We all have a favorite season. Some of us love summer because we can soak up the rays and spend all our time outside; others prefer winter to cozy up and drink warm beverages while we watch the snow. Some of us like spring, when there is new life and everything is green, while still others favor fall for its colors and sweater weather. But I think we can all agree that the worst season is the one we are currently in: the awkward time of year between summer and fall.

Don’t get me wrong, the world is beautiful right now. The grass is still green, but the leaves are starting to change, which creates an amazing combination of colors. The sky is often a magnificent color, and a scenic drive can be the most therapeutic activity in the world this time of year.

However, these weeks also come with one big problem: the weather. By now, we’ve had three to four months of heat. Summer is great, but you can only take so much of it. We’re starting to get bored with our shorts and tank tops, and summer activities have begun to lose their charm. I know that in six months I’ll be longing for the heat again, but for now, I’m done with it. I’m ready for the cold.

The weather we’ve been preparing for is finally starting to show itself again. We can see it in the mornings, when we walk outside and immediately turn around to grab a jacket. Some days, we wake up to the gloomy gray skies, and we’re inspired to pull out our boots and comfy sweatshirts. We’ve been waiting since April for this weather to come back so we can wear our cute, comfy cold weather clothes, so we whip them out and marvel at how cozy we’re going to feel for the next few months.

But, alas! The warmth returns! By the middle of the day, it’s warm again. It can be forty degrees in the morning and eighty degrees by noon, effectively ruining your outfit and comfort. You felt perfect when you put on a sweater and tall socks in the morning, but by lunchtime, you just feel sweaty and out of place.

Why does the weather hate us so? Why can’t we just get to fall already? Why can’t the planet just make up its mind about what we’re going to be experiencing on any given day?

This time of year can be wonderful because we’re starting to get to fall, and in general, we are renewing our focus on things. The weather, though, is not the most pleasant right now. We’re going to have to suffer for about a month before we can get to the weather we want. But don’t give up hope! Don your sweaters! Just make sure you wear layers so you overheat. You should also embrace the last of the summer, though. Wear sandals. Get some sun. Have a picnic. We don’t have to let the bad weather ruin our lives. We should just appreciate the fact that we get this time to take advantage of end-of-season sales.