having a life?

[Libby K]

Originally Posted by InfernoX14

I seriously think that dating within the team is already a bad idea. A really bad idea. What if something happens? A break up or something. Then it will be awkward until one of you leaves the team. Also, it looks really crappy when we have team members cuddling in the stands and giving us uneeded PDA.

Agreed. Dating inside a team is a recipe for disaster. ESPECIALLY during the season.

[MattLi]

Well I wouldn't say that. I am a firm believer that people can express themselves in any way they want, however if you and/or your (gender)friend have any decency then I think you should save the cuddling for later. I think people have enough self control. Tension shouldn't be a problem if you guys already have it worked out before regionals/finals.

First off, you need to examine the title of the thread... Your Girlfriend shouldn't be your life. Not in highschool, anyway. Secondly, I cannot agree more with the suggestion to not date within the team, as it can tear an entire team apart if things go badly.

As far as how to keep one, here's advice from two seasons of having one and keeping her: If she'll leave because you spend a lot of time doing what you love, do you really think he/she is right for you? Seriously, if they leave just because you spend a lot of time in the shop, then they clearly don't care enough about your interests. My girlfriend (who is awesome) would come in and visit, and would force me to take breaks and spend time on homework. If it weren't for her, I'm sure I would have failed school last year. But take my advice: Never put robotics above them if you are serious about the relationship. If you make a date, KEEP IT. If you promise time to hang out, KEEP IT.

Just my two cents from my experience.

[Ryo Chiba]

Originally Posted by Libby K

Agreed. Dating inside a team is a recipe for disaster. ESPECIALLY during the season.

Although, it would make a great reality tv show, eh?

As for relationships, I find that during robotics season, I have something passionate to talk about. Whether it be friends, date, or parents, robotics is great as a conversation/debate starter, etc. I'd really encourage everybody to talk, talk, talk about it. It's one of the more (most) interesting extracirricular activities out there. And it's not just about the robots. It's about the neat things you learn about people and how they work together and apart.

And if worse comes to worse, there's always something to complain about.

[Cody Carey]

My Girlfriend Hannah and I have been together for almost two years now (not that long in the grand scheme of things, but it is an accomplishment nonetheless), and although she isn't involved in robotics, she understands that FIRST is part of the deal with me; just as I understand that work is very important to her. It gets hard to schedule dinner or other formal dates sometimes, but we make sure to see each other for an hour or two every day, or at the very least one of us will stop in to say hi before going home for the night.
Now, I'm no love doctor or anything, but an over all tip for dating is to surprise her with flowers/homemade cards or any other Thoughtful gift without being reminded. To me... this doesn't seem too hard, as I think of her a lot anyway, but for some of my friends, it seems to be the hardest thing in the world to do.

Basically, just don't let FIRST make you forget about her.


-Cody C