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I will adopt one such stereotype here. Girls on tour abroad are absolutely shameless. Clad in miniskirts and strappy tops that reveal ten times more skin than a Frenchwoman in the tropics, they skip around Paris making lots of noise and drinking inexcusable quantities of alcohol. The repercussions of such behaviour are so universal that if you’re asked “Vous êtes étrangère?” the interest is regarding your promiscuity not your cultural background. The answer is always “Non!”.
However, after a term of chronically reduced debauchery, my intolerance of obnoxious tourists hit the back burner and I joined their ranks. I could blame it on the altitude, or on the non-existence of health and safety in the French Alps, but I won’t. I’m going to blame YUSnow.
In the time it took to cross the Channel I exchanged my term time restraint coat for a thick alcohol jacket, putting myself firmly in the loud English tourist mindset. What ensued was a week of dancing on bits of furniture, rolling in snow practically naked, and pulling out cheeky splits left right and centre. Much fun was had.
Why do the majority of students feel the need to act out on holiday? It certainly creates a negative image of the nation you represent and strongly irritates locals. From a selfish perspective, I suppose it’s better to let go far from home where repercussions are far more limited... At least until photos are uploaded to Facebook. Additionally, the sudden denouement of the term time bustle launches students into a period of unlimited fun times.
With a change of attitude (and altitude?) comes a redefining of boundaries. Okay so you’re a twenty-three hour coach ride away from home, does that mean its okay to have a one night stand or to kiss a girl? When everyone around you is experiencing their own escape from the norms, how do you find your groove?
In many ways, the answer to this question is the same as the response to whether alcohol is an excuse. If you believe that changing your environment or mental state causes behaviour that is alien to your normal self, a divergence from the status quo, then it is okay to go crazy. You are indulging not only in a geographical holiday but also a much needed psychological vacation which permits you to lie on a bar with a slice of lemon between your boobs. If, however, you are not one for the excuses, such behaviour could be interpreted as a symptom of something much deeper – a pent up well of craziness. Ultimately regardless of where you are, there are certain unique personal barriers that will never be crossed so like it or not, your holiday antics were not as atypical as you thought.
With this in mind, take a good look at who you are when you’re on tour, chances are you’ll meet your alter ego. Also, next time you go to Paris, please use ticket machines efficiently. Merci!
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