Times have changed. No longer must willing suitors travel to the family home for an… Times have changed. No longer must willing suitors travel to the family home for an interrogation under bright lights by a father with marksmanship awards posted throughout the house. Instead, dating is open to anyone who has the guts to ask.’ Dating has been democratized. If you are a girl you can ask, if you are a boy you can ask. Sex doesn’t necessarily determine who is in control anymore. As college students, we can explore the sort of personalities that make us happy at Starbucks or Hem’s or at that small Italian Bistro, Enrico’s on Ellsworth. Above all things, dating is a damned good excuse to explore the city with someone new.’ ‘Dating is a chance to get to know one another, beyond the shallow settings that we often find ourselves in,’ said senior Katie Vojtko. Finally, you have the chance to talk about something other than the weather or the latest party with someone else. You can sit down at some hole-in-the-wall bar and find yourself telling stories of your greatest antics and laughing with your partner across the table. ‘It’s a chance to be intimate,’ said Vojtko.’ Or at least that’s how some people see it. A student of history and philosophy of science, who asked to remain anonymous, sees a date as ‘a time to get laid. I’m upfront about it, and for me the success rate is about 75 percent.’ Regardless of what you’re looking for, Pittsburgh has some of the best places to have a good time, without having to take out another loan. If you’re looking for a date idea, here are some great suggestions to take her or him out for a good time: Pitt Arts: Let’s get real here, if your wallet’s a little limp and you’re looking for a good meal and a cultural event, Pitt Arts is the way to go. Get dolled up and take him or her out to the symphony. Usually, there’s enough time to slip away to coffee after the free meal and before the free concert. De Luca’s, the Strip District: If you’re looking into doing something a little bit romantic that involves spending the day together, head down to the Strip District for the amazing breakfast burritos over at De Luca’s. Pass on De Luca’s coffee, and as you walk down 21st street, hit up La Prima Espresso Co., for a biscotti and a cappuccino. Impress him or her with a great atmosphere to sit and talk and then take her out to Wholey’s, the fish market, where you can get some great tuna steaks for cheap. Just fry those for roughly 45 seconds on each side for dinner, serve on a bed of rice pilaf and a side of asparagus. Needless to say, you are in for a great night.’ ‘ Schenley Plaza picnic: Nothing is better than your own private picnic. Wait for the warmer months, and then head over to Merante’s Groceria at Bates and McKee. Grab some cheese, tomatoes, grapes, bread and a bottle of wine (or if you’re underage, sparkling cider) and head over to Schenley Plaza with a blanket. Your date will call you back, period. Bike trip to Washington’s Landing:’ When it’s not raining in the ‘Burgh, enjoying the sun is a necessity. With that in mind, grab your bike ‘mdash;’ or if you don’t have one, rent it through the intramural office ($5 for the first hour, and $2 every hour after that / $20 for the day / 412-648-3151) ‘mdash; and head down to the jail trail behind Posvar Hall and follow that into Downtown. Head to the point, pausing for a great photo-op, then head across the river to the two stadiums. Follow the Pike trail east along the Allegheny River. There you’ll find Washington’s Landing Island, the best damn island in Pittsburgh. It’s the former home of Ben Roethlisberger and boasts a great bar and restaurant. Grab some calamari and dig in. Sangria, your apartment: After you have gotten comfortable with your date, invite him or her over for some delicious topless, oh I’m sorry, tapas and sangria. Tapas are traditionally small Spanish dishes, but you can make pretty much anything. Try olives and cheese, small meatballs or marinated chicken strips.’ The tapas will taste delicious with sangria. Grab a cheap bottle of red wine, oranges, apples, brandy and triple sec., Add cut oranges and apples to your wine, a half cup of brandy and triple sec and one-fourth cup sugar. Your night is complete, but if you can’t stay at home, top it all off with lusty salsa dancing at the Whitman School in Squirrel Hill. It’ll show you how to move your hips every Saturday night at 8 p.m.’ Pittsburgh has a great scene to explore. Enjoy the city and use it to your advantage. Dating will get you out of the dorm room and into the city. Now all you have to do is find that date.