ruined chances at top choice during pref?

I think you're nervous/overthinking it. (I was super nervous going through recruitment too and ended up dwelling on every single thing I said, so I get it.)

If you worded it exactly as you did above, I wouldn't think that was a creepy/too bold of a statement at all. I mean as long as you didn't say "this house is my favorite and I hate the other pref parties I had to go to today" or something like that, you should be fine. If you don't end up in that house it's not because of that comment. PNMs compliment the sororities all the time in recruitment! Best of luck to you tonight. :)

No that wouldn’t mess up your chances. Honestly, I’d say it’s a good thing, but I guess that depends on how much the Active already liked you. It’s not like you said anything crazy or creepy or super forward.

Now we can’t say anything like “I hope you end up here too” because that’s considered dirty rushing, which might be why you felt the situation was awkward.

Of course none of that means you will or won’t get a bid from that house. Either way, I hope you have fun today!

i wouldn't worry about it. girls are moved to tears sometimes during pref ceremonies. it's normal to leave a house and know right then that that's the house for you (it's also normal to still be a bit undecided after pref!) and as long as you weren't being super aggressive or coming off like you are trying to get an active to say you'd be getting a bid there (as actives we can't even slightly suggest that, even if we really love a pnm because it's considered dirty rushing) then I think that's a fine compliment to give!

not the OP but question about dirty rush because it was mentioned here. so if a girl says anything about you joining the sorority that's dirty rushing? or is it just if they say you're getting a bid?

IMO Pref is no time to be ambiguous. I would much rather be sure how a pnm feels about my house at pref than to still not quite know where her head's at. I would rank a pnm I like higher if she tells me something like that than a pnm I like just as much but who I'm still wondering about. Now, if someone tells me that if they don't get my house they'll just DIE, then that's not so great.

You’re over thinking and that’s normal. Everyone does it. I remember replaying all of my conversations over and over in my head, wondering if I said something wrong. Bottom line, those that matter don’t mind and those that mind don’t matter. if you feel you connected and the feeling is mutual, that will be your new home. You’ve made it this far, Id say you have a pretty good chance. Good luck sweetheart!