Joanna Urban
It’s hard to believe that not only a new year, but a new decade is upon us! When I think back to where I was ten years ago – a Freshman at Penn State trying to decide on a major and construct some sort of a plan for my career and life – I honestly don’t think my eighteen-year-old self could have imagined most of the incredible, beautiful, and difficult experiences that have unfolded this decade.
In my foray into dating apps, I’ve noticed some troubling trends in people’s dating résumés or calling cards. On most platforms, at least the free phone apps, you only have a certain character limit (about the length of two tweets) to present yourself in the best possible light to a pool of potential suitors.
Back in April, I wrote a blog post about gray area drinking, drinking that isn’t ‘troubling’ or dangerous by official standards, but that can nonetheless have negative impacts on individuals. To revisit that, I’m talking today about my experience this past month not drinking.
Continue reading “on not drinking: alcohol and self-fulfilling prophecies”
It’s a personal question that might involve many factors. Are dating apps and the people you meet through them fun and interesting? Do apps fit your lifestyle better than meeting people out in public? What are you looking for on these apps?
I wondered – what qualifies as “gray area drinking”? More appropriately, since the gray area is difficult to measure or define, what type of experiences would be considered “gray area drinking” experiences? What does that look like?
2017 was a great year in many ways. Like any long-term relationship (with a job, friend, pet, or significant other), my ride with 2017 was one with its highs and lows, its moments of success and growth, and its opportunities for improvement. What more could I ask for from my journey with this past year?
