The Daily Illini: Dating Guide 2018

Monday, February 12, 2018

THE DAILY ILLINI

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THE DATING GUIDE

Monday, February 12, 2018

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Monday, February 12, 2018

Girls supporting girls: buzz’s guide to Galentine’s day

BY SHELBI VOSS STAFF WRITER

Galentine’s Day is the perfect alternative to getting dressed up and going out to dinner with a significant other. You can spend the time at home in a pair of sweats or get dolled up for the most Instagram-worthy photos.

It is a time to just let loose with the girls and to not worry about finding a date because friends are the best dates around.

Brooke Brown, student in LAS, gave buzz an inside look at her plans for an ideal Galentine’s Day with her closest female friends.

A day out with the girls is the perfect time to plan that spa day you’ve been dreaming about. Make a reservation to de-stress with a massage or mani-pedi to take away all the thoughts that have been getting you down lately.

“I would get everything. You have to go all out,” Brown said.

When planning your Galentine’s Day, think about what kind of night you are really up for. Is it time for a crazy night out or do you finally want to kick back and relax?

Pick your favorite restaurant where you can treat yourself and order something your Snapchat story will need to see. Or maybe it’s a pizza or Chinese takeout night.

“We like fine dining because you have to treat yourself,” Brown said.

She said her night out with friends would start at either Olive Garden or Buffalo Wild Wings.

After a busy day of nothing but relaxation and good food, go back home and show off your baking skills. Anything goes at this point, whether that means making one batch of cookies or enough goodies to fill an entire pastry shop.

While baking catch up on all of the latest gossip and feel free to rant about everything that has happened in the past few weeks.

Grab all of the fresh-out-of-the-oven treats — do not forget the ice cream — and wind down. Watch some classic girl power movies like “Pitch Perfect” or the funniest videos from the internet for the week.

Brown opted for a romantic choice with “The Notebook,” a film that “always makes me cry,” she said.

Be sure to take some time to reminisce about all the crazy things you have done together. Your friends will always have your back, just like you have theirs, so why not take the time to celebrate with a night straight out of a movie.

No matter how you choose to spend your Galentine’s Day, just remember it’s a chance to spend time with the people you love and to celebrate women, whether single, searching or going steady. savoss2@readbuzz.com

MARGARET KOTS THE DAILY ILLINI

Monday, February 12, 2018

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Dating notes from drag queen Trinity Taylor

BY ZOE STEIN STAFF WRITER

Not even Trinity Taylor can be saved from having a bad date.

Taylor is a drag queen who starred in the ninth season of “RuPaul's Drag Race.”

“Years ago,” Taylor said, “when Grindr became a thing … I had chatted with this guy for on and off for maybe a week … and when I met him he was nothing like his picture.”

Her date was immediately ruined by the revelation that this man had lied to her right off the bat.

While no one is safe from the fake pictures on a profile, there are ways to make dating (and first dates) less traumatic and nerve-racking.

Taylor’s first suggestion: “Don’t lie.”

After finding out her date wasn’t the man in the pictures, she said any possible connection went out the window because of the date’s lie.

Taylor also recognized the nerves everyone experiences before a first date. The best way to calm these nerves, for Taylor, is to approach the initial meeting with a friendship perspective in mind.

“Go into it wanting to be a friend to whoever you’re dating,” Taylor said. “If you’re not their friend … it won’t work out in the long run.”

If you choose to wear makeup on a date, Taylor suggested to keep it simple instead of going extravagant lengths to make an impression. “(Enhance) what you want to showcase,” Taylor said. “You want someone to fall in love with you, not a facade of you.”

For drag queens, though, dating can be complex even with honesty as the top priority.

Taylor noted how there’s still a fair amount of prejudice against queens, which can affect the dating scene.

“Within the gay community, there is a lot of prejudice against lots of different aspects: drag queens, people who don’t fit into the masculine role or personality, or someone who doesn’t go to the gym every day,” Taylor said.

She emphasized how people are generally afraid of things they don’t understand, and this is no exception for the LGBTQ community. While Taylor has had “great luck dating,” she’s also had “several friends who have had horrible luck.”

Anyone can have a good date. Likewise, anyone can have a horrible date. The best way to do one’s part in avoiding the latter, though, is to follow Taylor’s advice by showing up as you really are and being from the get-go.

St ic k to Taylor’s insight, and if you’re about to have the first encounter with someone, hopefully you’ll move onto the second date in no time.

honest

zstein3@ readbuzz.com

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Classy eats for a date night on a budget

BY ASHLEY RAYAN STAFF WRITER

Searching for somewhere to take your sweetheart for Valentine’s Day that won’t break the bank? Champaign-Urbana offers a variety of options that allow you to treat your special someone without draining your bank account.

Sakanaya

403 E. Green St., Champaign A college favorite, Sakanaya is the perfect place to go if your date is a sushi fan. The fish is always fresh, and the miso soup is perfect on a chilly night.

For those who aren't sushi lovers, the poke bowls and udon are incredible. If you’re planning something else in the evening, consider going for the lunch special, which includes two rolls and a small salad for less than $15.

Black Dog Smoke & Ale House

320 N. Chestnut St., Champaign 201 N. Broadway Ave., Urbana Black Dog Smoke & Ale House is a foodie favorite with locations in Urbana and Champaign. Although they don’t accept reservations, take the time waiting to explore downtown Champaign with your special someone.

If you happen to arrive early, make sure

to snag yourself some Burnt Ends, Black Dog’s arguably most famous dish. You can opt to have your choice of meat served as a sandwich with one side for $8.95-$9.95 or as a platter served with two sides for $14.95-$16.95.

Baxter’s American Grille

100 Trade Center Drive, Champaign If you’re looking for a hearty, all-American meal, Baxter’s American Grille is the spot to hit. Although the steaks, burgers and pasta are top-notch, the real gems lie in Baxter’s dessert and appetizer menus.

The prime rib sliders and steak nachos are absolutely incredible, and the best way to end Valentine's Day is with a sweet treat with your special someone. The gooey butter cake topped with fresh strawberries and chocolate malt ice cream or the strawberry shortcake napoleons are both ideal choices.

LILLIAN BARKLEY THE DAILY ILLINI

With two locations in Champaign-Urbana, Black Dog Smoke & Ale House is a popular destination for a date night. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, so make sure to come early, or stay late.

to none. Make sure to secure a reservation soon, The event is limited to the first 70 guests, so as you can expect this restaurant to be packed if you're interested, make sure to purchase a to the brim once Valentine's Day rolls around. ticket as soon as possible. Tickets are available on Eventbrite or Destihl's website.

Even if you choose to forgo the ticketed Miga Destihl meal, Destihl's vast menu offers something M2 on Neil Street, 301 N. Neil St. 301 N. Neil St., Champaign for everyone’s taste, but not making a reser#104,Champaign A cult favorite, Destihl is located in the heart vation ahead of time would definitely put you Located in beautiful downtown Chamof downtown Champaign. This year Destihl is at risk because this is one of Champaign's paign, Miga offers all the Japanese staples selling tickets to a special four-course Valen- most coveted spots for date nights, weekends, and some twists on American options, such tine's Day meal, including a special beer pair- you name it. as a grilled ribeye with miso creamed kale. ing and a fun glass for each guest to take home The atmosphere and service may be second with them. amrayan2@readbuzz.com

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Monday, February 12, 2018

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Tinder tips, as told by a first-time swiper For when you don’t know what to say, you can throw a gif into the conversation.

It’s the dawn of a new age of dating for They reply with something awkward or most millennials. Out with the old conweird? Hit them with a meme or a gif. You ventional ways and in with the new time will seem like a comedic genius. Or, you of online dating. Tinder, Bumble, Chriswon’t. I just think gifs are hilarious. tianMingle, FarmersOnly — the list goes In addition to that, the unmatch button on. is a godsend for those users who are a litPersonally, I would consider myself tle inappropriate or too forward. A mesmore old-fashioned when it comes to dat- sage that is uncomfortable — BAM. Coning. You know, in-person rather than sider yourself unmatched. using the virtual scene, however, I decidOne feature I was not inclined to use ed to test out the waters of Tinder in the was the “Super Like” button. A “Super spirit of Valentine’s Day. Like” is an abrasive way to say, or essenFor the purpose of this article, I cretially yell, “I'm into you!” ated a Tinder account and documented I pictured someone screaming whenthe things I learned. That being said, this ever this feature was used. I personalis my own personal experience using the ly never used this button because I felt app, which does not make it a universal it was excessive. But hey, if being bold is take. your style, then more power to you.

So you log on, and I know what you’re To boil it all down, what I essentialprobably most afraid of. Will I see other ly learned was: This app is like somepeople I know who are using the app? one sliding into your Instagram DMs on Yes. Yes, you will see people you recanother level. ognize or know using the app. Is it even If you think that is overwhelming, mulmore uncomfortable when you match tiply it by 10. Users are sliding into your with that one random person from your messages left and right. class?

At this point in the article you may be Absolutely. thinking, “Did she delete the app or is However, one feature I loved about Tin- still acting on her Tinder wisdom?” der was the swiping left or right. There’s I am happy to inform you all I am no a little adrenaline rush you get when a longer a member of the Tinder crowd. I match is made, and sometimes I would became a bit overwhelmed and overstimswipe right just because I felt like it. ulated using this avenue of dating. I think On the other hand, with swiping left, it after that experience, I am going to go eat is such an easy way to tell someone “no” a box of chocolates and revert to my old or that you’re “not interested.” ways of dating.

No awkward in-person conversations, Godspeed to all of you Tinder users or no feelings hurt, no subliminal messages to those thinking about hopping on the hoping the other person “gets the hint.” bandwagon.

Rejection has never been easier in the Happy Valentine’s Day to all, and to all dating sector. a good night!

Another few of my other favorite things about Tinder were the ability to send Taylor is a junior in LAS. memes or gifs and the unmatch button. tcygan2@readbuzz.com

BY TAYLOR CYGAN STAFF WRITER

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Monday, February 12, 2018

7

Your relationship can survive the distance

BY MOLLY ZUPAN STAFF WRITER

Nearly four years ago, I asked a boy I liked, “Are you my boyfriend?” through Snapchat. I was a junior in high school, so cut me some slack.

Throughout our years together, my ability to openly and honestly speak has not faded. If you’re wondering, he said yes to my abrupt and forward question. I give this attribute of mine some credit for the success of our relationship.

Effective and thorough communication is absolutely essential for any relationship to work, especially with 122 miles in between each other.

My boyfriend and I have been in a longdistance relationship for a year and a half.

There have been both ups and downs, but we’re working with what we’ve got. Going to college, neither of us had any idea of how tough a long-distance relationship was going to be. It started out a bit tricky, but we worked together and adjusted to the change.

If you’re looking for some advice, or just need to know there are other couples out there who understand how difficult longdistance relationships can be, here are my tips for dating despite the distance.

I can’t call myself an expert, or even an amateur, at long-distance relationships, but I can say I’ve learned.

Staying attentive

Successful long-distance relationships require awareness. Both partners should pay close attention to each other’s schedules. I made a copy of my class schedule for my boyfriend, so he knows when to call and when I’m busy. In return, every week, I ask him when he is scheduled to work. This adds a bit of organization to our relationship.

Attentiveness to your significant other’s workload is essential too. If I know he

worked an 11-hour shift, I’m not going to call and complain about the five hours I spent studying at the library. It is incredibly important to be aware and respectful of each other’s stress level.

Being comfortable with communication

Communication is a necessity. Our generation is lucky to have access to forms of technology that make communicating so simple, so take advantage of it. Call your boyfriend or girlfriend often; tell them about your day and ask them about theirs.

When arguments or disagreements come up, communicate meaningfully. Pursuing a degree is a difficult and time-consuming process, but don’t let it get in the way of a good relationship. Take the time needed to fix misunderstandings. Avoid impulsive or irrational decisions. Think things through.

Going the extra mile

Spontaneity or surprises do wonders for long-distance relationships. I like to send my boyfriend things in the mail, like letters or random gifts. It’s important to remind your significant other they’re on your mind, regardless of your busy schedule.

While away at school, take care of yourself, but don’t forget to be there for them.

Keep their needs in mind, such as extra moral support. My boyfriend knows I’m a bit of a stress head, so he always checks up on me and reminds me my mental health is just as important as school.

Being grateful

If you’re a sappy, hopeless romantic like I am, remember the distance between you and your significant other could be greater.

Before I get emotional after watching a rom-com, I remind myself how I’m in a good place. My boyfriend and I are lucky that only 122 miles separate us and that we both have cars and the ability to drop in on

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MARIEL ELOPRE THE DAILY ILLINI

one another to visit should the need arise.

Learning from experience

I am by no means a relationship guru, but I have learned a lot since I’ve been away at school. Long-distance relationships can be challenging, but there are plenty of ways to

ensure that yours is healthy and enjoyable.

Always remember teamwork is absolutely essential for any relationship.

Work together, respect one another and learn as you go. mollyz2@readbuzz.com

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Monday, February 12, 2018

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Bring bae to BrewLab for a unique coffeehouse date

BY TONY LEE STAFF WRITER

With its fairly recent opening in August 2017, BrewLab Coffee, located at 630 S. Fifth St., has been putting out high-quality drinks and separating itself from other big coffee chains on campus.

The building is connected to Neutral Cycle and is hard to spot unless you know where to look. Opening BrewLab’s doors is accompanied by the smell of freshly ground coffee beans, the sound of many appliances at work and the sight of people drinking coffee and working.

The interior of BrewLab is very welcoming and the environment offers a chill place where customers can go to drink coffee and relax. For those looking for a cozy Valentine’s Day, BrewLab is the perfect little place to have meaningful conversation while enjoying a quality cup of joe.

According to Christian Murphy, BrewLab’s manager, BrewLab offers specialty coffees, which are coffees that offer a distinct taste based on where the beans come from.

“We get really good coffees and then we brew them to try to highlight them,” Murphy said.

They currently have a Rwandan coffee. “(It’s) really delicious and really bright and limey at first, then as you swallow it (and) it rounds out to like a maraschino cherry,” Mur-

SABRINA YAN THE DAILY ILLINI

BrewLab offers specialty coffees, which are coffees that have a distinct taste depending on where the coffee beans come from. BrewLab, located at 630 S. Fifth St., is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the week and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the weekend.

phy said.

The Rwandan coffee was different compared with other conventional espresso shots, as it has more depth to the flavor and the taste was very unique.

BrewLab has different coffee beans based on the season, so make sure to check out the new

there wasn’t any quiet space.”

BrewLab plans to continue to do this monthly, and the next one will be Feb. 21.

The coffee shop has a lot planned for the upcoming year. Some things to expect are its own in-house syrups instead of an outside company’s.

“We are going to focus on doing an in-house vanilla syrup using actual vanilla beans and just a simple syrup,” Murphy said.

BrewLab will also start making its own ganaches from high-quality chocolate from Ethereal, which is based in Woodstock, Illinois. Murphy is also working on starting small classes of about five or six people where they would learn about what goes into making the coffee.

“Kind of like an Espresso 101,” Murphy said.

He hopes to educate people about coffee and to teach them about how coffee is brewed. For coffee newbies, BrewLab is the perfect place to start learning. The staff was super friendly and Murphy has no problem informing customers about the basics of coffee.

Any date is sure to be impressed by being brought to BrewLab. Order your bae a drink they’ve never tried before, and blow them away.

brews that come in over the next few months.

Its recent open mic night has offered people from Champaign-Urbana an opportunity to play a couple songs for the shop, and according to Murphy, it’s been very successful.

“It’s the most people I’ve ever seen in here,” Murphy said. “(There were a) ton of people and ahl2@readbuzz.com

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Poke Lab excels at fish, better for casual dates favorite is Honey Heat, a mild spicy honey mustard, which is perfect for anyone who Tucked away off Green Street on Sixth, likes the sweet and spicy pair. All of the Poke Lab is a cute addition to the fast-serselections thus far are then mixed in a bowl vice industry on the main street of campus. and passed along to the toppings portion of Similar to quick-service joints like Chipothe bar. tle, foodies can build their own poke bowl at The toppings are the true way to customPoke Lab . ize a super fresh poke bowl. There’s a wide assortment starting at seaweed salad and Poke is a dish hailing from Hawaii conending at mango, alongside other fruits, vegsisting of salad, rice and raw fish, alongside etables and miscellaneous sides. Each topvarious toppings and flavorings. [It is often ping is only an additional 25 cents, but these compared to the Korean hwe dup bap and can add up quickly.

Japanese sashimi.]

In addition to fresh toppings, Poke Lab At Poke Lab, customers start their bowl offers dry toppings free of charge and traby choosing their base. The restaurant offers ditional Japanese seasonings like furikake. brown rice, white rice and a spring mix, all There’s also sesame and fried garlic to top of which can be mixed and matched. off your poke.

After, there is the choice of protein. Poke Poke Lab is great for a quick bite with Lab proudly boasts premium, fresh sushifriends, but at the premium price for fish grade fish, ranging from spicy tuna mix to and additional toppings, it’s a stretch for fresh salmon. This is where a bowl can get college students as a fast place to eat, and it a bit pricey because the proteins are up to works as a casual date spot. $3 per scoop. The scoops are not very large, However, the venue is clean and modern, so for those on a tighter budget, be sure to and it doesn’t hold the same atmosphere watch which and how much protein is added as some of the other sushi joints on Green to the bowl.

Street.

After picking proteins, it’s time to decide It lacks a sense of Hawaiian authenticity, if additional sauces, aside from the tradithough it does appeal to the Americanized tional soy toss, are the way to go. The house culture of Green Street Asian food.

BY EMILY PEASE STAFF WRITER

e h t oL vaerts?

MAKE IT A DATE!

ADAM ZHANG THE DAILY ILLINI

PokeLab, located at 605 S. Sixth St., offers a combination of veggie and rice base along with toppings such as spicy tuna, ahi tuna and salmon for their poke bowls. Though expensive, it offers fresh-tasting food and a variety of options.

While I enjoyed the fresh tasting food, at the end of my venture into Poke Lab, I had paid more than $10 for my bowl alone. I will say that I chose more pricey fish and added quite a few toppings. A friend who accompanied me on my trip paid around $6 for a full bowl by watching what add-ons she chose

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For the price of fresh, raw fish, Poke Lab is great for students who can’t afford to eat sushi often during the year and who want to get a fix of the flavor once in a while. epease2@readbuzz.com

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Unconventional films for romantics and cynics “Punch-Drunk Love” (2002): Paul Thomas Anderson’s one pure romantic Valentine’s Day is often represented by the comedy is filled with strange details and same slim selection of weepies and romantic plot twists, but what sticks in the mind of comedies. While there is nothing wrong with viewers is the bizarre beauty of the central watching “Love Actually” or “The Notebook” romance. for the umpteenth time, it can get a little tireBarry Egan (Adam Sandler) is the fursome after a while. thest thing from an average rom-com proTo give you some suggestions of other films tagonist, with extreme anti-social tendento watch this year, here are some slightly cies that occasionally erupt into violence more off-the-beaten-path choices for both when he’s left alone. But his relationship the hopeless romantics and cynics out there. with the equally off-kilter Lena Leonard (Emily Watson) is disarmingly sweet, even For the romantic when their pillow talk consists of them say“Beginners” (2011): Despite being cening how they want to murder each othtered around the death of writer/director er. Their passion for each other manifests Mike Mills’ (“20th Century Women”) father, itself in strange ways, but it is beautiful “Beginners” is ultimately a joyous movnonetheless. ie about love. A few years before his death, Mills’ father came out as gay, and the movie For the cynic celebrates the small amount of time where he “Modern Romance” (1981): Do not be could love freely. fooled by the generic title. This Albert Christopher Plummer won an Oscar in Brooks comedy is one of the most scath2012 for playing the father, but just as wining films ever made about romance. This is ning is the film’s other section, where the a rom-com for people who think rom-com character based on Mills (played by Ewan protagonists act like creeps.

McGregor) gets over his father’s death by Brooks plays Robert Cole, a film edistriking up a relationship with a free spirit tor who breaks up with his girlfriend Mary (Melanie Laurent). While the film can get Harvard (Kathryn Harrold) in the first quite sad, the charm of its characters keeps it scene and then spends the rest of the film from being too much of a downer. completely unable to get over her. Robert’s BILL TAYLOR STAFF WRITER

pathological need for affection is played for cringing laughs, best of all in an extended sequence where he takes Quaaludes and tries not to call Mary.

But the film also shows how disturbing his behavior ends up being, especially when he starts stalking her at work and interrogating her about her phone calls. This is one of the few rom-coms where the reunion of the two main characters is dreaded rather than anticipated.

“Greenberg” (2010): Noah Baumbach is not one to sugarcoat the worst tendencies of his characters, so it is no surprise that his foray into romantic comedy is a lot sourer than the norm.

Ben Stiller plays Roger Greenberg, a failed musician stuck in a rut of writing complaint letters to massive corporations and rarely going outside. He strikes up a relationship with his brother’s assistant, Florence Marr (Greta Gerwig in her breakthrough role), but her cheeriness goes with his frequent bitterness about as well as oil with water.

If this were any other director, Greenberg might miraculously change his ways, but Baumbach is honest and knows that Greenberg can only get so much better. wt2@readbuzz.com

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“Beginners” is a 2011 film about a protagonist who loses his father and finds love. It is one of buzz’s movie picks for romantics.

Need sweet ideas for the 14th?

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Monday, February 12, 2018

How to binge-watch on Valentine’s Day NESSA STEINBERG STAFF WRITER

When deciding what to watch on Valentine’s Day, there are several options: pay for a movie in the theater, stay in and watch a movie online or maybe just watch a TV show. There are plenty of TV episodes or specials that are specifically Valentine’s Day-centric.

Whether you’ve got 22 minutes or a full hour, there’s something out there for you.

For those celebrating Galentine’s Day

There’s no better way to celebrate your gal pals than back-to-back episodes of “Parks and Recreation.” Thanks to Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) in this workplace sitcom, we can freely celebrate friendship on Feb. 13 each year, but Valentine’s Day works too. So grab your girls, some waffles and whipped cream to enjoy Season 2, Episode 22, “Galentine’s Day” and Season 4, Episode 14, “Operation Ann” for an underone-hour marathon of fun.

Additionally, it makes for a great pairing with one of Amy Poehler’s IRL galentines, Tina Fey’s “30 Rock” Season 4, Episode 13, “Anna Howard Shaw Day.”

For those still dreaming of their true love

Look no further than the one and only Ted Mosby of “How I Met Your Mother.”

You may have a love-hate relationship with Ted or maybe you sympathize with his path to true love. Either way, Season 7, Episode 16, “The Drunk Train” is one of the Valentine’s Day-focused episodes of the show.

This episode has some of the best relationship moments — Barney has a heart, Robin is ready for a lasting relationship and Ted takes another stab at sharing his feelings for Robin. And if 22 minutes isn’t enough, do a double feature with Season 6, Episode 16, “Desperation Day” for Marshall and Lily fans.

If the sitcom route isn’t for you and your hopeless romantic tastes, maybe you could do a throwback to some dramatic “Gossip Girl”— Season 5, Episode 15, “Crazy, Cupid, Love” is a good place to start. Better yet, just rewatch the final season and see all the happy couples.

tine.” What says love like Sam and Dean investigating the murders of valentines who were eaten or committed suicide? It may not be all candy hearts and flowers, but it will certainly be entertaining.

For other supernatural-inspired Valentine’s Day episodes, check out “The X-Files” Season 6, Episode 8, “The Rain King,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” Season 2, Episode 16, “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” for a ’90s throwback or “The Vampire Diaries” Season 5, For SuperWhoLockians Episode 13, “Total Eclipse of The Heart” “Supernatural” has got you covered with for a more traditional Valentine’s Day Season 5, Episode 14, “My Bloody Valenapproach to the genre.

CINDY OM THE DAILY ILLINI

For political animals

“The West Wing” offers some romantic moments in Season 6, Episode 14, “The Wake Up Call.” Whether it’s your favorite relationships you get to see in the episode or the international crisis looming that gets you going, there are plenty of memorable moments to go around to feel the love.

The quirky comedies

There are many routes to take to watch a Valentine’s-themed episode with-

out being stereotypical (aka watching “Friends” ). Here are some other shows you can find that are probably more exciting. For a sing-along kind of night, turn to “Glee” Season 3, Episode 13, “Heart.”

For your not-so-typical girls’ night, check out “Orange is the New Black” Season 2, Episode 6, “You Also Have A Pizza.” Or maybe if you just love crude humor, try Season 12, Episode 8, “The Gang Tends Bar” of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” nmstein2@readbuzz.com

Monday, February 12, 2018

The Daily Illini

12

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