17 - Summer

Now, I realize I gushed about autumn just 24 hours ago, but what better time to gush about the second best season in the world than today?

Summer, like autumn, is one of my loves, but for totally opposite reasons.

Where autumn has a quiet, understated elegance to it - with its muted colors and cozy outfits - summer is loud and vibrant. 

In the fall, I’m on my GQ shit. Peacoats, sweaters, scarves, with my hair dyed medium brown. But summer? I’m on my shameless fuckboy shit. Tank tops, wild colors, short swim trunks, my hair bleached blonde.

And that difference in seasonal attire is emblematic of the overall feel of the seasons.

Where fall is the start of awards season, and showcases most of the films contending for Oscars and indie awards alike, summer is packed with blockbusters. Nothing but explosions, car chases, superheroes, and eye candy.

Where the romantic goal of autumn is largely centered around the idea of “cuffing season” - finding one person to get comfy indoors with - summer is a playground for single people. Packed bars and clubs, day drinking in rooftop pools, barbecues at night, and outdoor concerts - drunken, regrettable hookups can happen at any time.

I appreciate that contrast of the two seasons, and it makes sense in that regard that summer precedes the fall. After all the beach days and city nights spent partying and fucking around, you need a few months of staying inside to recover. 

Sure, there’s bugs, and it’s sticky, and the heat gets old by around mid July, but it’s a small price to pay for all the awesomeness that comes with it. 

For three months out of the year, I’m on a constant sugar high (no, really - the amount of ice cream and milkshakes I consume during the summer is offensive). People are in a better mood, and everything is one big celebration. It makes sense for it to be - you gotta get your fun in before it starts to get dark at 4pm.