Every move we make is dictated by what society deems appropriate, and quite a while ago, I made the choice to stop caring as much. Honestly, it’s probably the best thing anyone can do for themselves, and I highly suggest it. That said, of course I still feel awkward when I’m surrounded by people who give me those “Did she really just say that?” looks and I don’t know if that will ever go away. So for now, why not take a moment to pretend like they don’t matter and imagine the freedom we’d have if those common sense rules didn’t apply? Here are a few things I would like for society to deem as “appropriate.” Â
1. Â Â Â Â Â Wearing a ski mask to walk around campus
It’s 40 degrees again, and you know the drill. Thermals? Check. Coat and gloves? Check. Knee-high boots? Check. You’re all bundled up and ready to battle the wintery weather, but then the bitter wind slaps you in the face—literally. I can make sure every other part of my body is covered and warm, except my face. Why? They don’t have to be reminiscent to the ski mask bank robbers don. We could have cute, school-spirited ones. Take it as a chance to show off your creative side!
2. Â Â Â Â Â Taking the amount of food you actually want to eat
I’ll give a recent example—when I was at a friend’s Superbowl party, he and his sister made this AMAZING layered bean dip that I was so excited to eat. However, after I saw how much—err, little—everyone else was taking, I decided to match their intake rather than appease my appetite. Of course, I got seconds once other people started, but skipping the whole polite and modest bit would be awesome.
3. Â Â Â Â Â Re-inviting yourself to previous plans
No one wants to be “that person” who invites themselves out when they were clearly left out for a reason, but why is it so bad to ask “Hey, am I still invited to this?” I don’t know about you guys, but I’d feel too weird doing that. Maybe that’s just my shy side, but I wish it was easier to solidify plans.
4. Â Â Â Â Â Remembering tiny details about someone you just met
I count it as a blessing and a curse, but I can remember the weirdest details about someone, but forget what I had for breakfast. It’s usually off-putting for most people. There’s a guy who I haven’t spoken to in ages and is not in my life whatsoever, but I still remember to wish him a happy birthday every year, when I know he’s terrible about remembering small things. I’m waiting for the day this won’t be creepy, but the chances seem to be slim.
5.      Openly discussing how much you know about a person because of how much you’ve stalked their social media
Somewhere along the way, you’ve met someone who you just had to find out more about. Naturally, you go to Facebook and then Instagram and Twitter. When you’ve found out as much as you’re going to, you have to settle with either stopping there, or periodically checking for updates (I won’t judge how hard you stalk). Then, you meet someone who has the same passion for creeping as you and exhilaration lifts you up; imagine that happening ALL THE TIME.
6. Â Â Â Â Â Freely expressing how much you hate the world and everything in it
There will come a day when the universe seems to be completely against you, and you’ve had enough. So what if you make a few more snarky comments than usual? That group who just jaywalked during a green light SHOULD be run over by that turning bus. Okay, maybe not that far, but it shouldn’t be taboo to make a lot of biting comments within a short period of time. People don’t know your life. You do you.