First off, let’s just say that being ashamed of anything you love is just not okay. But, every once in a while, we regret things that we love or we feel is a part of who we are because of what other people say or think. We want our friends and our family to love us and receive their approval, it’s only natural. But sometimes you just have to say to heck with it and love what you love, no matter what. So, here are a few things that you may like or may do and shouldn’t be ashamed of.
1.     Reading Romance Novels
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I can almost guarantee that you get more out of a romance novel than browsing Facebook for hours. The historical worlds filled with balls and galas. The racing across space stations with guns shooting your very-much-in-love heroine from behind. Falling head over heels with Mr. Tall, Dark and Incredibly Handsome even as you picture yourself as the heroine. *Wistful sigh*
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2.     Being Cheap (Especially in college.)
We prefer the term money conscientious. We’re responsible, not cheap. Cheap is such an overstatement. Plus, when you’re in college you can’t really afford the most expensive shoes or dinners. Hence the term “starving student” was coined. Just don’t take it too far for too long, you don’t want to end up on “Extreme Cheapskates.”
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3.     Dying Your Hair Crazy Colors
You might be asking, “why would you be ashamed of this in the first place?” Well, some people believe that dying one’s hair is a sin, or unprofessional (it is, so if you’re looking for a job at a law firm, you better not grab that green bottle of hair dye.) But, darn it, if it’s the summer and your job allows for it, dye your head bright pink. Don’t worry about what anyone else says or thinks, they aren’t as cool as you anyway.
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4.     Singing Extremely Loud
If you’re rocking out to Journey or Bon Jovi, don’t you dare let anyone tear you down. You go ahead and scream those lyrics, roll down your window, blare that radio and lose your voice. Music is what makes life worth living and you’re listening to the soundtrack of your soul.
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5.     Eating
Imagine you’re out with a guy and he orders a burger and you order your steak medium rare. If that man looks at you and suggests a salad, you need to drop him. Drop him right then and there. First of all, you don’t need that kind of negativity in your life. And second of all, no one should judge you for what you eat—except maybe your best friends, but they accept you anyway and that’s why it’s okay.
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6.     Wearing PJ’s to Walmart
Number the-only-one-that-matters, it’s Walmart. No one cares. Especially if it’s one of those I’m-on-my-period-and-I’m-going-to-die-without-chocolate Walmart runs. No one is judging. In fact, there are probably a couple of girls following you in the door, or some REALLY tough boyfriends there on behalf of their own ladies.
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7. Â Â Â Insane Food Cravings
Chocolate, candy or just plain junk food, don’t feel embarrassed if those cravings hit you. Don’t feel guilty, you’re personal trainer doesn’t need to know. Unless your personal trainer is a girl because then you can invite her along. If she adopts a snide response, just look at her knowingly. She’s human too. If she doesn’t like chocolate, then perhaps she isn’t human. In which case, you should call Will Smith at the Men in Black 1-800 number. They should probably know that we’ve been invaded.
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8.     Falling
Let’s all just face it, we have all fallen in front of a big crowd, or our friends (who have necessarily laughed at our pain) or that really cute guy from our lab class. You might have skinned your knee (and your pride), but don’t you dare be ashamed. That ground came out of nowhere. That rock attacked you. You are a victim. No one should ever blame the victim, it’s not morally right.
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9.     Being The First to Text
None of that “if he’s into you, he’ll text you first.” You are an independent and smart woman. You pick up that phone and you text that cute guy from your English class. Now, what you say on the other hand… depending on what it is, I can’t tell you not to be ashamed, or at least a little bit regretful, especially if you’ve just had a couple of mimosas. How many “y’s” in a “Hey” does not add anything to the conversation, it only makes for a very sad and regretful “morning after” realization.
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10. Being Yourself!
Most importantly, never be ashamed for being who you are. No matter who may criticize you, you should never feel the need to change who you are to please other people. Whether you are introverted and you like to stay in your room and read, or you are extroverted and you like to be extremely loud and peppy, you should not take unnecessary, unjustified and unwanted opinions from anyone. This includes criticism from your friends, family, yourself and especially strangers. You are who you are for a reason, own it!Â