It's finally August. Whether you're a pessimist or an optimist, you can't deny that summer is coming to an end. By this point, you basically know how the rest of the summer will go. Summer always starts with blind optimism and high expectations: beach bod, perfect tan, maybe a summer fling?
Let’s be real people. No matter how much you dream, summer will never quite be what it’s like in “Grease.” Maybe summer hasn't quite been what you expected. However, that doesn’t mean it's been bad. Here are some relatable summer expectations vs. reality.
1. Beach bod vs. beach flawed
You had it all planned. You were going to eat healthy, exercise daily and finally buy that super cute swimsuit you've been coveting for years. This year is YOUR year! And then, the allure of ice cream and Netflix happens. Pretty soon, you give up with a shrug and accept that you will look the same as every summer in the past.
2. Tan lines vs. tan whines
Who doesn't want to come out of summer looking as dark and tan as deep fried chicken? Every summer it's you against the sun, and every summer you believe you can beat it. "No sun lotion for me, please. Don't you know I am a superhuman who does not burn??" Five hours later your whole body resembles a freshly cooked crab. The best part? You forgot to take off your sunglasses...
3. Summer romances vs. your favorite sweatpants
Oh "Grease"... you set our summer romance expectations high. Walking on the beach, stealing kisses during work or meeting a dashing stranger at a bonfire...who isn't filled with blind optimism as the summer warmth starts to seep in. At this point, though, you realize there's little to no hope left. Might as well wear sweatpants for the rest of your life. It's not like you have anyone to impress anyways. You lower your expectations, to the point where you'd even go out with that weird guy who can't take a hint.
4. Making dough vs. how 'bout no...
We get it. You scored an amazing internship/job/etc. And now you're going to be the next billionaire. But you forgot something...there's this thing called taxes. You shudder as you look at your paycheck. Is it possible to work 40 hours a week and get paid what seems like 37 cents? Or worse...if you don't get paid at all. That unpaid internship doesn't seem as good an idea as it did at all. After all, experience doesn't pay bills. You may have to resort to more clever means--like selling your kidney--because these unpaid internships and minimum wage jobs sure as heck aren't paying for your tuition.
5. Friends and summer nights vs. Netflix and bug bites
Partying with friends all night sounds great at the beginning of the summer, until you have to wake up at 6AM for your job. Not to mention, you're covered in bug bites from head to toe. Pretty soon, you're dodging plans like no one's business. "Can we reschedule tonight? I'm so swamped." You look at your to-do list: Netflix, shower, paint nails, take a nap...how could you possibly have time for friends?
Even though summer may be almost over, it's not too late to do all the crazy things you planned. Go on that juice cleanse, start waking up at 6am and going for a run, or even just see that person you've been missing all summer long. Sure, summer's not perfect, but neither is life. It's messy and it slips by faster than we realize. Enjoy the last dregs of summer because, before you know it, you'll be back to reality.
Happy August!
