#14: quality time

Though I have not taken an official poll, I feel that I can assert with some confidence that at least 95% of Ouachita's students would consider quality time as one of their primary love languages. However, campus design, building-size, and the campus-residence policy often make quality time difficult to achieve on OBU's premises. For example, want to have coffee and a little DMC (deep meaningful conversation) with a friend via an ID-card swipe and no money out of pocket? The obvious location for said QT would be Ouachita's very own quasi-Starbucks in the Commons! Good luck pouring out your heart, though, amidst the other 100 people who are also there enjoying artsy, caffeinated hang-out time. Not only will all 100 of them want to say hi to you, but curse them and their friendliness, they will also want to hear all about your summer. Brace yourself for a lot of "Yeah I just feel like God is teaching me...'Oh hey, so-and-so. Yeah it was great, loved working at camp, so amazing, see ya...a lot about his grace and mer-...'Oh hey, girl, hey! Love your shirt too!..mercy, and it's so nice he has given me a best friend like you to talk about it w-...what it do, man! Yeah so great that we have life science together..." In order to put the quality back in your quality time, consider these options for best sending off that please-don't-approach-and-sit-down-with-us-right-now-we're-trying-to-take-our-relationship-beyond-the-surface-level vibe.

#1: Break Out the Bible:
Nothing says, "this is serious time," like God's word. Leaving your Bible open between you and your friend is sure to keep those superfluous acquaintances a safe, non-interactive distance away.

#2: Pretend You're Praying:
This one may be a bit sketchy in the spiritual department, but when it comes to the school of pragmatism, this method is where it's at. Just like the B-I-B-L-E, praying adds gravity to any conversation and sends out that, "Do not disturb! Intimacy and growth are occurring here" signal.

#3: Rock the Heavy-Hearted Face:
Smiling and laughter scream, "Please come over, and join in the fun!" and consequently, can be totally defeating to the more preferable one-on-one fun you could be having. Instead, take a tip from John Keats, and add a spoonful of melancholy to your cup o' joe. Not only will you look so real right now, but your fraquiendances will most definitely not want to become emotionally involved in the roller coaster that is your life when they see you sporting that furrowed brow. Thus, you will be spared that maybe-not-so-genuine "hey, how are you?"

#4: Sit at the DMC Tables in the Caf:
Though this concept may confuse the socially-slower amongst us, most Ouachitonians are aware that the booths and 2-seater tables in the cafeteria are primarily invitation-only and thus, are reserved for couple-time, quiet-time, study-time, and best friend-time. As long as everyone agrees to continue following these previously unspoken rules, you and your pal should remain uninterrupted.

#5: Hold Hands:
The majority of Ouachitonians (except for, of course, those participating in it) feel incredibly uncomfortable with any hint of PDA--i.e. smiling at each other, sitting within an arm's length next to each other on the lobby couches, walking together on campus, etc. You and your buddy's hand-holding will be like a magical people repellent. However, this method can get awkward quickly if your QT chum in not a member of the opposite sex. In such situations, you can choose to adjust the length of hand-holding time proportionally to your level of gender security. It is also important to discuss the big question of to digitate or not to digitate with your friend before attempting method #5. Alternatively, just stick to methods 1 through 4.