Hearts of the Herd: Love Advice for Spooky Season

Dear Daisy, my girlfriend and I have been slacking on our Halloween costume planning and are in desperate need of a last-minute couples’ costume. Do you have any ideas for outfits we could pull together before Friday?

— Procrastinating Pumpkin ’26

Hi Pumpkin, thanks for reaching out! I totally understand where you’re coming from — I just figured out my own costume yesterday. But never fear, Daisy’s here and, luckily, Amherst is full of easy last-minute inspiration. Here are a few ideas that are sure to make you the best-dressed duo at any Halloween event:

1. Black squirrel and oak tree
2. Robert Frost statue and Sabrina statue
3. Val line and beef bulgogi bowls
4. Polyamorous couple: Morrow, Moore, Morris Pratt (Mo cubed)

Dear Daisy, I’m in my junior year and am going abroad for my spring semester. I’ve been flirting with someone on weekends and am not sure whether to pursue something more serious before I leave. What should I do?

— Troubled Traveler ’27

Hi Troubled! This is always a tricky one, and I can tell this one has been haunting you for a while. You’re about to explore new places and meet new people, and after a semester abroad, there’s no guarantee that you and your boo will be able to rekindle what you have now.

But, before you decide what to do, you need to figure out what you want! Maybe you want to lay it all out on the table now and pursue a low-stakes, no-strings fall fling. Or perhaps you’re more of the slow-burn type and want to build on what you already have.   

Either way, time’s not on your side! Try seeing each other outside of the usual weekend routine — grab a meal at Val, a drink from Frost Café, or even invite them to a Gad’s performance or a Jazz combo.  

What’s the worst that can happen? If it doesn’t work out, you have a whole spring semester ahead for new beginnings and relationships. Don’t get spooked by the prospect of budding romance!  

Dear Daisy, I am wondering if I should go to the Rave this weekend even though I don’t have anyone to go with. Should I stay home or just go anyway?

— Nervous Nelly ’29

Hi, Nervous! That’s a really great question. It can definitely be daunting to go somewhere alone, especially when it seems like everyone else might be going with a friend or a group. But here’s the truth: You’re not the only one thinking that! Tons of people decide to go last-minute, meet up with friends once they’re there, or even just wander in to see what’s happening. If you’re feeling curious and want to experience the Rave, you should definitely go! Treat it as a chance to have fun on your own terms — dance, people watch, or just enjoy the chaos. The nice thing is that it will be super dark and loud, so no one’s really keeping track of who came with whom. In any case, most people don’t plan to go as a couple. That said, if the idea of going alone feels more stressful than exciting, there’s no shame in skipping it and having a Halloween-themed self-care night. The Rave happens every semester (and, honestly, they’re all kind of the same). You won’t “miss out” on anything that important. Whether you end up raving or relaxing, the goal is the same: have a good night that’s for YOU! 

Dear Daisy, I was super excited for Marriage Pact to come out on Monday. I thought I was going to be matched with the love of my life — I’ve heard that some people are paired with people they end up really hitting it off with and even dating. When I got my match, I was a little disappointed. There’s nothing wrong with them, but … well, they’re nothing to write home about if you know what I mean. I’ve heard that they’re nice, but I am definitely not interested in anything romantic. Oh Daisy, what do I do??

— Melodramatic in Marriage ’28

Hey there, Melodramatic! I completely understand why you’re disappointed. After all, the name Marriage Pact certainly sets up some lofty expectations. But don’t fret — you’re actually in a much more common position than you might realize. Many people get matches who end up becoming new friends. Some people even get official “friend matches.” Either way, it sounds like you don’t know your match very well yet, so my best advice to you is to introduce yourself! If you see them out, say hi — they could turn out to be a wonderful new friend. And, with Halloweekend right around the corner, your chances of finding love may be closer than you think . . .