After a grueling week of classes, you are sure to find me downtown with the rest of campus students looking to let their hair down a bit. Drinking, within moderation of course, is almost a rite of passage, and what most would argue as a top priority while trudging your way through college.

Others would say this is true for dating as well.

I’ve overheard it many of times: “Dude, you’re in college, you should play the field.” Or, “I’m just looking to have fun, nothing serious.” It seems that the two most important things to do in college besides attending classes and passing exams are drinking and dating.

But is it smart to combine the two? Should you drink and date?

As a single girl, I enjoy male company while sipping vodka tonics and dancing to the latest bump ‘em and thump ‘em tracks, but I draw the line there.

Talking and dancing under the influence is completely harmless, but I have found attempting to transform a simple conversation buddy into a significant other is an emotional train wreck waiting to happen.

Exceptions can be made for any rule, and there isn’t much in life set in stone. However, deciding to date the guy or girl who bought the last round is rarely a wise decision.

Aside from impaired physical and intellectual evaluations, people venture downtown and play up to certain social expectations associated with the nightlife.

Speaking from personal experience from an active nightlife and bartending in Athens, I’ve noticed the utter dishonesty within the bar scene. Most students look their best, arm themselves in the latest fashions, and fill their wallets with daddy’s freshly cashed check, displaying an image that they seldom exhibit the majority of the time.

I’m not saying every single person ordering drinks and twirling on bar stools is looking for a one-night-stand. I just want to sober up people who think they may meet their soul mate among the inebriated plethora lining East Clayton and Broad.

As relationships should be based on honesty, people must ask themselves, “What is forcing them to be honest?” The odds of retrieving truthful responses diminish with every sip right along with the recipient’s ability to detect any falsifications.

Is everyone downtown a liar? No. Is it impossible to meet someone downtown and have a successful relationship? No.

Like I said, nothing is concrete.

The troubling fact to face is the bars seem to be an opportune spot to meet people. However, generally speaking, most people are playing a part and the atmosphere of mixed estrogen and testosterone present a breeding ground for … well, for breeding – but not dating.

I know a few girls who have met their significant others in a bar and have great relationships, but I’m going to go ahead and steal Justin Long’s life-altering realization from “He’s Just Not That Into You,” and say they are the exception, not the rule.

- Samantha Shelton is a junior from Auburn majoring in newspapers. After several dating disasters, she no longer thinks her prince charming is downtown.