I’ve recently been experiencing a dilemma that my sophomore year self would be disappointed in. There are some Fridays that I just want to stay in with a hot cup of tea and watch my favorite “Sex and the City” episodes. And there are some days that I crave an adventurous night out with my friends where questionable decisions are put on the table. As a senior, I sometimes feel like my spark for a good night out has faded a bit, like my fountain of youth has run out of water.
I have countless memories of going out with friends, which are irreplaceable. Every night out is something different, which sometimes makes me nervous. I never know what will happen on a night out, good or bad. I think that is one of the driving forces that causes me to snuggle up in bed while my friends are out at a bar chatting about the breaking news of the week. I feel like as my frontal lobe develops, a part of me is protecting myself from the unknown. Sometimes, I feel like I miss out though. I hear stories the following morning after I slept in and think to myself that I probably would have enjoyed myself and had the time of my life.
With that, I feel an internal pressure telling me I need to go out and enjoy my senior year to the fullest. And I honestly agree with that. I find that as the time goes by, and it almost being the halfway mark of my first semester as a senior, there are days I wish I had gone out. I hear a ticking clock in my brain telling me that this is the last year I can enjoy partying as an undergraduate. But then I think about the comfort of my bed, my favorite snack in hand and my pumpkin spiced candle lit on my nightstand. It really becomes a hard question to answer, “Do I want to stay in or go out?”
I know that sophomore year me wouldn’t even consider it a question, as I was the biggest party person, and was always yearning for a new adventure. But then I think to myself, “Have I reached the limit? Have I gone out enough?” And it hits me that I do have a choice. I can say no and stay in for the night if I have the worst FOMO. I feel like making that choice does count as self-care, as putting myself in a position I don’t feel comfortable in is just not a good idea.
Although it is okay to experience this dilemma, it is important to go with your gut and think about what is best for you. Time does fly, but putting yourself first will always feel good in the end. Waking up the next morning without a brutal hangover and the sound of birds feels amazing, but so does reminiscing with your friends about the super fun night you had. What’s your opinion? Do you think it’s better to stay in, or go out?