So I'll admit it: I am the girl that we all know will be the last one out the door. That final spritz of perfume, stroke of highlighter, swipe of lip gloss and glance in mirror are everything to me. An unexplainable frenzy consumes me during these final moments in my routine.
The only way to ruin that frenzy for me? Ask me who I'm getting ready for.
Throughout college, I have noted that an overwhelming amount of girls base their appearance on the presence of another person. More times than not, this "other person" just so happens to be the boy of interest. I have repeatedly witnessed and been an offender to this toxic behavior. Don't believe me? Try getting ready in a house full of 7 females for the past three years. Come 8 p.m. and seven girls scrambling to swap their tops, apply more makeup and bathe in perfume when word gets out that a certain someone will be at the party. This is the very moment I believe girls are making a huge mistake.
In the past 6 months, I have learned to get ready for me and only me. My friends become infuriated when I get "too ready" on the average day, insisting that I have no one to impress. I consistently express my mindset of feeling my best when looking my best. I have learned that when you allow someone else to alter your daily routine, you begin to lose pieces of yourself. As we have all heard before, at the end of the day you can only depend on yourself. For this reason, no matter the surroundings, look the way that makes you feel the maximum level of comfort.
Personally, I have noticed a drastic change in my behavior when I leave my house looking presentable. When I leave the house unhappy with my appearance I'm immediately unfriendly, unapproachable and a straight up bitch. That being said, someone might be uncomfortable in heels. Others might be uncomfortable in sweats. You might be uncomfortable in a face full of make up. The girl sitting next to you might be uncomfortable with a bare face. Which ever person you may be, never assume that someones appearance is for the pleasure of others. So, get as ready or unready as you want for every occasion. Dress to the nines on girls night, wear a hoodie to the party and wear a little more make up to class today to determine which physical appearance makes you the best version of yourself.
This change of habit will not come easy, as it took me three years to understand the importance of putting myself first. Self worth effects every relationship, accomplishment, failure and attitude throughout life. Putting yourself first will change your life in ways you wouldn't expect. This lifestyle shift has shaped me into a more outgoing, confident and bold human.
So no, I will never be getting ready for you, for her or for him. I am a firm believer in putting yourself first physically, mentally and emotionally. I hope that after reading this, you are too.