How To: Have A Healthy Relationship

First, a disclaimer: I am not an expert. I'm only a mere 19-years-old, and my current relationship is actually the only relationship I have to go on in terms of health. But, with all my previous, and somewhat unhealthy relationships, I've learned quite a bit that I would like to pass on:

Patricia Arquette + Political Correctness

Let's have some real talk, reader.

I got to a college that is known for being WAY too politically correct. Like, we had a school-wide debate over whether you can call something/someone crazy (ie. "You're skinny dipping in the duck pond? It's 41 degrees outside - that's crazy!") due to the term being ableist (adj. discrimination against disabled). THAT is the kind of lifestyle I am having to adapt to right now. And I'll say this much: it's not hard. It really isn't difficult to stop saying "That's so gay." or similar, derogatory terms. But let's briefly discuss political correctness.

Aftermath of the Honeymoon Phase

They say that when you start a new relationship, there's a Honeymoon Phase. Basically, all relationships begin with this sort of courting mentality where both parties are attempting to be their better selves in order to impress the other. And for a few months, both parties are blissfully in love with the other because wow this new person is so great and I love this person so much.

And honestly, the Honeymoon Phase is one of the best parts of a relationship. It's fun and exciting, and getting to explore a new person is a whole new kind of adventure. But eventually, things settle down. You kind of understand the other person - you know their pressure points, their insecurities, you know about their favorite childhood pet and whether or not they like onions on their burgers. But one of the biggest changes that occur is that when people start to get comfortable with another person, they stop trying to impress them all the time. 

This is where the Honeymoon Phase can cause problems.

Lessons in Love from the Resident Hopeless Romantic

Hello there, beautiful readers that I've been imagining this entire time. Today, I'm going to talk about love. And I definitely mean the knock-your-socks-off, I-Wanna-Hold-Your-Hand ballad-worthy kind of love that begins with fireworks and ends with the rest of the universe.

Journal Entry #001: Homecoming Week

So, my high school is having its Homecoming Week. As per the usual, we have our crazy days (Monday - Pajama Day, Tuesday -  Opposite Sex Day, Wednesday - Decade Day [Seniors have the 80s], Thursday - Homecoming T-shirt Day, && Friday - Black  and White and/or 'MURICA Day). It's day #2 and I've decided to go all out this year, which means I'm having TONS of fun.

Day #1: I wore pajamas, didn't mess with my hair, didn't put on makeup, and I brought a blanket and a teddy bear. (It was Howard's first day of school!) It was fun, but nothing terribly special. I wanted to wear a onesie, but there were none in sight. A shame, really.

Day #2: I'm wearing my new Panic! At The Disco suit-shirt, my Panic! hoodie, a bright orange cap turned sideways, jeans, and work boots. The boots are a new phenomenon. I feel like my feet are being eaten by warm monsters. Socks are terrible. I'm too girly to handle this day. Also, I put my eyebrow makeup on generously and also created a mustache and soul patch. It's pretty legitimate. Tatiana told me I look creepy. Wyatt, Jacob, and of course Liam all look great and I took pictures with them. Bethany is making me question my sexuality. I'm really confused today.

Tomorrow, I plan on going all out! It's 80s all the way; I'm super excited! I'm going to tease my hair; EVERYTHING. It's going to happen.

But yeah. Homecoming Week is fantastic so far. I usually don't dress up, but I decided that I needed to my senior year, and I have yet to regret it at all.

SUPER READY FOR LIFE BECAUSE I HAVE A BEARD.
-Erica  Kriner