Most think of January as the worst month of the year; and admittedly, it’s a pretty rough one. However, the atrocities of January doesn’t even begin to compare with that of February. Even though the calendar says it’s the shortest month of the year, all of the problems with February make it feel like the longest.
1. It’s still cold…
Anyone who’s familiar with Wisconsin winters knows that the weather doesn’t get really bad until February comes around. It’s hard to get out and live your best life when the freezing temperatures make it impossible to get out of bed.
2. And it’s still snowing…
Sure, the first snow of the year is pretty great. And who doesn’t like watching snow fall when you’re curled up indoors, under a blanket? But, the novelty of snow wears off pretty quickly when you have to trudge through it to get to class. Plus, having to deal with snow that refuses to melt makes February just that much worse.
3. But it’s summertime everywhere else…
While we’re stuck in an everlasting winter, the rest of the country is experiencing their first signs of spring. There’s nothing worse than hearing about 70-degree temperatures from friends in the South as you’re putting on four layers just to run errands.
4. Groundhog Day gives us false hope
Everyone knows the story: if the groundhog sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter; but if he doesn’t, spring will come early! Of course, Punxsutawney Phil nearly always sees his shadow, but that doesn’t stop us from hoping that maybe this February we’ll catch a break from the brutal winter.
5. Valentine’s Day
Anyone who says that they like Valentine’s Day is lying. For one, it unnecessarily puts the spotlight on single people and wrongly tries to shame them for not having a significant other to celebrate with. It also creates high expectations for a romantic day and puts pressure on couples to define their relationship. I think we can all agree that everyone would be better off without this particular holiday!
6. Schoolwork is piling up
When spring semester started, you told yourself that this would be the semester where you’d finally stay on top of your schoolwork. But by the middle of February, reading assignments, essays and midterms are all creeping up on you. At this point, you’re just trying to make it to spring break without falling completely behind.
7. Everyone is getting sick
Flu season is in full swing in February, and it seems like everyone you know has been taken out by the illness. Be sure to take precautions to keep yourself from getting sick, including frequently washing your hands and limiting contact with people who have the flu!
The stress and bad weather make it seem like February will go on forever (thank goodness it’s ending), but spring is just around the corner! Soon enough, we’ll be trading in our winter coats and snow boots for shorts and sandals — we’ll soon forget about all the atrocities that come with February.