Mount Hood

From online to IRL

February 12, 2025

Written by: Isabelle Jones | Lifestyle Editor

As it gets closer to Valentine’s Day, one may be interested in looking for love. Online dating has become one of the most common ways for people to meet potential partners. The various platforms that come with online dating help one connect with other like-minded individuals through search filters. With a wide range of online options, it may feel difficult to find “The One,”, but hopefully these tips and tricks can help provide guidance.

Know what is desired and communicate earnestly — Before jumping into the dating scene, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what one is looking for. Is it a serious relationship, casual dating or something else? Defining what one wants helps to navigate online dating more effectively and set appropriate expectations.

Authenticity is key — An online dating profile is a first impression, so make sure it accurately reflects the self. Choose photos that represent one’s personality — highlighting hobbies or travels — ideally any photo that truly encapsulates who one is beyond the screen. The bio should complement the photos. A picture may be worth a thousand words, but it’s always nice to provide more context, especially when there’s travel photos. It may seem tempting to present the perfect version of oneself, but authenticity is key in finding someone who will appreciate another for the right reasons. 

Be patient — Some view online dating as a numbers game, but there’s so much more to the process. It’s necessary to be selective and take time when pursuing a potential match. It’s easy to swipe endlessly, but quality connections are far more valuable than quantity. Read profiles carefully, look for shared interests and ask meaningful questions. Building a meaningful connection takes time and effort, so don’t rush through conversations or dates. Be patient, and remember that the goal is to find someone who aligns with one’s values and desires.
Safety first — While online dating offers great opportunities for connection, it’s important to prioritize safety. Always meet in public places for the first few dates and share plans with someone. Trust those gut instincts — if something feels off, don’t hesitate to walk away. Online dating can be a fun and rewarding experience, but safety should always come first. Remember, one doesn’t owe another anything. 

Don’t get discouraged — Rejection and disappointments are a natural part of the dating process, especially online. Not every match will lead to a meaningful connection, and that’s okay. Stay positive, keep an open mind and don’t take things personally. With over 8 billion people on Earth, it’ll take time to meet the right person. If a particular experience or connection doesn’t work out, view it as an opportunity to learn more about what to want in a partner and expect of oneself within a relationship. Don’t feel pressured to settle for someone who doesn’t align with what one is looking for. At the same time, be open-minded. Sometimes the person who seems different on paper could be surprising and offer a meaningful connection. Balance boundaries with flexibility, and be open to exploring different types of people and relationships.

Deciding to online date involves more than just creating a profile and swiping through potential matches. It’s about being clear on what one wants, staying authentic and being patient as one builds genuine connections. With the right approach, navigating the online dating platforms successfully provides the potential of finding love in a place where digital and real-world relationships intersect.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Galentine’s Day

February 12, 2025

Written by: Isabelle Jones | Lifestyle Editor

Feb. 13, unofficially known as Galentine’s Day, has become a beloved holiday for women around the world. While Valentine’s Day often centers on romantic love, Galentine’s Day shines a spotlight on the power of friendship and the importance of strong female bonds. Galentine’s Day offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate supportive women that make life more enjoyable.

At its core, the holiday is about appreciating the women in one’s life who bring love, support and laughter. These friendships may have been formed in school, at work or through common interests, and they often become the pillars of emotional well-being. In a world where female rivalry has often been emphasized, Galentine’s Day serves as a reminder of the power of women supporting women. By fostering an environment of support and solidarity, women can empower one another to reach their goals and continue challenging societal norms. It’s a chance to focus on the collective power of women, who — together — can accomplish incredible things. 

Ways to celebrate Galentine’s Day

1. Host a brunch or dinner party
Hosting a brunch or dinner with close friends and female family members is one of the most popular ways to celebrate. Whether it’s dining out or serving up homemade favorites, the focus should be on sharing good food and good conversation with wonderful peers. The Lively Station in South Salem is a quiet, tucked away restaurant perfect for any group wanting local food. 

2. Spa day or self-care retreat
For those who want a more relaxing celebration, a spa day or DIY pampering session with friends can be a great way to bond. Facemasks, manicures and a cozy atmosphere can provide the perfect setting for relaxing and rejuvenation. Turn the living room into a DIY spa sanctuary with calming music, candles and soothing treatments.

3. Movie or TV show marathon
There’s nothing like having a cozy night in with friends, snacks and a good movie. According to Good Housekeeping, among the most popular Galentine’s Day movies to watch include “Pitch Perfect,” “Legally Blonde,” “Bridesmaids,” “Booksmart,” “13 Going on 30,” “A League of Their Own” and “Pride and Prejudice.” 

4. Go on a fun adventure
Create new and fun memories with one’s gal pals by going on a day adventure. If one is looking for a unique activity in Salem, head to the Coin Jam, 21 and over only, Exitus escape room or Wreckingballers. It’s sure to be a blast and a great way to relieve some stress. 

Whether it’s celebrating with an extravagant gathering or a quiet evening with close friends, Galentine’s Day is about embracing the value of female friendship and the power of connection. It serves as a reminder that love isn’t confined to romantic relationships and that the bonds formed by our friends are just as meaningful and important. Galentine’s Day encourages us to lift each other up. It’s a day to recognize the strength, beauty and resilience that come from celebrating and supporting each other.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Setting boundaries

February 12, 2025

Written by: Isabelle Jones | Lifestyle Editor

Learning how to set healthy boundaries is essential for maintaining mental health and strengthening respect within relationships. According to TherapistAid, “Personal boundaries are the limits and rules we set for ourselves within relationships.” They enable people to protect their emotional, physical and mental health, allowing one to show up as their best self, both in personal and professional lives. Many people may feel uncomfortable setting boundaries due to fear of rejection, a desire to please others or simply not knowing how to express personal needs. Unfortunately, not setting boundaries can lead to overwhelming feelings of burnout, resentment toward others and a loss of identity. Getting taken advantage of causes emotional exhaustion and unnecessary stress. With practice, establishing and maintaining boundaries can lead to healthier, more fulfilling relationships and a greater sense of self-respect. Setting boundaries isn’t about shutting others out; rather, it’s about creating a safe, respectful space where one can thrive. Boundaries do not end at personal and professional relationships, they can be applied to various other areas within our lives, even our online presences. We have to also understand that setting boundaries isn’t just about saying “no.” It’s about preserving one’s mental and emotional health, and nurturing a sense of self. Some may believe that setting boundaries can be hurtful to the other person, but not expressing one’s own needs, including the need for space, can be extremely damaging, even leading to possible feelings of resentment. 

In order to set boundaries, it’s necessary to identify what needs to be protected. Sometimes the answer doesn’t immediately come to mind, but asking these questions can help to clear the way. 

  • “What makes me feel uncomfortable, drained or disrespected?”
  • “Where do I feel my time, energy, or emotions are being taken for granted?”
  • “When do I feel I’ve been overcommitting or sacrificing my well-being?”

Once we understand what’s not going to be tolerated, it’s important to define the limits. This could be applied to personal relationships, work environments or even among social circles. After all of this has been recognized and acknowledged, the next step is to communicate these boundaries to others. Communication should be clear and kind, but also direct and assertive. Setting boundaries is not asking for permission, but informing another person of a change of needs. When expressing limits, one should be prepared for any resistance. Some may not be immediately accepting of boundaries. Stay calm, and reinforce the boundaries. Saying “no” is healthy and is part of a balanced life. Consistency is key when it comes to upholding boundaries. Conflict is uncomfortable and it can be tempting to bend the boundaries, but it undermines them in the long run. 

Boundary violations are very likely to happen, so how one responds to any violations is extremely important. It’s crucial to have a direct conversation with the boundary violator in order to fix the issue. When another does not take boundaries seriously and continues to violate them, it might be time to reevaluate the relationship. Healthy relationships require mutual respect, and part of that respect includes honoring each other’s boundaries. Many people feel guilty or selfish when they enforce their limits, but in reality, boundaries are an essential form of self-care. Taking up space, saying no and prioritizing one’s needs without feeling guilty can lead to several health benefits. Among the benefits are increased emotional well-being, stronger relationships and improved self-esteem that all result in a larger control over one’s life. 

Setting boundaries is an essential skill that allows one to live authentically and protect their well-being. It can be difficult at first, especially if one is not accustomed to asserting their needs, but with practice, it becomes easier. Understanding one’s limits, communicating clearly and consistently enforcing boundaries cultivate healthy relationships and create a life that honors one’s own needs, priorities and values. In order to protect one’s health, we need to reiterate to ourselves that boundaries are not walls — they are bridges to more fulfilling, respectful and balanced relationships, where everyone can flourish. 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

This week in entirely made up horoscopes….

February 12, 2025

The Signs giving Valentine’s gifts:

Aries: A custom bobblehead of themselves

Taurus: They ARE the gift

Gemini: A calendar with … unique photos

Cancer: chocolate edibles 

Leo: You’re supposed to get a gift?

Virgo: Anti-aging cream (but it comes in a really pretty basket)

Libra: Tickets to the Micro Wrestling Federation

Scorpio: A copy of “Haunting Adeline” to act out together

Sagittarius: A subscription to Manscaped

Capricorn: Self improvement book

Aquarius: A burrito blanket

Pisces: A recreation of “Bold and Brash”

Swoon-worthy romances

February 12, 2025

Written by: Jaylin Emond-Hardin | Entertainment Editor

“Chestnut Springs” series by Elsie Silver — A five-book romance series, Silver’s books follow the Eaton family in their small town of Chestnut Springs, British Columbia. Whether looking for a cowboy, hockey or single-dad romance, this series has it all. If one is looking for a steamy romance with plenty of swoon-worthy moments, this series is geared in the right direction. If one is looking for more cowboy romance, check out Silver’s other series, “Rose Hill” and “Gold Rush Ranch.”

“This is How You Lose the Time War” by Amar El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone — All it took was one correspondence for two agents on opposite sides of a war to form an unlikely bond. One correspondence turned to many, transforming from taunting to flirting, then love. “This is How You Lose the Time War” is a sapphic novel that explores what it means to be soldiers on opposite sides of a war, and what will happen when that love brings them to choose each other over their empires. If one is looking for more sapphic romance, check out “The Priory of the Orange Tree” by Samantha Shannon. 

“Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen — A classic enemies-to-lovers story, Austen’s novel has been remade into different screen adaptations that leave readers and viewers wishing they were Elizabeth Bennet. Travel back in time to the Regency Era, where balls and stolen glances across the room were all the rage, and heroines would swoon into a hero’s arms at a moment’s notice. If one is looking for more regency romance with dark-haired love interests, also check out the “Bridgerton” book series by Julia Quinn. 

“Better Than the Movies” by Lynn Painter — A teen rom-com about rom-coms, “Better Than the Movies” is a young adult novel that will leave readers blushing. A constant daydreamer, Liz Buxbaum fell for Michael a long time ago, and now that he’s back in town, she will stop at nothing to get him to notice her. With the help of her next-door neighbor, Wes, she’s convinced Michael will notice her in time to ask her to prom, but Liz finds herself drawn more and more to Wes and their scheming goes on. Its sequel “Nothing Like the Movies” was recently released, continuing Liz and Wes’ story. 

“Outlander” series by Diana Gabaldon — A romance series set in the Highlands, British nurse Claire Randall is transported to 18th century Scotland, where she meets and falls in love with warrior Jamie Fraser. With nine of the ten planned books published and a series streaming on Apple TV, there is sure to be plenty of Jamie Fraser to go around. For more Scottish highlands romance, also check out “Rebellion” by Nora Roberts. 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Valentine’s Day playlist

February 12, 2025

Written by: Jaylin Emond-Hardin | Entertainment Editor

“Belong Together” — Mark Ambor

“Stargazing (Moonlight Version)” — Myles Smith

“My Universe” — Coldplay x BTS

“So High School” — Taylor Swift

“Anyone Else But You” — The Moldy Peaches

“Am I Okay?” — Megan Moroney

“Today Was A Fairytale (Taylor’s Version)” — Taylor Swift

“The Girl” — City and Colour

“Ends of the Earth” — Lord Huron

“Do I Wanna Know?” — Hozier

“Love & War in Your Twenties” — Jordy Searcy

“All I Want Is You” — Barry Louis Polisar

“The Mountain Song” — Tophouse

“Sun to Me” — Zac Bryan

“Forever” — Noah Kahan

“You Are In Love (Taylor’s Version) “ — Taylor Swift

“We Fell in Love in October” — girl in red

“Go There” — Trousdale

“Your Love (Deja Vu)” – Glass Animals

“Hot Tea” — Half-Alive