Everywhere I turn, it seems that people are noticing just how pale I am. Especially because now we are getting warmer weather (well, back home we are). If I had a dollar for every time someone said, "wow you're so white!" I would have enough money to pay for all the spray tans so I don't have to hear it anymore. That being said, here are the 10 struggles of being the pale friend.

1. You burn easier than toast.

If I spend even 20 minutes out in the sun without sunscreen on, I will get a sunburn. I become as red as a tomato and it hurts to move anything. Except for last summer when I tanned pretty well. A one in a million occurrence.

2. You look like a ghost in all your group photos.

Standing next to friends who are naturally tan or who are getting tan over the summer is pitiful for me. I am reminded of just how much Casper and I look alike.

3. People will tell you that you need more sun.

The sun and I don't always get along. Like I mentioned before, I burn with no problems, but I also have photoptarmosis (the fancy name for sneezing under bright lights). It happens at least once a day over the summer for me.

4. If you also have dark hair, applying dark lipstick will make you look like a vampire.

This can be cool if you like the look, but sometimes I want to put on dark lipstick and I walk out looking like Bella from Twilight. It's not cute.

5. If you are tan one day people will notice--and that isn't always a good thing.

One time I used a different colored foundation than usual and when I went out people told me I looked orange. Needless to say, I haven't gone back to that shade ever again.

6. Finding a shade of foundation that does work for your skin is really difficult.

On the topic of foundation, I find it terribly challenging to find my perfect color. It's either too light or too peach.

7. If you blush, everyone will know.

This doesn't apply to me as much now, but I used to be much shyer and so if I was put into an uncomfortable situation I would blush all the time. And people would let me know. As if I didn't already realize. Thanks.

8. Using bronzer is basically impossible.

I have used bronzer maybe once in my life, and I looked like I was playing in the dirt after it was applied. I want to find a bronzer that works with my skin tone, and apparently, they exist, but I have yet to be blessed.

9. People will ask you if you're feeling sick when you're caught without makeup on.

Yes, I am feeling fine. It's called I have bags under my eyes that can be seen through my transparent skin, and I always look this pasty. Perhaps that could be a reason to miss class...

10. You learn to avoid certain colors for your outfits if possible.

I personally do not look good in brown, yellow, or orange, which is fantastic considering I have an autumn birthday. I don't care how many times people say I look fine in whatever I wear, I know that I have to be careful of the colors I choose so I'm not washed out or blending in with my surroundings.