Sex and the Smithie: How to Housecest

You hear it all the time: House-booty is bad booty. Housecest, house booty, whatever you call it, the associations are strong. In-house relationships, while very common at Smith, are a major taboo. Such a taboo that Reslife makes a point of discouraging them at orientation, injected into admonishments against leaving dirty dishes in the kitchenette or smoking in your room.

And yet, many romances begin as in-house relationships. I would even argue that a majority of couples at Smith meet by living in their house.

As someone who has had a successful house-cest in the past, here are my suggestions for courtship between housemates.1. Do have sex (lots!)

In house relationships have the advantages of both proximity and convenience, so take advantage. get busy! Get down whenever you both have a spare moment: between classes, between interviews, on the bed, in the shower, on your roommate's bed...just kidding.

2. Do not treat each other like roommates!

Just because you live in the same house does not mean you can treat each other like roommates. Avoid telling your new flame the same things you tell your roommate or best friend. Maintaining some mystery is important for keeping things spicy.

3. Do have your own life

Friends and extra-curriculars should not be dropped when you start an in-house relationship. Many house romances begin because of a shared group of friends, which is great and convenient. Just make sure that you're hanging out with these friends not just as a couple, but individually as well.

4. House drama will be your drama

With your relationship, any beef your other housemates have had with your new favorite will become your problem too. For upperclassmen, this means years of your beau's built-up conflicts suddenly landing in your lap. Think about keeping your new relationship under wraps, or investing in a good pair of earplugs.

5. Keep it civil

Because you live in the same house and can be around each other way more than the usual couple, your housemates might get sick of seeing you two together, all the time. Living rooms and study parlors aren't just for you two - go to one of your rooms, it shouldn't be far.

Hopefully, with these easy rules you'll have a better in-house relationship, and break those long-standing stereotypes of "bad booty.