When I was 20, I decided to give casual dating a shot. I felt like I was falling behind, everyone around me seemed to have someone. However, the main reason was I’ve always been naturally reserved and awkward when meeting new people, even more so back then. I worried that if I didn’t start getting some experience soon, I’d end up having painfully awkward dates in my mid-20s because I never learned how to navigate them. Here are the top 5 things I learned!

While none of us will ever 100% know what transpired with the infamous Beatles breakup, many fans have historically pinned the blame on one person: artist, singer, and activist Yoko Ono, who happened to be John Lennon’s girlfriend, and eventually his wife. For decades, this so-called “fact” has been tossed around, and Ono has become the subject of endless criticism and discourse. It doesn’t take much actual research or critical thinking to conclude that this is false.

If we were all identical, uncomplicated, and flawless, would there be any art, or films, or books, or plays? Would there be any reason to create? Would there be any reason to be?

Y2K Queen Paris Hilton on her new collaboration with Klarna in 2023. Instagram: @hellomag

A major issue I have with AI-generated writing is that much of it comes from real people. It steals people’s work and essentially passes it off without crediting the creators. In fact, many AI models are trained by taking information from the internet – information that comes from real people and their research and creativity.

In my experience, Stardew Valley isn’t just a time killer––it offers lessons that can be applied to the real world. When digging deeper into the game’s themes, one can appreciate that this is far more than a cozy pixelated utopia.

Comparison fails to control because Pinterest shows you that you can be what you see…if anything you already are. The boards you create motivate you to become everything you want to be.

I’ve struggled with anxiety for as long as I can remember, but it wasn’t until college that I realized just how bad it had gotten. My mind would race constantly, sleep became impossible, and when I could sleep, I’d often deal with sleep paralysis. There were times I felt so anxious that I’d end up throwing up.

On a poster board that snuggled into a frame, wondersome words and personal photos came together to create what I hoped was a mirror to the year approaching in a few short hours.

As soon as I wake up, my mind starts racing. I always had a lot of thoughts in my head. Most of all opinions about movies, myself, people, the latest trends on social media. Really, anything. I don’t think I’ve ever had the chance to express my thoughts. Often, I feel like I’m criticizing something, rather than simply sharing what’s on my mind.

Over the years, Minecraft’s audience has shifted and become more diverse, attracting people of all ages and genders. However, despite the gradual rise in female gamers, there are still significantly more male players––only 32% of players are female. Why? 

I’ve lived in Texas my whole life, but recently I went to my first honky tonk. I put on my True Religion bootcut jeans, pulled on cowboy boots, and borrowed my friend’s cowboy hat, (she insisted it completed the look).

Sonder: “The realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own—populated with their own ambitions, friends, routines, worries, and inherited craziness…”

Whether I need to be certain that I’m not a pedophile or a murderer, that I’m in the right relationship, or sick with a rare disease, OCD questions my every thought, every move, my everything.

We need to remember that we’re all human beings with unique experiences and ways of seeing the world. We need to recognize each other’s struggles. We need empathy. Lots of it.

“Can we speak?” someone tugged me. I turned to see who it was, and the moment I recognized him, my expression fell. I shook my head firmly. “I don't want to talk,” I managed to say, but I think it was more of a whisper. He didn’t seem to hear me, but I didn’t care. My body language said enough. Without waiting, I made my way downstairs to the dance floor. 

Depression is something I have grown accustomed to managing in my life, especially as fall turns to winter. When I tend to feel it most deeply. Over time, I’ve learned to navigate the cycles of depression that come and go. I hope to offer some support and advice to others who may be going through similar experiences.

My birthday is no longer my favorite holiday, but maybe that’s a true sign of growing up. Maybe they don’t have to be a bad thing as we get older, but rather a time for reflection.