Dating in Chicago: It's Not Just About Deep Dish and Second City Improv (Although Those Are Pretty Great Too)
Ah, Chicago. City of broad shoulders, brutal winters, and...confusing dating styles? Well, not exactly. But there is a specific way to write the date when you're following the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS), that granddaddy of all punctuation pedants (affectionate term, we swear). Fear not, fellow wordsmiths, because today we're cracking the code on Chicago's dating scene...for dates on paper, that is.
Forget the Bouquets, Just Spell Out the Month
Forget the cheesy pick-up lines and wilting roses. In Chicago style, the first move is all about clarity. Numbers are a big no-no for months. Instead, you gotta channel your inner poet and spell those bad boys out. So, instead of a confusing "6/5/2024" that could be June 5th or May 6th (seriously, who even uses that format anymore?), you'd write a clear and concise "May 6, 2024".
Pro Tip: If you're prone to spelling disasters (we've all been there, thanks autocorrect!), keep a handy dandy reference sheet nearby. Nobody wants to accidentally ask someone out on "Febuary 14th" instead of the oh-so-romantic Valentine's Day.
Day of the Week? Up to You (But Numbers Are Still Off Limits)
Now, when it comes to the day of the week, things get a little more relaxed. You can use either the spelled-out version (Monday) or the abbreviation (Mon). Just be consistent, folks! No one wants to go on a date that keeps switching personalities like a rom-com with commitment issues.
However, the cardinal rule of numbers for months applies here too. So ditch the "Wed. 1/2/2024" nonsense. Wednesday, January 2nd, 2024 is perfectly acceptable, but for pure Chicago style points, stick with "Wednesday, January 2, 2024".
Years: Our One True Number Love
Finally, the year! The one number Chicago style embraces with open arms. Here, you just write the good ol' fashioned way, four digits strong. So, for that date we've been building up to, it would be "May 6, 2024".
Mastering the Art of the Chicago Date: The Rewards Are Endless
So there you have it, folks! A crash course in Chicago-style dating for your written endeavors. Now, armed with this knowledge, you can impress your editor, fellow history buff, or anyone else who appreciates a well-formatted date.
Remember, clarity is key and consistency is king. Who knows, maybe someday your impeccable Chicago-style dating skills will even land you a real Chicago date, complete with deep dish pizza and a Second City show (because, hey, we promised a little romance too).
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