avatarEmily Menez

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Ten Thought Spirals While Leaving My Wallet Unaccompanied At The Beach

Photo by the author. Model: Kevin Howard

Swimming can be a wonderful way to improve one’s mental health. Late summer produces our last chance to swim in the beautiful, rapidly warming ocean. But for some, the opportunity can be more anxiety-inducing than relaxing. If you go to the beach solo, you may discover new concerns, such as:

  1. Why do my friends suck?

If I had just a single human friend, they could guard my belongings while I’m swimming. What hurts the most is that I invited three friends and they all flaked. Thanks, Brenda, Brandon, and Brad! You can’t have a buddy system without any buddies!

2. Where can I find new friends?

It’s so hard to make friends as an adult. I’ll start with someone who shares a common interest. Maybe someone here is also looking for a new bud.

3. Is that guy eyeing my wallet, or judging my tear-stained Finding Nemo towel?

Which is worse? Why couldn’t Nemo find a way to hide my money better? Why don’t I treat myself to new towels?

4. Why don’t I do enough self-care?

And yet I’m always thinking of myself. How are both things true?

5. Did a shark just touch my foot?

Or did I just want a shark to touch my foot? I miss the feeling of anyone touching me. I need to put myself out there more. I’ll start by working out.

6. Did I just backstroke into someone?

This could be my big chance! He looks pretty good, at least from the neck up. Okay, just try to make a joke. He laughed!

7. Was that a pity laugh or a real one?

It doesn’t matter, say something clever. Don’t talk about the weather though, people say that’s boring. Crap, I have no material. Quick, mention how sunny it is!

8. Is he interested in being friends or is he hitting on me?

It’s unclear, but either way — interest is interest! Don’t be a coward. Ask him if he has plans for the day.

9. He said he has to go. Why did I put myself out there?

Why couldn’t I just leave well enough alone?

10. Crap, what’s that group of teenagers doing with my wallet?

(audible sigh) Take it.

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Humor
Satire
Beach
Summer
Mental Health
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