Summer! The season of sunshine, barbecues and endless Instagram worthy moments. At least that’s how we idolise summer when it is here! The reality is bugs, the awkward tan lines and just being too hot! I’ve come to realise that there are quite a few summer things I pretend to like mostly because it feels like the polite or expected thing to do. These are those things.
The whole "I love waking up early to watch the sunrise" thing!
I get the appeal of a gorgeous summer sunrise. The idea of sitting quietly with a hot drink while the world wakes up sounds idyllic but the reality is that I like my bed too much and an expert at hitting the snooze button.
Ice Cream!
Yes ice cream is a summer staple and I love it and hate it in equal measures. Eating it inside is fine but outside means it just turns into a sticky, drippy mess faster than I can lick it? I always end up with cold drips down my arm or stains on my clothes. When friends suggest grabbing an ice cream, I join in enthusiastically and pretend it’s all perfect sunshine and rainbows.
BBQs!
Barbecues scream summer fun and sure there’s something lovely about cooking outdoors and sharing food with friends and family but I secretly dread the smoky eyes, the flies attracted by the food and the stress of ensuring everything is cooked just right without burning.
The beach!
Going to the beach sounds wonderful in theory but what no one warns you about is how relentless the sun is, how you’re either melting or it's too windy and cold. There's sand in your shoes, your hair, your lunch bag, everywhere! I’m the type who loves going to the beach as long as I have shade and can stay off the sand!
Summer fashion!
I absolutely love the summer style: flowing dresses, sandals, cute hats but here’s the truth I’m often uncomfortable, self conscious about showing more skin than usual and tired of sweating through clothes that aren’t breathable enough.
Camping!
Camping is a brilliant way to connect with nature and unplug from the hustle and bustle but it's not for me. I’m a softie. I don’t love sleeping on the hard ground, dealing with unpredictable weather or sharing a tiny tent with bugs. I dream of a hotel bed and hot shower.
Sticky sunscreen and greasy skin!
We all know the importance of sunscreen and I totally get it but there is nothing to enjoy about covering yourself in a thick lotion that makes me feel like I’m wearing a greasy mask. Then you get feeling of sweat mixing with sunscreen to create a sticky, uncomfortable mess. Ugh!
The pressure to be happy!
Everyone expects you to be happy in summer, sunshine equals happiness but sometimes I just want a quiet day indoors and that’s okay. I pretend to be all smiles because that’s what’s expected but inside, I’m perfectly content with a lazy day, a cosy jumper and zero plans.
Frozen cocktails!
Frozen cocktails are a summer staple at parties and nights out. I pretend to love them especially because they look so pretty but the brain freeze hits hard and trying to sip a melting cocktail before it turns into a sticky mess is a challenge. I grit my teeth, smile, and say, this is amazing while secretly wishing for a simple glass of chilled wine.
Flip Flops!
People wearing flip-flops always look carefree summer people but I have never found a comfortable pair! That piece of plastic or whatever material between my toes is uncomfortable and just not natural.
What about you? Are there things you pretend to enjoy every summer just to fit in or keep the peace?
For sure- summer is a time of such extremes from the heat to the "abundance" of bugs and other crawly things. Whenever I get annoyed at anything in the summer, I remind myself to remember that when it's freezing cold and I'm wishing for summer. Regarding ice cream, when I'm at an ice cream place, I've been getting something known as a "Blizzard." A Blizzard is basically soft serve ice cream that has bits and pieces of candy in it. The best part is that it's served in a cup and you eat it with a spoon. It's already soft and it's contained in a cup.
ReplyDeleteThis was great! Each item starts out with what you love about it and then there's a big "but", here's the truth!
ReplyDeleteI don't pretend anymore because I'm old now and don't care what people think. I don't enjoy the beach because I burn and hate sunscreen. I don't enjoy the heat and humidity so prefer staying inside during the Florida summers. I do like ice cream - anytime of year - but not outside, for sure!! I agree and enjoyed your post!!
ReplyDeleteHave you tried Rocket Dog flip flops, they are the most comfortable footwear I've ever worn and wish I could wear them all year round 😆
ReplyDeleteOh, I can totally relate to this pos and I love it. I'm not a fan of Summer. I'm secretly longing for Fall. What I dislike the most about Summer is heat. When it gets tropical hot, my mind kind of shuts down, and I get a bit cranky and I just don't like what it does with my normally nice personality ; )
ReplyDeleteCamping is just terrible. I am such a baby. I need my soft mattress and my ceiling fan. Haha! And I totally agree with you about frozen cocktails! Give me a glass of wine, an ice cold beer, or a Manhattan any day! I do drink margaritas, but never frozen. I just don't love frozen drinks. I'm honestly an autumn girl anyway... it will always have my heart. Summer is just too hot.
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