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Romanticizing Your 20s, One Brunch at a Time

Naomi Girma Student Contributor, University of California - Los Angeles
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCLA chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

When I was younger, brunch felt pointless. Why plan out an entire meal when you could simply be like everyone else and eat breakfast and lunch separately? As I got older, though, I realized brunch was never just about combining two meals. It was about creating a space for people to come together, socialize, catch up, and enjoy some delicious food.

Especially throughout high school and now college, I’ve learned that spending time with friends doesn’t have to be limited to school or someone’s living room. Sometimes, it’s about planning little adventures, getting dressed up in your cutest clothes, discovering new spots in your area, and giving yourself something to look forward to. And honestly, what better way to do that than brunch?

Your 20s are filled with so many obligations, from classes to work to planning your club’s next event. Sometimes, it feels like there are so many things to do but so little time. Brunch has become a way to find something to be excited about on the weekends without the constant pressure of responsibilities. I think it’s healthy to romanticize your life when everything starts to feel repetitive or like you’re stuck in a loop.

There’s just something so refreshing about getting dressed in your cutest outfit and taking photos for your Instagram at a new brunch spot. Brunch is your getaway from all the serious things that come with being in your 20s, but with a slightly more grown-up twist than the silly little activities you might have enjoyed as a kid, like trampoline parks (which I may still dabble in, but that’s not the point).

Half the fun of brunch is that the experience starts long before you even arrive at the restaurant. Sitting with my friends scrolling through TikTok for brunch spots in our area is one of my favorite pastimes. From the collective “Ooooh” at the sight of a restaurant to the endless deliberation over what to order, it truly can’t be beat.

Even coordinating outfits and deciding on a vibe is always extremely fun, and trust me, Pinterest will be your best friend in that moment. There’s so much excitement and joy that comes from sitting at a restaurant with your friends, enjoying waffles and other breakfast favorites while yapping about the latest celebrity tea. It’s refreshing, and sometimes, we simply need that.

So next time you have a free weekend, gather your friends, charge up your digicams, and go out to brunch. The memories are worth it, and it’s a chance to do something for yourself while also exploring your city. You don’t need to travel the world or have everything put together; sometimes a cute little outing is all we need. Time may feel limited, so make room for the things that bring you joy when you can. And hopefully, if you’re anything like me, that means a filling brunch with the girls.

Naomi is a second-year Political Science major and Global studies minor at UCLA, from Nairobi, Kenya. She is a huge fan of all types of music, especially R&B and Afro beats. You can always find her taking photos and exploring new places.