Even if you don't watch "Parks and Recreation," you have definitely heard the term "Treat yo' self." This simple three-word phrase has transformed a generation, but not for the better.
For those of you who have not seen the show and have only heard the phrase, here is the low down for how "Treat Yo' Self" came to be. For one day every year, Donna and Tom have a day where they buy anything they want, no questions asked. They invite Ben to this spa and shopping excursion during Season 4, and during Season 7 Tom surprises Donna with a "Treat Yo' Self" day as a wedding present. The whole point of the day is to buy things you really want but would normally find too decadent or expensive to actually buy. This concept has shaped our millennial generation into self-indulgent monsters.
I don't think treating yourself is a bad thing. I think that using "Treat Yo' Self" to splurge and indulge on things you cannot afford is a bad thing. "Treat Yo' Self" should not be a habit. The important aspect of this concept to remember is that Tom and Donna only celebrate this once a day. "Treat Yo' Self" loses its meaning if you use it every day or every time you want to do something you know you shouldn't.
"I had school today so I'm gonna treat myself to this Chipotle burrito."
"I know I've eaten so horribly today, but I'm going to treat myself to this Cinnabon."
"Yeah I already bought four sweaters today but I'm going to treat myself to another one."
"I got up this morning so I'm getting Starbucks."
"Treat Yo' Self" is not an excuse to waste all your money if you don't have the means to do so. If you normally would not spend the money on a product, don't try to justify it to make yourself feel better. A dwindling bank account should be reason enough to reevaluate your life and this excessive spending. Your wallet must hate you. Not to mention, constantly going out to eat as a way to "treat yo' self" is only going to add to unwanted pounds. It's sad, but true.
I think it's nice to do nice things for yourself, but I also think there is a difference between actually treating yourself and using the phrase as an excuse to be frivolous. There are days when you need a pick-me-up or really deserve some me time. But the entire point of "treat yo' self" is to make it a special event, not an everyday occurrence. You should maintain the value of the concept because if you're treating yourself constantly, you've lost the meaning. So be good to yourself, but for the sake of your bank account and health, don't overly "treat yo' self." Donna and Tom wouldn't want that.
