greater effort to see her friends more often, she lost a group of friends she referred to as “stage-of-life friends.” </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Some friends are not destined to be lifelong friends. Some will last only as your current circumstances persist. Once a life-changing event like marriage blows through, they will move on. They’re not being bad friends or unsupportive, they are just unable to adapt to their friend’s major lifestyle changes.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Despite this, Graham said, “Remember how important having friends besides your spouse or significant other is. Having a support system that you don’t live with is so imperative.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In order to do this, she sees her best friends at least twice a month for dinners or game nights, while texting and staying connected on social media with friends who have moved farther away. In addition, she has found new married friends who understand their busy lives. But for the most part, her single friends have been married and are easier to spend time with now.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Just because you marry your best friend don’t exclude your past friends,” said Jessica Jacques, another student at USU. “You need to maintain your friendships.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jacques moved to Logan from Vernal in August to go to school. Having friends in common with her husband made it easier to stay connected, although the 4-hour drive now complicates those relationships.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She agreed that married people still need a break from their spouses every now and then, so connections with old and new friends are important. She keeps up with them by throwing parties at each of her friends’ houses, going on double dates and having girls’ nights out. Jacques also does what she can to meet up with her single friends although it can be difficult. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Although all friendships are not meant to last, it is important to not lose potentially long-lasting friendships due to a relationship.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">—</span><a href="mailto:william.bultez@aggiemail.usu.edu"><span style="font-weight: 400;">william.bultez@aggiemail.usu.edu</span></a></em></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">@willistheginger</span></em></p> <p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/hitched-how-to-balance-a-friendship-with-a-relationship/">HITCHED – How to balance a friendship with a relationship</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>HITCHED – How to pick a wedding song</title> <link>https://usustatesman.com/hitched-how-to-pick-a-wedding-song/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dara Lusk]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2020 16:00:03 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[All]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Hitched]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Lifestyles]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Student Life]]></category> <category><![CDATA[music]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wedding]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://usustatesman.com/?p=22109232</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>A couple’s first dance at a wedding is a beautiful, sentimental moment that is often one of the highlights of…</p> <p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/hitched-how-to-pick-a-wedding-song/">HITCHED – How to pick a wedding song</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A couple’s first dance at a wedding is a beautiful, sentimental moment that is often one of the highlights of the day. This means the song needs to be just as memorable. As stressful as that sounds, it doesn’t have to be. Here are two simple things to keep in mind while choosing your music: </span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">1. Choose a song that means something to you:</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A wedding is a social affair but, more than anything, it is for you and your spouse. Choose a song that holds some special meaning between you. Perhaps it is a song you heard while on your first date together, a song you frequently dance to or a song that reminds you of each other. Whatever the reason, it should be important to you.</span></p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-22109235" src="https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/mg_7295-600x400.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="400" srcset="https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/mg_7295-600x400.jpg 600w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/mg_7295-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/mg_7295-300x200.jpg 300w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/mg_7295-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/mg_7295-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/mg_7295-335x223.jpg 335w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/mg_7295-1050x700.jpg 1050w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">2. Choose a song that makes you feel:</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We have that one song that every time we hear it, we want to run away from life and flee to Paris to fall in love. When you’re dancing with your new spouse, it should be to a song that evokes emotions and sentiment, so think of those tunes that let your inner hopeless romantic run wild.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-22109233" src="https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/mg_7269-600x400.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="400" srcset="https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/mg_7269-600x400.jpg 600w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/mg_7269-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/mg_7269-300x200.jpg 300w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/mg_7269-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/mg_7269-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/mg_7269-335x223.jpg 335w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/mg_7269-1050x700.jpg 1050w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here are five great go-to love songs to help your wedding brainstorming: </span></p> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">“All of Me” — John Legend</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">“A Thousand Years” — Christina Perri</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Perfect” — Ed Sheeran</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Thinking Out Loud” — Ed Sheeran</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Can’t Help Falling In Love” —Haley Reinhart</span></li> </ol> <p> </p> <p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/hitched-how-to-pick-a-wedding-song/">HITCHED – How to pick a wedding song</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Finding a wedding photographer in Utah’s competitive market</title> <link>https://usustatesman.com/finding-a-wedding-photographer-in-utahs-competitive-market/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Kortni Wells]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 27 Feb 2019 20:53:20 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Hitched]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Special Publications]]></category> <category><![CDATA[aggies]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Kortni Wells]]></category> <category><![CDATA[USU]]></category> <category><![CDATA[wedding photographer]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://usustatesman.com/?p=22100185</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>For some couples planning a wedding, searching for a photographer that will fit both their style preferences and their budget…</p> <p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/finding-a-wedding-photographer-in-utahs-competitive-market/">Finding a wedding photographer in Utah’s competitive market</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For some couples planning a wedding, searching for a photographer that will fit both their style preferences and their budget can be a tough feat. For others, it can be one of the most exciting parts of the wedding preparation, like a treasure hunt that never ends. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When it comes to good photographers, Utah has a competitive market. With the rise of social media, every photographer wants to get their name and brand out into the open. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are so many different photographers and styles out there. Finding one that will fit an engaged couples’ personality may not be as straightforward as finding the perfect cake flavor or the ultimate wedding favor, but it can be made just a little bit easier with a few simple steps. </span></p> <p><b>It all takes time</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When a couple knows that they are close to getting engaged, they shouldn’t wait to plan out their wedding until after that magical proposal day. Taking time to plan the wedding is one of the best parts of the engagement period, but this doesn’t mean that a couple can’t dream of what they want their dream wedding to look like before they set a date. Take the time to scroll through dreamy Pinterest boards of eye-catching photography, pin the ones that fit the style you’re are looking for, and see how other photographers measure up to your expectations. </span></p> <div class="mceMediaCreditOuterTemp alignleft" style="width: 667px;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-22100188" src="https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/3-667x1000.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="480" srcset="https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/3-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/3-200x300.jpg 200w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/3-500x749.jpg 500w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/3-800x1199.jpg 800w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/3-335x502.jpg 335w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/3.jpg 985w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" /></div> <p><b>Make an excel spreadsheet of potential photographers</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Along with all the traditional things that come with weddings, couples are often most worried about how much money they can (or can’t) spend on the wedding itself. Many brides are focused on finding a photographer that will help them capture their favorite moments of their special day without having to spend an arm and a leg. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A spreadsheet can be formulated even before the ‘yes’ moment. Many brides have been dreaming of who would take their wedding pictures for years before that moment. It’s never too early to start planning. A spreadsheet can include names of potential photographers and where they are located (or willing to travel to), as well as prices for engagement pictures, bridals (sometimes known as “first looks”), wedding day pictures and reception shots. It can be really helpful to write all the prices down and put them right next to each other to compare prices with the next photographer. </span></p> <p><b>Connect with photographers</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One of the best ways to find out if a specific photographer will fit your needs and your wants is to connect with them. Send them an email or direct message, visit their website, or fill out their Facebook questionnaires. This will help you establish a connection with potential photographers that are willing to work with you and help you plan out your special day.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One of the best ways to have a personalized experience with your potential photographer is to tell them what you’re expecting and lay it all out for them to see. This will help you decide if they can give you the experience you are hoping for. </span></p> <p><b>Make a Pinterest board of pictures you are hoping to capture</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pinterest boards of your favorite wedding pictures can help photographers get just pose you are hoping for. Your significant other might not be 100% into all the picture-taking endeavors, but they’ll be more willing if you already know what you are looking for. Having a Pinterest board can make planning locations and times for pictures less of a hassle, both in the planning phase and the day of. </span></p> <p><b>Plan ahead of time</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you think your photographer is going to be able to get you in last-minute on that one magical day you were hoping for, think again. Photography should always be planned ahead. Take time to plan out your matching outfits, check the weather and pick locations — all while coordinating with your photographer. Photographers that have to travel might have requests for early morning or early afternoon sessions so that they can fit other shoots both before and after yours. Be considerate of their time in these situations. They are fitting you into their schedule, and they are taking the time to take your pictures. Remember this. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">No matter what your budget or style, there is sure to be a photographer out there that will fit your needs and help you capture all the moments surrounding your special day.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">—</span><a href="mailto:-kortni.marie.wells@aggiemail.usu.edu"><span style="font-weight: 400;">kortni.marie.wells@aggiemail.usu.edu</span></a></em></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">@kortnimarie </span></em></p> <p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/finding-a-wedding-photographer-in-utahs-competitive-market/">Finding a wedding photographer in Utah’s competitive market</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> </channel> </rss>