My worst Halloween was in my junior year of high school. I had gone to a voice competition in New York City all day and when it was done, I rushed home, changed out of my black knee-length dress and into a New York Mets T-Shirt, and joined my younger brother and cousin at Chili's for dinner.
I didn't have any real plans, so while living that night I guess it was fine. I was enjoying my time with two of my favorite people when all of a sudden, social media ruined it for me. I received a Snapchat from some girls that I thought were my closest friends, all at a party at one of my best friends house, all without me.
I began to scroll through the Snapchat stories, the cute Instagram pictures of everyone in their coordinated costumes, the funny finsta posts of everyone drunk and together, having a good time. All of my people were together making memories while I was eating a quesadilla and teasing my brother. It didn't sit right with me, I just couldn't enjoy myself.
Ever since then, I have grown to go against the norm and DESPISE Halloween. I don't think of Halloween as this incredible Holiday with free candy, scary movies, and pumpkins. When I think of Halloween, I think of my social anxiety disorder.
The issue with Halloween is that it comes with so much social pressure. You need to be at a party. You need to go out. You need to be a part of some group costume. When you struggle to make friends and fit in, this stuff is so challenging, and it's what makes Halloween so unenjoyable.
I wish it wasn't like this for me because this holiday has so much potential to be enjoyable, but I just struggle with it so much. I can't handle the social pressure with Halloween.
I want to reach out to everyone else who struggles with Halloween in the same way I do, because I know Halloween can't be all smiles and candy for everyone. What's constantly projected on social media about just goofing off and watching "Halloweentown" and "The Nightmare Before Christmas" with your friends and enjoying apples and Pumpkin Spice Lattes. Halloween can be so much to handle for anyone.
It's okay to not like Halloween, and don't think you have to because the internet has told you that you have to. Find other ways to enjoy your October 31st, and don't let too many social pressures get to you.
