From careless keg stands at a dayger (day + rager) on game day to wrapping your nugs in 50 Ziploc bags so your parents won’t smell anything, college life and home life are two worlds apart.
Going back home for the summer after a semi-reckless year in Gainesville can slap you in the face harder than a sorority girl slaps the wine bag at a pregame. Although there are some serious perks to being home, like seeing old friends from high school, spending time with your family and even rekindling an old romance, you may also feel like you are living a double life.
So, how do you handle the feeling that you are going back in time? And most importantly, how does one live without relying on the sorority shirt and Nike shorts uniform? The answer is simple, do as Beyoncé did in her latest album “Lemonade” and take the lemons life is handing you and make a kick-ass album, or, at least, learn to make the best out of the situation.
Nagging Parents
Going back home is like entering a time capsule. Instead of feeling comforting, though, it can feel borderline suffocating. Why? Because nothing has changed in the environment, but you have changed a lot. Your parents will treat you like the same irresponsible teen, because that’s probably what they’re used to. So, go the extra mile to show how much you’ve grown and matured. Actually do your own laundry, help out with the dishes and don’t explode with rage when your mom keeps asking you what time you will be home at night.
If you don’t have an internship for the summer, score a part time job so you can 1) get away from your parents for a good chunk of time each day and 2) earn a little extra cash, so you don’t have to depend on the rents for new game day clothes. Show your parents how much more responsible the swamp has made you and, for the love of god, don’t roll your eyes at them when they talk.
Childhood Friends
When it comes to handling old friends, don’t shy away in fear of the awkward small talk. Go out of your way to grab lunch with them or suggest a group trip to the beach. (Or steal your parents liquor and wander the neighborhood together like the good ole days.)
Even though you haven’t talked to them in what seems like a lifetime, they probably feel the same way, and if someone doesn’t step up and make the effort, no one will. A few pointers: Don’t glamorize your year away. Be real and tell them the nitty-gritty of your drunk nights and major embarrassments. Even if they don’t know who or where you’re talking about, it will help you get closer and make them feel like they understand your new life a little better.
Summer Romance
Whether you meet someone new (now that you’re old enough to actually go out) or rekindle an old flame, be wary of the summer fling. By all means, go for it and enjoy every second, but be realistic. It’s a lot of fun and might be the best thing to happen all summer, but you can’t expect anything to come from it. You both have new lives and can’t revel in the past once the summer sun fades. Plus, you’ll forget them immediately when you head back to Midtown come August.
A summer at home has it’s ups and downs, so enjoy the ride. Now, go hug your mom and make Beyoncé proud. You’ll be back in the ‘ville before you know it.
