We've all been there. You're on the floor, possibly in the shower, definitely in the fetal position, and you find yourself wondering if you'll ever get up. That's okay, stay down there for a little while, but also read this and then reevaluate your level of trauma.
1. Issues with a significant (most likely irrelevant) other:
They never texted back, they're sending mixed signals, or maybe they got freaky right in front of you at the club. Well... GOOD RIDDANCE! It may feel as if salvaging whatever now-broken connection you have with that person is the right move, but it's not. Chances are if they're doing one or more of those things, they don't see a future with you. So you should start picturing one without them, too.
2. You hear a rumor...about YOU:
Hell hath no fury like a false rumor. In my 19 years of life, I learned simply responding, "Oh, really!? Did I do that? Well, thanks so much for filling me in!" does the trick. Maybe that works because I don't give the desired reaction, or maybe I just confuse and creep them out. Either way, 100% success rate.
3. Troubleshooting in paradise (Squaaa):
A questionable, sassy, passive-aggressive message was sent in the group chat. Your squad is at an all time tension high. No one has sent a reply in the last 30 minutes, and there's no resolution in sight. Or maybe there is? There's this crazy concept called swallowing your pride. Odds are you don't care enough about what happened, you both just can't read what the other is thinking. So stop making everyone else feel like children of divorcees, and say sorry.
4. So you got a bad grade (sung to tune of old American Idol theme song):
You thought you could wing it, failed, and are now full of 'ragrets'? You can either use this mistake as motivation to do better or take advantage of add-drop. Either way...you don't have this tattoo, so chin up, Charlie!
5. Mom, Dad...even you, Grandma?!:
Everyone's mad at you. You missed a holiday party, got yourself into trouble, or said something you shouldn't have. It's okay. These are actual people who are programmed to keep giving you chances, simply because you share DNA with them. It's a beautiful concept, really, so reap the benefits while you still can.
6. Making a mistake at work:
Unfortunately, in a work environment, you have to prepare for failure ahead of time. By that, I mean, try not to be a complete jerk. If you do what's expected of you and refrain from giving attitude, they'll easily overlook a mistake or two. Unless your superior is similar to Angela from The Office, in which case, quit.
7. Body image:
This is a tough one. Unless you're a model and your actual job is to be naturally gorgeous 24/7, you probably get insecure from time to time. Self image is weird. Some days (not that often) you wake up and think, "DAMN! How am I single?!" Other days (majority of the time) you wake up, take one look and want to burrow into the ground. It's normal. What I always do on those dark days is bring all the focus on one feature I know I can count on (my personality). Then I just cover any serious trouble spots (everywhere) until the feeling passes. Which it will. You're pretty (handsome?). Smile.
8. Getting caught in a lie:
Whether you were scared of someone's reaction, personally ashamed, or making a genuine effort to protect someone, you decided to lie. Without doubt, it was the worst decision you could have made, every single time. Not only will you feel worse as time progresses, but it will always blow up in your face. Though being honest off the bat would've saved you the trouble, coming clean will save you some of the respect and trust you would otherwise surely lose.
Adults and condescending psychology majors enjoy telling us it's just a hormonal reaction. I choose to believe it's a result of our stress levels and unique schooling environment. Irregardless, there are distinct moments when being a teenager or young adult feels like the worst thing in the world. In the entirety of life, there will continue to be moments where you think your world is ending. Remind yourself, that feeling is temporary.
When something blows up, we develop horse-blinders and it's suddenly all we can focus on. That's when it's important to step back and gain some much needed perspective. Remember: this is one separate mistake, there's still seven other aspects of your life you could be messing up. I've done all eight in one day.
So stand up, take five (20) minutes to watch yourself ugly cry in the mirror, and then do something to correct the not-so-messy mess you made.
