rant

when i grow up…

Have you ever pictured yourself in “the future”? Like literally pictured yourself; what you’re wearing, where you work, what type of environment you’re in?

I find myself doing this whenever the thought of graduating from college or becoming a senior crosses my mind. Thinking about the “real world” is something that is both scary and exciting.

All spring break i’ve been so caught up thinking about summer internships, finding stuff for the apartment for the summer, and planning ahead that it’s really got me thinking about what I want to do with my life.

What do I want to be when I grow up?

Really immersing myself in my major this semester has helped me determine what I can and can’t see myself doing in the future. Taking a psychology of marriage course has opened my eyes to a side of psychology I never really considered getting into. Everything about the course has been interesting and seemingly applicable to everyday life. This is what I love. I love being able to see a direct correlation between what is learned in the classroom and what can be applied outside the classroom. However, I didn’t become a psychology major to be a counselor and listen to people’s problems, I did it because I wanted to use it for business. Yes, it may sound weird but that’s what it comes down to. 

Today I really thought about what I wanted to do after college (take the clinical psychology route or pursue marketing/advertising and something along those lines) and it came down to me coming up with a mental image of myself and my surroundings in what would hypothetically be 5 years from now. Every time I imagine myself “in the future” (I think i’ve been doing this “imagining” stuff since I was little) the same image appears in my head. It’s not the cliche, laid back and relaxing counselors office with a patient sitting in a comfy chair across from me. Instead, it’s me in a business suit (black blazer, slacks, white collared blouse, Christian Louboutin heels perhaps? ;) jk ) at an office in a super tall building.Of course this is only my imagination, but for me it says a lot.

Thinking of what I “wear to work” in the future is a way for me to get a feel for what feels right, and now I think I know. 

etiquette

There’s a certain etiquette you’re expected to uphold in public. 

Hold the door for the person behind you, say excuse me, don’t pick your nose, etc. These are generally things you do to be polite, but the type of etiquette i don’t understand is how we are perfectly content standing quietly in a packed elevator, or how it is socially unacceptable (or just plain weird) to engage in conversation with the couple sitting at the table next to you in a packed restaurant.

A few weeks ago I was at A-frame restaurant in Culver City. For those of you who haven’t been there, it’s a place where family style eating is the norm and sharing is encouraged. Not only is it suggested that you share food with the people you go to dinner with, you are also seated with random strangers depending on what seat is made available next. 

My roommate and I went to A-frame and were seated at the table with a young couple. They were seated before us but hadn’t ordered yet. When we sat we didn’t exchange a word, just an awkward smile perhaps. It was more of a trying-to-avoid-eye-contact type of moment. After a good five minutes the waitress finally came and could easily distinguish who came with who and didn’t hesitate to point that out. We ordered, had each dish brought out, quietly played musical chairs with all the plates on the table to avoid getting people’s dishes mixed up or even have the dishes come in contact with each other, and engaged in two completely different conversations. The meal came to an end. We all managed to avoid all communication for the entire hour we were there even though we were but inches apart. 

Why do we avoid communicating with people we don’t know? Why do these types of social norms exist? When did it become normal for everyone to be so disconnected?

For the most part, we’re all guilty of doing it, but why?

today

Today I got the stamp of approval.

Yes, that is post-worthy.

Optimism

This is probably one of the most important qualities in my opinion. Surrounding yourself with optimistic people will give you a brighter outlook on life and make everything more enjoyable. People constantly complaining, putting themselves down, or just being pessimistic about everything in life waste the little time they are given on menial things. Yes, there is a time to worry and a time to be frustrated and bitch, but why make this a daily occurrence? There is a better way to use your time, do something about it.

Fix it.

it’s inevitable…

I’m supposed to be writing a blog post for class but instead i’m writing a post on Tumblr…fail.

I’m taking a psychology of marriage class and it’s really got me thinking. Kind of scaring me. One of the topics of discussion was how we look for mates who are similar to our opposite sex parent.

For those of you who know my dad, or know of my dad, you understand why i’m scared. My dad is a very traditional, super old fashioned, my way or the highway type of person.

Here’s how the theory goes. If you are a free spirit and look for someone who won’t tie you down you’ll initially be happy with someone who gives you this space and freedom. Eventually you will start to ask for more attention. Something along the lines of “why don’t you hang out with me more” or “why don’t you put more effort in the relationship”. As a result, your significant other will try to give you more attention a.k.a be on your nuts a little more a.k.a. become more controlling. 

Basically you’re asking for it…fml.