If you're a slightly OCD, semi-perfectionist like myself, then you probably feel guilty a lot. For getting a B on that exam instead of an A, for skipping the gym that one day when you were literally exhausted, for ordering a pizza when you were super stressed out, I feel you on a spiritual level. Everyone else does, too. Feeling guilty and punishing ourselves seems like the go-to fix for our only human downfalls. But seriously, it's time for a reality check.
1. One bad grade.
Everyone has a rough exam, a crappy paper or an assignment gone awry. One bad grade does not define you as a student. One bad grade does not reflect your work ethic. Give yourself that one, and then pick yourself up and try, try again the next time you're up to bat.
2. Skipping the gym.
Because sometimes, you're just too busy, and sometimes, your body just needs a break, and that's okay.
3. Gaining a few pounds.
It happens to the best of us. This is not to excuse flying off the deep-end into an endless abyss of pizza, ice cream and Pop-Tarts. But if you do fall off the wagon and gain a few pounds, stop being so hard on yourself. No one really notices a few extra pounds except you, anyway. Stop obssessing over it and concentrate on getting yourself back on the right track.
4. Ordering a whole pizza for yourself.
This is what Rosie the Riveter's worked their butt off for, ladies.
5. Staying in instead of going out.
F.O.M.O. is real, people. Sometimes, it's enough to drag my sorry butt out of bed and out when all I really want is to watch "Law & Order" in my pajamas with some Ben & Jerry's. What's wrong with that!
6. Going out instead of staying in.
And then, there are other nights when you're really excited to put on that outfit you've been thinking about all week, to go out and have the time of your life. Do it. No one is stopping you except you.
7. Posting a selfie.
If you look good, why not let others know? There is nothing wrong with a little self love or even a lot.
8. Posting pictures with your S.O. on social media.
If you're proud and excited to have he or she in your life, why shouldn't you?
9. Not wanting to be in a relationship.
Society is obsessed with two's and you know what? That's okay. It's also okay to not care about a relationship if you're not ready. Or if you're ready and the right thing hasn't come along, yet. Or if you're just out having the time of your life on your own. Carpe diem.
10. Wanting to be in a relationship.
Sometimes, we get lonely; sometimes, we feel there's something missing; and sometimes, we just want companionship. It's normal, and if anyone makes you feel guilty for that, that's on them, not you.
11. Being in a relationship.
Because you're young and need to figure yourself out and travel the world and hook-up with a million different randoms before you can really care about someone else, blah blah blah. If you have someone in your life that makes you happy and keeps you happy, why would that be a hinderance more than a benefit?
12. Wanting some you time.
Everyone needs time some alone time, it's good for the soul. Don't feel bad about wanting it, it's natural.
13. Being a little needy.
Because we're all human, and it happens.
