We see them everywhere. They are deeply intertwined with our everyday culture, habits, routines, and decisions. They condemn our personal interests and passions, they taint our self-confidence, and they’re inevitably present in the world. Gender norms. They smolder the raw and authentic beauty in amazing people. Gender norms are expectations and standards that convey certain…
There are many layers of social expectations that seem to be engraved into our minds, one of which outlines the way our lives should be progressing. Certain standards lay out a paved path for us, demanding that we must complete certain occasions at certain points of our lives. We are expected to start our first…
If you haven’t been living under a rock these days, you’ve probably heard the big news by now: The United States has finally decided to legalize same-sex marriage in the entire country! Woohoo! About time, America! This is a huge, absolutely ground-shaking event. It’s quite literally history in the making, and we’re living it. We’re…
How many times have you heard someone make a comment along the lines of, “That’s not real music”? Statements like this are usually directed with disgust toward modern artists, whether they’re major pop sensations like Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber, rappers, or heavy metal bands that take a more aggressive approach. Whenever I hear such…
We’ve all been told from a young age that we should be careful on the internet. The majority of us were likely taught at some point about the dangers of interacting with strangers online and sharing information with those we meet over social media. Despite the warnings that are often given on the subject, internet…
“Come on, just this once.” “Don’t worry, it’s no big deal.” “Give it a go, we’ve all done it.” Whether we realize it or not, many of our everyday decisions are influenced by our surroundings, especially by the people around us. The desire to obtain other people’s approval makes it almost too easy to subconsciously…
Take several rebellious adolescents who are eager to expand their freedom. Throw in a handful of parents who are likely confused and anxious about their children’s safety. The result? A large supply of tension and frustration. There is a very delicate line between reasonable and extreme measures, one that is often easily blurred when it…
Developing an attraction to someone? Easy. Having them return that attraction? Not so easy. The undeniable truth of the matter is that every person in this world, regardless of their wealth, status, and reputation, will be or have been rejected at some point in their lives. Communicating your interest and confessing your feelings are by…
We’ve all been there. You meet someone, you start to pay extra attention to that particular person, you think about them more and more frequently, and eventually you’re forced to arrive at the inevitable realization. Yeah, you like them. As in like, like them. After accepting this, and in some cases momentarily panicking, you come…