We may be divided as a nation on many fronts, but one thing we can all agree on here at Northwestern is this: it’s really cold outside. Stepping out of your dorm and into the often below-zero weather on your way to a morning class that you would rather not have to attend, it’s easy to see why anyone would wish for the warmth and release of summer. However, I love hard-hitting opinions, and I love controversy, and I’m here to say, once and for all: summer sucks.
First of all, the sun is the worst. As someone who cannot go outside for mere moments without catching a burn, I’m really not a fan of full-on natural light. Also, yikes, let’s not even get into the fiasco of sweat that comes along with that direct sunlight. Ultraviolet rays are dangerous, people. You shouldn’t have to put on special shielding lotion just to go outside.
Let’s talk about everyone’s favorite place to go in the summer: the beach. The beach is awful. No matter what, you’re going to get sand everywhere. E-very-where. Especially if you’re wearing sunscreen. Then you just turn into one of those characters in the movies that gets doused in syrup and coated in feathers as a prank, except you’re the one pranking yourself by going to beach. Also, water is scary. Do you know how many things in a salt-water ocean can straight-up kill you? And you won’t even see them coming? Pass.
Ah, but the foods of the summer. Cookouts, watermelon, popsicles, all the staples. I’m sorry, but summer foods are some of the messiest things I have ever eaten. How do you eat watermelon and popsicles without feeling like you need a wet wipe afterwards? And cookouts, come on, I’ll take a real plate that isn’t filled with mosquitos, please.I know this is negative, but really, I just want you to appreciate the benefits that come in the winter months.
For example, one of my favorite hobbies is to stay inside, seated, watching my streaming services. In the winter, I don’t have to make excuses like “I have a headache,” or “my mom says I can’t hang out today.” No one is asking to me leave the comfort of my room, and if they are, then it’s just to go to the comfort of their room and to keep watching TV.
Also, winter has some of the best foods. It’s all about comfort foods, like potatoes and stews and potato stews. You think you can enjoy a good stew in the summer?
And let’s not forget about winter style. Who doesn’t love to put on a nice chunky sweater or their favorite cozy hoodie? If you’re like me, then your style is mostly baggy sweatshirts and layers, and summer is not advantageous to that look. Winter gives you the freedom to express yourself in ways that summer never could.
So, I know it’s cold and everything sucks, and it won’t stop snowing, but hey, at least it’s not summer.
