LOVE seeking

Sarah Whalen was hungover and in her feels the Sunday morning after Valentine’s Day. She had hosted a wine-about-it party the night before to honor college singles’ least favorite holiday and couldn’t help but curse herself for drinking one too many glasses of peach Moscato.

To drown out the noise of her throbbing headache, Whalen turned on the radio during her drive home from breakfast. She switched stations until a This American Life episode called “Math or Magic?” caught her attention.

The podcast, which featured a series of love stories, offered just the dating advice Whalen needed.

The University of Oregon sophomore is actively searching for a relationship but has yet to find her soulmate. She juggles various methods of modern dating, from bouncing between complicated situationships to needlessly swiping on Tinder.

“There’s not a time when I’m not looking for a significant other,” Whalen said. “I’m always going on dates, always trying to meet new people, always having some sort of love interest. I feel like I just haven’t found the one.”

After the episode’s special guest described his experience creating a list of standards to consider when choosing a romantic partner, Whalen felt convinced she had to do the same. “It just resonated with me,” she said.

Drawing inspiration from the podcast and multiple failed attempts at falling in love, Whalen convinced her roommate to create a list of standards with her. They each ripped off a sheet of paper from a notepad and jotted down their perfect partner’s must-haves.

Whalen now keeps her exhaustive list in her backpack alongside other essentials, like a planner, gum and Aquaphor. The list requires that her future partner be funny, caring and willing to initiate conversation and intimacy. It would be a red flag if they didn’t know how to cook.

“I’m waiting for someone to walk into my life,” Whalen said, “and for it to feel right to be with them.”