Dear Social Sacrifice

Change

Dear Social Sacrifice,

We got into middle school and everything changed. Elementary school had its own downers, but it wasn't nearly as dramatic as middle. There were bullies and friendships and burning bridges before, but when we moved up, there was heartbreak, makeout sessions, assumptions, anything you can think of. Not even to mention lockers, schedules, multiple teachers. It was mayhem that first month. Am I the only one who thinks that?

Everything changed when we got to middle school.

It all became even worse when we moved up again.

High school is the epitome of social sacrifice. There's kissing in hallways, assumptions of who likes who. Not even to mention homecoming dates, sisters in the way, and even way more homework.

Am I the only one who's struggling?

I'm barely holding on to schoolwork, slipping away from my best friends, and deciding that my thought process wouldn't be complete without some kind of boy drama mixed in.

My best friend asked who I liked the other day. I had no idea what to say. Boys are on my mind like 24/7, and yet I had no idea who was that one guy. For once, I told the truth. I told her I didn't know. She kept asking, though, because she knew my head was always filled with boys. I was a broken record.

I wasn't always like this. I wasn't always a terrible friend. I wasn't always slut-minded. I was a quiet girl. Sometimes I wish I could go back to that, but then I remember who leaving it has made me into. Besides all the terrible things I've done, I have always come back to confidence.

I woke up tonight when I had my hand on my nightstand. A nightstand that I've had since I was a little girl, one that I helped build. I turned on my light to look at my dollhouse in the corner which I also have had since I was a little girl. I was immediately raised out of my depression even just for a moment and remembered the innocence, the happiness, the youth! It was great! Doesn't anyone stop to think about those things anymore?

Thoughtfully,

Wren Marie