With Spring Break right around the corner, many college students are jetting off to various vacation spots. Whether it's Mexico, the Bahamas, or Florida, those of us who chose to go home for the break begin to drastically regret our decision. It could have been the voluntary decision to go home or the lack of funds, but the FOMO, or fear of missing out, begins to set in as everyone's departure date quickly approaches. As someone who suffers from severe FOMO, I thought I would prepare everyone for a brutal week of missing out.

1. Stage One: The Choice

For a split second, we think it might be worth it. We call our parents and hypothetically run the idea by them, but after getting a strong "no" and maybe a laugh, we try desperately to convince ourselves it won't be bad. We consider dipping into our own savings account, but when it comes down to it, we make the mature decision that we'd rather be able to afford food for the next six months.

2. Stage Two: Denial

The constant talk of our friends' trip is buzzing around campus, yet we just sit there quietly and occasionally chime in to offer our opinion on what bathing suit to pack. Sometimes we'll joke about how excited we are to be going along with them, which is returned with our friends' pitiful look of regret for us. When it comes down to it, we force a smile and tell our friends how much fun they're going to be having.

3. Stage Three: Anxiety

By now, our friends are beginning to settle into their hotels. While we are snuggled up in our beds at home, we see Snapchats of all of them sitting together on the plane or their new room for the next week, and a slight panic begins to overcome us. Did we make the right decision?

4. Stage Four: Obsession

Our FOMO is peaking here - we realize the tragic mistake we have made, and it is backfiring. We become obsessed, constantly refreshing Snapchat and Instagram to see the pictures and memories we are missing out on in preparation for returning from break and attempting to be caught up on everything that happened.

5. Stage Five: Regret

Their trip is finally winding down, and we realize we should have given up basic financial responsibilities for the limited time in the sun. By now, our friends have filled us in on everything we've missed, and anger overcomes us. We come to the regrettable conclusion that we messed up.

6. Stage Six: Acceptance

Ok, we made it. The trip is over. Yes, it was fun and we missed out, but there's always next year, right?