As always, TikTok has found a new phrase to obsess over until the next one takes its place. But this time? It’s actually funny.
The latest meme begins with the phrase, “The lion(ess) doesn’t concern himself/herself with…” followed by literally anything. Some of the most popular ones so far being “the lioness does not concern herself with measuring vanilla” or “the lion does not concern himself with how much ice cream he consumes.”
It all stems from a Game of Thrones quote: “The lion doesn’t concern himself with the opinions of the sheep.” The idea being the lion has more important things to worry about than what others think. But TikTok, being TikTok, has put its own spin on it.
So, in the spirit of this trend, here are a few things the lioness (me) does not concern herself with:
1. Getting Her Driver’s License
Okay, listen. I know that as an 18-year-old, I should probably have my license by now…but I just don’t. Coming from a small town where the nearest Walmart is a half-hour drive away, not having it is an inconvenience at best.
The real reason? Driving scares me. You’re telling me I’m supposed to be in control of a giant metal machine going 50+ mph that weighs thousands of pounds while surrounded by other giant metal machines? Yeah, I’ll pass. I do have my permit (mainly just to have a government-issued ID because I figured my student ID from high school would stop cutting it), but that’s as far as I’ve gotten.
It’s a work in progress, though. Hopefully, by the end of 2026, your girl will be licensed.
2. Worrying About Having a Sweet Treat After Dinner
Sweet treat haters, click off; you’re in enemy territory.
One thing about me? I’m always down for dessert. My friends and I are big believers in moderation, so it’s not every night kind of thing but it is pretty often, admittedly. Whether it’s checking out the cookie selections or the froyo flavors, I will never feel guilty about indulging after almost dying from doing the stair-master or an ab workout that leaves me gasping for air.
Besides, I love soft launching the idea of getting dessert, and my friends agree, then giggling about not being able to scoop the hard ice cream or gagging at the bacon-flavored cupcakes, not to mention the lore drops while we’re eating our picks. The experience alone makes it worth the calories for me.
3. How the Back of Her Head Looks
I’m certain this one is a universal experience for all girls, or anyone who has long hair and styles it. If my hairstyle looks cute from the front (the only angle I see), then I’m assuming the back is giving the same. And if it’s not…that sounds like everyone else’s problem.
The lioness does not care if her part is crooked or if a piece of braid is falling out. Her confidence is still up.
4. Bringing Water to Dance Class
Do I bring water to dance? Almost never. Do I regret it after running the full dance and immediately being thirsty? Almost always.
It’s not always that I forget, I just think it’s annoying to carry an extra thing. Since moving into my dorm, I stopped using my reusable bottle (miss you, Stanley) and started grabbing plastic ones instead. They’re more convenient, but I hate them. And washing dishes in college is not happening, so I can’t use my reusable bottles. The lioness may be parched, but still not concerned.
5. Her Campus Crush Probably Not Being Into Her
Sure, it would be nice if the guy I think is cute felt the same, but the fact that he likely doesn’t isn’t killing me. To me, a crush is literally just someone who’s nice to look at. I don’t even know much about him; it’s more of a friend-of-a-friend situation. So, if nothing ever happens, that’s fine. He’s still nice to look at either way.
6. Her Sleep Schedule
Fall break absolutely wrecked my sleep schedule. I stayed up until 4 a.m. watching TV like it was noon, and now my body has no idea what time it is. Waking up at 9:30 feels like waking up at 6:00 p.m. sharp.
I’ve been living off naps and caffeine while trying to reset, but the cycle is vicious. I’m tired during the day. I nap. I can’t sleep at night. Repeat. The lioness does not concern herself with bedtime.
7. How Many Flex Dollars She Has Left
Spoiler alert: It’s not a lot… and we’re only halfway through the semester.
One minute I had $75, the next I was down to $20. But can you really blame me when Starbucks is a two-minute walk away? Getting a nice fall drink has been my therapy after a tough class or long study session…or a celebration after an easy class or an exam being done. Plus, places like Yella’s exist and sometimes, a milkshake or a sub is necessary, even though they cost a pretty penny. It’s looking like I’ll be living off the Hickey and meal exchange until further notice.
Whether it’s dessert, sleep, or a slightly questionable hairstyle, just remember: the lioness does not concern herself. And neither should you.