Okay, we’ve all been thinking about it. On or off of campus, right now everyone is afraid of missing out (FOMO), but I’m here to tell you that instead of focusing on all the fun you’re missing, think about all the drama, social anxiety, and toxicity you’re missing too. 

Let’s be real, yes, we have friends we’re separated from that we desperately want to see, but we also have enemies, frenemies, and everything in between. People we want to avoid and can’t because SLU is a small school so you really can’t expect to be able to dodge someone for more than a month max. This is especially true because of the pandemic. Where else would they eat besides Dana, the Pub, or Pub 65? Where else would they study because where else would you study?

Have a fresh breakup and don’t want to see your ex? Too bad. They’re at the table next to you and later after having seen you enjoying yourself they’re gonna send you a “you up” text when you need it least. Have an awkward hookup? Good luck with that. Turns out they’re in your next class and you’re about to be forced to go into a zoom breakout room with them. Have a huge falling out with a friend? The universe and pandemic cares not. Expect to see them every single time you turn the corner. 

Whether you like it or not, sometimes you need space from people. You need a break. A lot of the people you’re missing are your besties, but the other people are a part of complicated stressful situations you especially don’t need right now. Get ready for your Hot Self-Care Summer because it’s coming. Ready or not, you are gonna get so much perspective and that is so important. I am so excited for you. This pandemic has taken so much from us in terms of mental health. Sometimes it can take your friends too.

Everyone is hurting right now. We all express it in different ways, but not all of those ways are healthy and not all of those ways leave the people you care about unaffected. Sometimes we hurt, and in response to our pain, we get angry at the world. We get angry at everything. We get angry at everyone. We hurt our family and friends. I’ve seen it. Hell, I’ve done it. It’s scary, I know. I understand that it’s a slippery slope. Take this time to heal. Your friends will be waiting for you on the other side of this and maybe they’ll have some extra stories to tell, but you will be there healthy, happy, and ready to listen. 

So, no you don’t want to be missing out right now, but maybe you should. Maybe, this is exactly where you should be. 

#HotSelfCareSummer