Life in your 20s is interesting.

A part of you feels like it’s the best time to be alive, while the other part is pondering what life after college will look like. While the experiences and opportunities differ from person to person, there are some things that are universal.

The stress of dating in college is definitely universal. There’s no rule set in stone that you have to meet your future spouse in college. I don’t know who started that rumor, but I’m here to tell you that narrative is false.

While I adore hearing about my parents’ meet cute and other 1900s love connections, I can’t help but wonder if that’s out of the picture for me and my fellow 20-somethings.

However, we can’t place the blame on being born in the wrong generation.

It’s time to face facts: It’s us. We don’t know how to communicate.

And I hate to place the blame on one sex, but the male community needs to rewrite a few things in their “How to Date 101” pamphlet. I suggest you retire whatever misogynistic podcast you listen to and pivot to the rom com hall of fame.

While I can’t speak for all women, I can speak for some. Most of us want a movie worthy situation we can recap to our girlfriends.

Exhibit A: When you see a girl you’re interested in sitting in a coffee shop, approach her in a non-threatening manner and introduce yourself. While the girl you approach may be too stunned to speak initially, give her a moment to shake her shock off and ask her what her order is.

A little small talk IRL is the way to go. By the way, my order is an iced matcha latte with three pumps of vanilla and almond milk in case you’re wondering. And I’m telling you now, you’ll only see me drink this if it comes straight from the barista. Safety first.

Hear me out, guys: If you’re feeling bold, order her another drink. It’s not necessary but very rom com worthy. If Ryan Gosling can do it, so can you.

Now walk back to the table, sit down and resume the conversation. I hope you’ve managed to come off cool and safe and far from creepy and stalker-ish.

“I grabbed you another when I ordered mine,” you say, placing the latte on her table.

Once again, I can’t speak for all women, but you’re off to a great start.

And that’s it on your part, sir. You’ve established interest – wait and see if the feeling is mutual. If yes, you may be invited to remain seated at her table. She’ll most likely start a conversation with you, retrieving important intel such as your name (if that hasn’t already been established) where you’re from, what you’re majoring in,etc.

You should feel proud of yourself for taking a chance and talking to a girl outside of Snapchat or Instagram dms. This should be enough for you. Don’t be the guy we all talk about who is pushy and weird. If she’s clearly not into you, just move on respectfully. Don’t take it personally – there are other factors to consider such as bad timing.

And ladies, don’t make fun of a guy who was brave enough to shoot his shot. You’re not responsible for fulfilling his romantic agenda, but everyone deserves kindness and respect especially when it’s given to you first.

Now before you say, “Ava, I would never” or “Ava, if a guy came up to me I would throw up,” blah, blah, blah – I simply say don’t complain that you’re single and there’s no hope for you and your love life.

How do you think your grandpa asked your grandma out? Over a thirst trap? I think not.

I miss when people actually talked to each other. Before there was this dating app and that dating app, people actually talked to each other in person or through love letters, which has become a lost art form if you ask me.

So take my advice. Get up and at ‘em and on the road to meeting your soulmate. At the very least, create a friendship with your date who can potentially set you up with someone you’re more compatible with if y’all aren’t a perfect match. Remember ladies, we’re going for Aidan, not Big.

From my observation, sometimes the dating struggle has less to do with getting into a relationship and more to do with staying in one successfully.

A friend of mine was talking about a date she went on and said she kind of felt bad for the guy. It seemed like he was stressing out about the location of their date.

I’ll let you boys in on a little secret: It doesn’t have to be a fancy steakhouse to score big on the vibe meter. As long as it’s cute and aesthetic, it’s a win.

While I love a wine and dine moment at Mastro’s, Steak 48 and other fine dining establishments I’ve become accustomed to, anyone who’s done a good ole scroll through my instagram will tell you I love a good quality burger and fries.

My go-to spots are Hopdoddy and Shake Shack in Texas. When in Baton Rouge, The Overpass Merchant and Mid City Beer Garden are favorites. Barracuda Taco Stand also makes for a great date spot. Not to mention, we’re only an hour away from New Orleans, where you can always make a day of visiting the sculpture gardens in city park and Café Du Monde.

Let’s be real, we’re in college. Who wants to break the bank on a lavish and expensive dinner when grocery shopping is a necessity?

Budget friendly date ideas

$20 Pizza
Movies (check your local listings for discount movie day)
Picnic
Coffee and a stroll through your local bookstore or vinyl shop
Museum
Concert (try finding good shows at small venues such as the House of Blues instead of expensive stadium tours)
Tennis/pickleball (how Challengers of you)
Beach/boat day (it is summer after all)

Take these suggestions into consideration when making your summer plans and who knows? You might be engaged by December. I’m kidding, we’ve got time.

Besides, I’ve heard your 30s are flirty and thriving.

Ava Francis is a 22-year-old journalism major from New Orleans residing in Texas.