Dear Odd One Out,
So, you don’t smoke. You don’t drink. On Friday nights while your friends are turning up, you’re debating whether you should be the awkward sober one or just stay in for another night of Stranger Things. But, you’re a college girl, so I’m sure you’ve heard these questions:
“Well… what exactly do you do?” “You don’t like to have fun?”
And I know you’ve heard the labels too, people saying that you’re a “goody two shoes,” “stuck up,” or just “too scared.”
From one Odd One Out to another, there is nothing wrong with your decision not to smoke or drink. Those are just two activities among a million others that you simply don’t enjoy. You make the choices that impact your life, and your friends should respect that decision. I won’t lie, it does get hard being the Odd One Out, but here are a few tips to help you.
Find like-minded individuals. On Friday and Saturday nights, venture out to the lobby of your dorm and find other girls who may have also opted out of the party scene. Strike up a conversation. Form a bond. That way, you won’t be alone when weekends come around.
Create your own fun. The only options aren’t to party, drink, and smoke, or to just stay in bed. Have a beauty night, a game night, or a girls night. Take an uber to a restaurant you’ve never been to or treat yourself to a shopping trip. Try out an interesting place like a roller skating rink, The Escape Room, or a trampoline park.
Stay true to yourself. Don’t feel pressured to do what everyone else is doing. Being the Odd One Out may get old or even lonely but do not change just to fit in. In the long run, you’ll be proud of yourself for staying true to who you are and what you believe in. Remember:
“To shine your brightest light is to be who you truly are.” -Roy T. Bennett
Sincerely,
Someone like you.