Sheltered in the dictionary is defined as "protected from difficulties or unpleasant realities." In the past 17 years of my life however it has been defined by things like never being able to watch Caillou or Spongebob as a child, not being able to use the toaster until I was in third grade, staying in a booster seat until I was ten, thinking Santa was real until fifth grade, and still not being able to watch many PG-13 movies without approval to this day. I can remember back to the time at daycare when I had to sit in another room when all the other kids wanted to watch the Spongebob movie because I wasn't allowed, and my mom running to my friend's car after my soccer game as it wasa pulling out with booster seat in hand before I went off to a sleepover, embarrassing me extremely at the time. Whenever I mention these things to my friends I get responses like, "Oh man that's awful" or "I feel so bad for you." But it turns out that I, for the most part, am glad that I was raised this way. Yes at times I can't wait for the days where I will be able to watch Grey's Anatomy in college (because I absolutely love medical dramas, sorry mom) but I also think my childhood was better by not learning about what the world is really like as soon as most of the other kids did, along with learning that it is better to be safe than sorry. It did leave me confused in my naivety at times; heck, even now I still am limited in my knowledge of the new terms people will use or the new societal trends, but in a way I am almost proud of my lack of knowledge because it is my last way of still being a kid. Being "sheltered" as people call it gave me a great carefree childhood, with a couple extra years with presents from Santa, which didn't hurt let me tell you. I still had a vast variety of fun experiences and I got to enjoy childhood for as long as I could, and because it is short I am still digging my heels in on the path to growing up. I still don't have my license at 17 because I like talking to my parents on car rides when they are taking me places and I like still having to depend on them in a way. I still order off of the kid's meal whenever possible because I like all of those basic foods like mac and cheese better and it usually entails free ice cream as an added bonus. You can still be mature and still like these things, I am living, breathing proof. I still try to keep my life as basic as it can be and do my own thing because thats just who I am. I will always gladly be the girl on the outskirts of the crowd at homecoming happily "mom dancing" with my friends even attempting to shield my own eyes of the other things going on around me. No one will get me to do something I absolutely don't want to, and I try to keep my life as simple as possible. So far, living this way has made my life pretty swell. So even though I might've not thought much of it as a kid, I'm now so thankful to my parents for giving me the longest childhood possible. Yes, I am aware that the world is not always rainbows and butterflies; trust me, I have had multiple experiences to remind me of this fact. But, overall I think that living the way I have has allowed me to see more rainbows and butterflies in life than some other people and has taught me to look for them when they aren't as easily seen.
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1. When you see each other after a hiatus it is like no time has passed.
Regardless of what you may have gone through, nothing can change the banter and personal communication you and your friends share. Nothing feels awkward or forced because you are having too much fun catching up!
2. You plan your outings around each other's schedules.
Your friend's work schedules or class schedules are memorized like the back of your hand. They are your priority, and you will do anything you can to get them to join you on adventures when it is convenient to do so.
3. You say 'I love you' on the phone.
Yes, you may say it in real life too, but saying it after a phone call means it has become a customary for you to validate your appreciate for one other. Like a significant other or family member, you feel the desire to express your love at the end of a conversation.
4. Nothing is boring when you are together.
No matter what you do together, you always have a good time. Why? Because your friends' company is all you need. With the right people, you can make any situation memorable.
5. You share weird inside jokes no one else understands.
And you would like to keep it that way. If you are anything like my friend group, we share a strange family dynamic that has lasted as a running joke forever. No matter what it is, your inside jokes and sly smirks will keep the spirits up for ages.
6. You plan to hang out for a couple hours but end up together the entire day.
So now you just expect it and prepare for a 24-hour long get-together. Naps are often a part of the agenda.
7. The hugs say a thousand words.
Perhaps you do it a little too much, but the hugs you share are always meaningful and comforting. Gotta love those group hugs especially!
8. You go on spontaneous adventures together.
It is where your favorite memories come from. Even though you might not be able to do them as much as you would like, you are always down for a trip, big or small, with the group.
9. You consider each other family.
Because you consider each other family, you treat each other like family. Constant love, constant support, and a tremendous amount of meals spent together.
10. They make you a better person.
It is not a special friend group unless you learn from one another. You had to be selective when choosing your friends and when you did, you felt like they could teach you a thing or two. Their actions influence who you are and you could not be more thankful.
11. You can't imagine life without them.
The very thought scares you and sends your heart racing. Thankfully, the ultimate friend group is right there with you so you never have to second-guess their loyalty. Instead, you can bask in the glory that is your ultimate friend group. #squadgoals.
1. No school = no stress.
There are no essays to write, no books to read, and no deadlines to meet. The only worry in the world is keeping track of putting sunblock on.
2. Country music is more fun to listen to.
All true fans will listen to country music 365 days a year, but we all know that it's so much better in the summer when you can roll down the windows.
3. Your skin looks and feels better.
Even if you don't have the type of skin that tans, there is more color there than in the winter ... maybe. Freckles, tan lines, peeling burns and clear skin make for a happier camper. You'll forget all about the ghost version of yourself that was shedding dry skin like a snake over the winter.
4. Being barefoot 24/7 is an option.
Obviously wearing no shoes in the middle of a blizzard isn't acceptable. You know what is, though? Wearing no shoes in the summer ever because why not?
5. Ice cream is an acceptable snack.
For people like me who can't resist ice cream even on a 10 degree day, summer is a giant ice cream blessing. Not only does it taste like heaven, it's actually refreshing.
6. Minimal clothing is required.
Is there anything worse than having to put on layers in the wintertime only to sweat to death the minute you come back inside? No need for more than a tank top and shorts in the summertime.
7. Going to the beach daily isn't weird.
Now that it's hot, it's beach season. If you live near the ocean there is an excuse to drive there day or night, rain or shine. Staying there all day is an option for those who don't burn, and for those who do, you can always come back at night for a bonfire.
8. Cookouts.
Even when they lead to disaster, summertime cookouts are the best. Nothing completes a cookout more than watermelon and corn on the cob.
9. Night swimming.
Oh the thrill of jumping in freezing cold water in the middle of the night. Good thing the air becomes colder than the water, making the pool like a giant bathtub.
10. Spontaneous adventures.
Summertime gives you the freedom to wake up in the morning and decide to do something totally out of the blue that you've never done before. Hiking to a waterfall, rock climbing, going to a museum, or even road tripping are all great summer options.
Even if the heat isn't really your thing, it's undeniable to admit that life really is better in the summer. There's so much more free time, opportunity, excitement and sunshine. Only four months to go!
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