All year, we look forward to that magical, special time of the year when all our worries supposedly fall away: summer. It's a time for outdoor adventures, great parties, relaxation, fun, and romance. In reality, summer is just another time of the year, only a little warmer and with fewer people in school. So enough with all that optimistic romanticizing of summer; let's get pessimistic with some of summer's worst traits.

1. Insects.

Mosquitoes adore me and fruit flies are always down to chill in my apartment. Watch out for all these little buggers, and keep bug spray on hand to ward off a summer of itchiness.

2. Construction.

Sun's out, so it must be time to start fixing up all these roads -- just in time to trap you in a scorching car while you creep through construction zones or hunt for parking. On the other hand, at least the roads will be safer later on.

3. Trying to look attractive.

I've heard you're supposed to actually look extra cute in the summer, but the heat always conspires against my dreams of looking put-together. Sweat and sun melt off your carefully prepared makeup. You feel the need to shave regularly. Weird sweat spots appear on clothes. Hair dries out. Perhaps a more natural look is better for this season.

4. Children. Everywhere.

I admit it: I don't particularly like being around children. I just don't know how to act around them, and anyone shorter than myself weirds me out. And once the little angels are released from school, you're liable to find families all over the place. Cue the sounds of high-pitched shrieking and repeated cries for "Mommy."

5. Sleep problems.

At night, it takes a while to cool down to a good sleeping temperature. In the morning, it gets brighter earlier, thus waking sensitive sleepers such as myself from their beauty rest. It can be tricky to figure out how to sleep properly when the sun's shining more frequently. If only more work schedules permitted a mid-afternoon nap during the hottest part of the day.

6. The equipment.

Sunscreen and bug spray just live in my purse now. Spending time outside, particularly for those prone to sunburn, requires careful planning. The smell and feel of wearing many summer products can be quite irritating, but it is often a necessary evil.

7. Allergies.

Hay fever is the worst. OK, not the worst. There are many more dangerous conditions. Still, it is pretty darn annoying to sniffle the summer away. As the sun appears, plants put out lots of pollen to throw off your body. If you do not have seasonal allergies, count yourself lucky. If you do, don't forget your allergy meds and never venture far without Kleenex on hand.

8. The changing social scene.

Particularly for those used to structuring their social interactions around school, summer can be a destabilizing time socially. Depending on your situation, more of your friends and family might be available, and that is wonderful. For others, however, friends leave town to go to their own homes, disappear on vacation, or just have so much else to do that you feel rather lonely. Either way, summer is a definite shift in social life, which is not always pleasant.

9. Cooking.

I've never been much of a cook, and when it's hot out I really don't feel like firing up the oven. Fortunately, the greater amount of fruits and veggies available makes it easier to eat cold foods, but occasionally you still have to push yourself to make a good old home-cooked meal.

10. Feeling guilty.

Summer is supposed to be grand, but what if you just don't do anything worth writing home about? It always feels like we should be having fun, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with a quiet, introspective summer. Don't feel guilty if you aren't taking advantage of the warm weather or partying it up every weekend. It's your life; do what you want.

Summer is a highly romanticized time of the year, but it does not need to be anything crazy special. Make the most of the precious few months, whatever that means to you. And remember, it isn't all popsicles and tans. Summer certainly has its downsides, so pack your sunscreen and an extra bottle of deodorant just in case.