So you’ve decided to rush.  Congratulations on admitting that– you’re on the road to recovery.  We’re all so proud of you.  Let’s get you some cookies and OJ, maybe a nice, comfy chair.  But, honestly, if you’ve decide to rush, good for you!  And, if you’re anything like me last year when I decided to embark upon this journey, you have absolutely no idea what you’re doing.  I still don’t know what I’m doing. Luckily, my adventure led to success in the form of a solid group of ladies, so I have a few ideas on how you too can accomplish this.  So, put on your walking shoes because we’re about to go zero to sixty as I teach you how to rush:

Avoid Talking About Other Greek Organizations

I like to think of our Greek organizations as one big, incestuous venn diagram.  Everyone knows everyone and, chances are, the person you’re trying to impress has friends in other clubs, so stick to positivity.  Also, skip the classic question about other groups’s “reputations”.  Stereotypes don’t matter.  All that’s important is that you find some coolios that you enjoy spending time with.

Facebook Stalking is Totally Cool

Before dates last year, I’d literally get on Facebook and check out girls’s favorite movies, places they’d been, hobbies, blah blah blah.  If the conversation ever hits a dud, this will help you spark interest and get things flowing again.

Don’t Laugh at All the Jokes

Obviously I’m the exception as everything I say is hilarious and adorable, but really try to slow down on the sucking up.  Honesty is really cool and if you want to be viewed as a genuine person, have real reactions.  Maybe show us how it’s done by telling a joke that’s actually funny– that’d be chill.

Rush Events are Probably Going to be Awkward

You’re in a room with a bunch of people you’ve never met and you’re all trying to draw attention to yourselves– it’s terrifying.  A strategy I picked up was talking to other PNMs because the ability to get along with other girls is a good quality.  Also, don’t feel pressured to go to all the events– they can be fun, but they’re not crucial.  Just do things that make you comfortable.

Be Prepared to Answer Questions

You’ll be asked big questions like “Why did you decide to rush?” or “What other organizations are you looking into?” or “What do you like to do in your spare time?” on the daily.  Don’t panic, but be prepared.  Think up something honest and unique because people really just want genuine answers that will give them a true image of you.  I usually answered with sexual euphemisms. But never attempt to engage in a sexual act with your rushdate. I repeat: do not try to engage in a sexual act with your rush date.  If the chemistry is undeniable, and yea it happens, leave the place where everyone is eating. Mabee is never the right location for that kind of behavior.

Be Prepared to Ask Questions

Remember: this is not an interview, so relax and just be yourself. Try to act like a human and create some dialouge. You should not strive to be that girl who could not stop talking about herself.

Be Prompt

Really try and avoid missing rush dates.  As somebody who is completely guilty of both committing this act and being a huge hypocrite, I can tell you that it is generally completely uncomfortable.  You want to do all you can to put your best foot forward and showing up is a good start.  If you really can’t make it, a quick Facebook message ends all your worries.