How to handle your domestically-induced jealousy
If you’re like me, you’ve been scrolling through Instagram for the past few weeks with an overwhelming sense of melancholy. All your home friends are abroad. Yes, it sucks to see all your best buddies clustered together above the canals in Amsterdam, grinning widely with some special treats in hand. It can certainly be difficult to find the resolve to attend your 9am when girls you know from high school are flocking to Nice or the Amalfi Coast and soaking up some rays. Before you deactivate your Instagram out of jealousy or get rid of your phone entirely, try out a few of these tips for how to handle this sense of covetousness.
- Make your own Oktoberfest. You know what they all say: German beer and funfair festivals are just a mindset. And that is right! The best way to feel like a part of the action is to show up to class in a dirndl (the very cute and obviously versatile little skirted fit that it seems like every basic you’ve ever met has gotten her hands on). It is true, though, that the ‘fest is a social experience, so encourage your friends to join you in this expedition. There’s certainly enough lederhosens to go around. No costume is complete, without a gallon-sized pitcher of beer, so don’t forget to lug it around with cheerful abandon.
- You can try sunbathing on Wriston (it’s definitely warm enough). If you concentrate hard enough, I’m sure you can turn the sight of the Ratty in the distance to something more resembling the picturesque shoreline of the Amalfi Coast. Bonus points if you pound shots of limoncello as you lie there.
- Who needs the Louvre when we’ve got the RISD museum nearby (you’re welcome, RISD)? Camp out in the lobby, grab a café au lait from Bolt, and work on your homework for your French section. You’ll feel the sophistication of Paris wash over you in no time.
- This one goes without saying, but the level of culinary expertise achieved in the Ratty clearly rivals anything whipped up in the finest ristorante in Roma, so don’t despair on this count. Well, maybe not, but at least we have Al Forno, right?
- Lastly, Amsterdam! Actually, on second thought, it would perhaps be better to leave what happens in Amsterdam over there. Can’t be stirring up too much trouble this early in the year.
Bon voyage, fellow envier! On your next Facetime with your abroad friends, definitely make it clear that you’re not jealous at all, and that life back here stateside is just as fun as anything they’re doing for sure!!!!
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