In the middle of July, it happens to so many of us. An innocent day at the beach or the pool turns into several days of aching pain that can't seem to be cured. Here are the 5 stages of having a sunburn.
Stage One: Denial
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It happens when you're still swimming or laying out beside the water. Your skin starts to tingle and maybe even turn pink, but you aren't worried. You aren't really getting burnt, just tanning.
Stage Two: Anger![]()
There is no more denying it; it's happened. Your skin is the color of the tomatoes in grandma's garden and it burns with the fires of a thousand suns. But why you? Why do bad things happen to good people? You weren't even out that long. It's completely unfair. Not only are you miserable, but also extremely embarrassed every time someone says to you, "Oh wow, you got sunburned!" Curse that fire-y ball of evil in the sky.
Stage Three: Bargaining
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You are willing to do whatever it takes to make the bonfire on your skin go away. You're willing to use 100 SPF sunscreen for the rest of your life and also donate some to the poor if that is what it takes. Just please God, end it now.
Stage Four: Depression
You are utterly defeated. It hurts to shower. It hurts to get dressed. Even laying in bed hurts at this point so really there is nothing better to do that think about how much pain you're in and try to hide from those fortunate, tan individuals who will laugh at your burn.
Stage Five: Acceptance
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By this time, hopefully your burn is starting to improve a little. You've accepted that you will hurt, but you resolve to use sunscreen wisely and be more vigilant in watching out for future burns.
You are utterly defeated. It hurts to shower. It hurts to get dressed. Even laying in bed hurts at this point so really there is nothing better to do that think about how much pain you're in and try to hide from those fortunate, tan individuals who will laugh at your burn.
