Let's face it, we probably all have heard the word "geed" or GDI used in a sentence. And no, it's not a bad thing. GDI, coined "God Damn Independent" is a harsh and completely irrational term used to describe people unaffiliated with Greek life. I can almost guarantee you have read or seen countless articles written about sorority sisters, being soul-mates with your big, or what it's like to get a bid. However, not many know what it's like to be the non-Greek friend, in your friend group. This is for all my sisters (and brothers).
1. You may or may not have rushed with your friends.
Regardless of how you became the non-Greek friend of the group, all your friends rushed at some point. When they were going house to house meeting their potential new sisters, you were probably eating Chick-fil-A or doing homework.
2. Bid Day was not "better than Christmas".
Even though your Instagram might have been completely filled with your friends posting pics of their new sisters and sororities and convincing you that today was in fact, "better than Christmas," it wasn't. You were probably attempting to make friends unaffiliated with Greek life, binge-watching Netflix, crying (it happens), or doing homework again.
3. Mixers really were just nights when you stayed in and watched Netflix.
When the majority of your close friends are involved in Greek life, it's hard to find company to go out with on nights they have mixers to attend. I'm not going to lie, it sucks (sometimes) but, then you just have to settle for binge-watching a whole season of Friends.
4. Your t-shirt collection didn't get any bigger (at least not from Greek life).
Hate to break it to ya, you comfort loving freaks. Not joining Greek life has tons of pluses, but this might be one of the cons. Luckily, your friends will give you hand-me-downs or you'll get a t-shirt for a Greek event you attend *gasp*.
5. When all your friends talked about sorority/fraternity functions you had to make other plans.
Geeds don't have regularly scheduled events except for three meals a day. Sorry 'bout it.
6. Sometimes you actually attend Greek functions (weird, right?)
When all your friends are affiliated with some sort of Greek organization you are bound to be someones date to formal or a last minute fill in for a dynamic duo mixer when your BFF's boyfriend is being particularly more annoying than usual.
7. You did not have to set aside a day every week for New Member meetings, but you did however have to eat dinner alone.
You didn't necessarily have to eat dinner alone but who else were you going to eat with when all your friends had meetings at dinner time? Tip: make more friends.
8. Your friends might have felt awkward talking about their organizations in front of you.
Generally, people feel a little weird talking about things they are super involved in when the other person can't contribute to the conversation. Good thing you had great friends who weren't annoying about their sorority/fraternity. Even if they were sometimes a little in your face, they knew when to quit talking.
Being a "geed" isn't something to be ashamed of. Living up to the title, "geeds" are independent from any group. No, we aren't losers, and we don't reflect the stereotypes projected on us from people involved in Greek life. It is just as fun being independent than being involved in Greek life and it will get you just as far in life. So for all my non-Greek friends, GDI 'til I die.
