Coffee and a Conversation
As Told Over Brunch is a home for intelligent discourse from the twenty-something perspective - so the stuff you gossip about over mimosas on Sunday morning or over takeout on your friend's couch when happy hour ends too early. We love chatting about our lives, whether it be the relationships we’re building (or destroying), lessons we've learned at work, struggles at school, growing pains we've felt, or even the food we’re talking over.
The last month I spent on a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier. The experience was once in a lifetime. Even if the opportunity arises again, there will never be a first time underway again. When the opportunity arose at my job, I hesitated briefly — what would I miss in January? Why would I say no? Of course I’d go.
Read MoreA couple of months ago, I published some haikus, all inspired by real life events that either I or a friend experienced. Here’s my followup.
Not having someone
To send texts that I regret -
What a boring brunch.
In the last few weeks, I have pondered the hardest “Would you rather?” Here goes – brace yourself, readers – would you rather love someone more than they love you, or would you rather love them less?
I did not find this existential, if not philosophical, burden in a book or an online forum. Instead, I came to experience the dichotomy of liking someone too little and then, with horrible PTSD, recalling the times I liked another more than they liked me.
I will illustrate both for you. In the late winter, I dated a girl for several months. I remember my excitement when we first started going out. I especially remember a Saturday afternoon text she sent: “What are you doing?” Genuine interest in my existence!
Read MoreBelieve it or not, we all live in a world that once existed without social media. We were all likely more present, less consumed with who was breaking up or getting back together or in a situationship with whom, who got a promotion, who was laid off, where other people were vacationing, and what our online “friends” we knew from elementary school ate for brunch last weekend. As a millennial, I’m very much aware of the world of social media and the appeal and sometimes unpleasant impact it’s had on our culture and the world.
We literally have the world and just about everything happening in it, at our fingertips. Have you ever taken time to let that thought marinate for a while?
Read MoreLate last year, I attended a friend of a friend’s party. “Attend” is the optimal verb because I was not explicitly invited. Instead, my friend was, and she suggested I drop by. I had met the party’s hosts on several occasions, but I would never expect them to necessarily recognize me on the sidewalk nor would any sort of friendship honestly permit the behavior I’m about to describe.
Before the party, I had been at two other gatherings where I helped myself to some beverages, including 100-proof Captain Morgan. I knew my friend had another friend visiting from out of town who we’ll “Veronica.” I met Veronica earlier in the day, and while I had been told she was attractive and verified this claim via photos, in person she stunned the eye. I detected the faint possibility that she may be receptive to my courting.
Read MoreFor several days, I had been considering changing my profile picture on Facebook. As most millennials can attest, this decision is not made in a vacuum. I liked my current picture, but I’d had it up since February, so I was fast approaching outdated territory. I’m always afraid I’ll become one of those people who has had the same profile photo since 2015. I need to update my photo so people can stay abreast of my face’s sun damage and any changes to my hairline.
The new photo I had in my mind seemed more seasonal – I donned a tank top and aviators – but it was also a selfie. But not an obvious selfie. I wondered who would know (well, now everyone does). I also wanted to remind *certain people* that I was living my best life, which is admittedly ironic if I am worried about those certain persons getting the message. But this is 2019, and these are the facts.
Read MoreI’m an academic advisor and work with traditional and non-traditional college students for a living. The structure, income, quality benefits, and having a place to wake up and go to on a consistent basis are on a good path for #adulting. However, I’ve had those “What am I doing with my life?” moments while sitting in my cubicle, staring into a computer screen, taking calls and meetings, and assisting students with degree planning and retention.
When I graduated from college with a BA in English with a focus in creative writing, I had big dreams and major goals in mind for myself. I hoped to dive into career opportunities that would allow me to put that degree to work. I applied for different positions in my hometown and even took some faith leaps applying in areas in Los Angeles and New York City. I just believed the world of journalism, publishing, and creative writing would be ready to welcome another eager and hungry millennial fresh out of college, a full-time dream opportunity, complete with my own office staring directly into the city (or towards the beach depending on where I’d end up in this fantasy world.)
Read MoreHi, everyone. In the last few weeks, I’ve started writing haikus on my phone. It’s become increasingly easy to think of a passing feeling or moment and conceptualize 5-7-5 syllables. I also feel like I’m using my general ed requirements from undergrad. I’ve decided to publish a selection below.
I’ve never fallen
in love, but I tasted it
And choked it up fast.
I unfollowed you
to let you know it’s okay
we are not okay.
The curse of an iPhone is its limited battery life. I usually bring my charger with me, but today I forgot it. Sob. I started the day at 8:11 AM at 100%. It's 1:55 PM, and I'm at 33%. What am I going to do?
These are my thoughts (imagine the Law & Order: SVU dun dun dun):
1:56 PM. This isn't so bad. I have my laptop. I can make it until 5 without using my phone.
1:57 PM. How do I Snapchat anyone? And my phone keeps telling me people are Snapchatting me; I want to see!
1:58 PM. 32%. Okay, I won't check Snapchat.
Read MoreI’ve never been someone who’s attracted to simpletons. I love the dramatic. My favorite movies are tragedies. It should be no surprise then that I pursue the same principles in romance. This here is the story of how I dated a woman for five weeks who broke up with me no less than four times – and I stayed through it all.
Most might assume I have no self-esteem if I’m willing to stay with someone who keeps breaking up with me, but you could also say it’s a sign of someone who doesn’t really care. Sara and I have long heralded the motto of “Do it for the story,” and well, look, I got a story.
“Sheila” and I met on Bumble. If this had been Plenty of Fish or OkCupid, I might have been able to predict the craziness. Instead, we exchanged numbers our first night and never stopped texting.
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