Dear Freak of the Week,
I was so excited when I found out that I was accepted to be a part of one of the croos for First-Year Trips this year! We had croo reveals recently, and it’s hard to describe my simultaneous dismay and nervous excitement when I found out that one of my huge campus crushes is also a member of my croo. We’ve talked once or twice and we definitely are aware of each other. I also know that this person is single and not seeing anyone. I have no idea whether they’d be into me, though. Should I make a move?
Sincerely,
Croo Boo
Dear Croo Boo,
First of all, what the hell did you include in your Trips application to get accepted?? No shade to whoever runs it, but I’ve gotten rejected all three years I applied, and I’m starting to feel like it might be personal. Vendettas aside, I’ve been waiting for a Trips-related question to come around. This is so juicy!
I really hate to be that guy, but it’s week five of spring, and I think that it’s time to get messy. This week might turn into an “angel and devil on your shoulder” situation with Leila and I, although there’s also a good chance that she agrees with me.
I’m not saying that you should necessarily pursue this person hardcore right now, but there are definitely ways to toe the line and get a lot of fun out of it without waiting or making the situation too awkward. I imagine your croo likely has various trainings and preparation classes. These are perfect opportunities to flirt with and get to know this person. Sit next to them in class! Break the ice with casual conversation! Is this someone that you might see outside of this training, like maybe on a night out? It might be worth it to approach them here and evaluate the vibes.
You shouldn’t have any illusions — there’s obvious risk to this approach. This person might be worried about affecting the dynamics on your croo, or they might not be into you. If you don’t balance this situation carefully, it could result in a brutal end of summer and beginning of fall, filled with awkwardness and potential fallout. I think the best way to mitigate this is by slowly bringing the water to a simmer. Keep the flirtation going if you detect some kind of rapport. Then, wait until after the trip is over, and send a flitz or make a more authoritative move. It might be frustrating to wait, but interacting with each other platonically could make the romantic side of things even better once it actually happens.
Anyways, I remember one of my friends telling me one time that, at the end of trips, everyone who helped coordinate has a massive naked dance party? Who knows. This school is so strange, but that’s something to look forward to!
- Eli
From what I know, you do a decent amount of bonding before croo actually starts, whether that be at trainings or dinners at Moosilauke. I’d start by befriending them during that, and seeing what the vibes are. If it’s flirty, then yay!
I wouldn’t worry too much about croo dynamics if you do get together. I have heard many, many stories of crushes and hook-ups on croos, and everyone has fun regardless. As long as you keep it fun and casual, I’m sure you’ll be just fine.
I think for now, the best approach is to take it slow, and really get to know the other person. You wouldn’t want to start hooking up before trips, then break it off and risk the croo experience becoming awkward. Though, I’m sure this all is dependent on which croo you’re on. For instance, at the Ski Lodge, there aren’t any showers. Ew.
Trips is silly. Why can’t this fling be, too?
- Leila
Eli Moyse ’27 is an opinion editor and columnist for The Dartmouth. He studies government and creative writing. He publishes various personal work under a pen name on Substack (https://substack.com/@wesmercer), and you can find his other work in various publications.
