The Brat Girl And The Rodent Boyfriend

Last year was “feral girl summer” which is an unapologetic trend for women. This year the two trends are “brat girl” and “rodent boyfriend.” The brat girl is someone who is a party girl and enjoys being single. The rodent boyfriend’s physical features look like a rat’s. He is more of an artsy creative type. I would say both of these people would be at the same party. How can you embody this trend and meet a rodent boyfriend?

Go to events….

This goes without saying. You have to show up to the party to be a party girl. Check your local paper or social media to find out what is happening.

Dress to impress….

Not to say you need to wear club wear. It is more of a female gaze-type dressing. Meaning you are NOT wearing normal (almost boring) clothes to impress men. You can lean into neon green, dye your hair purple, and wear spikey jewelry.

How to find the rodent boyfriend….

He might be at the poetry slam night, or indie movie night. Be prepared for him to man-splane about the cinema or gate-keep certain albums.

These two archetypes have different goals….

The rodent boyfriend is more introverted and prides himself in being unique. The brat girl is extroverted and wants to express herself outwardly. It can be a case of opposite attracts, but sometimes a difference in lifestyle can make it a short term summer romance.

The brat girl likes being single….

She isn’t chasing down men. Her goal isn’t to try to land a boyfriend. The point is she is having fun solo or with friends at the bar or club. This is a great lesson for many women to allow yourself to breathe and enjoy being single.

Take the brat girl attitude into the fall…

The thing about these certain summer trends is it is a way to try things out for a trial period. Hair color fades and you can donate your bright color clothes. Or… maybe this fits what you have been wanting to express. We get so bogged down with what other people want women to wear. It is nice to feel confident in going against the grain.

Bottom Line….

Both of the archetypes of being a rodent boyfriend or a brat girl are two independent people. They could cross paths and share something short-lived and that’s the point. It is living in the moment and enjoying single life. You are expressing a young attitude and outward appearance. You might dye your hair hot pink and wear intense makeup. The main thing is having fun and being with friends, most importantly, and to allow organic things to happen.

Why It’s Ok To Have A Routine Vacation Spot

It’s the time of year when Instagram feeds are filled with vacations from simple beach trips to European decadence. Vacations are very personal to each person. There are two camps of people who think each vacation should be completely different and new versus those who like familiarity and comfort of a same location. For me personally, I have been going on the same vacation my whole life every summer. What are the perks of having a routine vacation?….

You can adjust faster….

The thing about traveling is that it takes a few days just to adjust and get settled in. When you go to a location where you don’t know where anything is you are wasting time possibly getting lost to the grocery store.

It’s easier to plan out the rest of the year….

Space away from your everyday life is a great time to reflect on what you want to accomplish. It is hard to see things clearly when it’s too much in front of you. I read somewhere that Bill Gates has somewhat of a retreat and reset each year. Again, it’s a time to allow yourself to sit and reflect and take an audit of what is really working.

You can try out a new lifestyle….

For example, you might be a late riser and party person back home. Why not try out a sober period where you wake up earlier and adopt more healthy habits? Even if it’s only for two weeks. Toy with being vegan or no coffee. See how it all makes you feel.

You won’t get home sick…

A “home away from home” won’t make you feel sad and want your own bed.

Packing will be a breeze….

Nothing is more stressful than not knowing what to pack. When you have an idea of what the weather is like, what the laundry situation is, and what shops are available it makes packing more seamless.

It’s a good way to check your progress….

When there is a common variable it is easier to see how you are stress- or happiness-wise. We set so many goals in the year. It is nice to see what has been accomplished.

Bottom Line….

Would some say it is boring and basic to travel to the same place every year? Of course. It is glorified to be a jet-setter and travel to as many new places as humanly possible. I do think it is good to experience new culture and cities. Some families might travel to the same ski resort or might share a condo in Florida. It is perfectly fine to enjoy summer however it suits you. Your mindset and your ability to use your time wisely will set you up for a lucrative rest of the year.

The Summer Boyfriend: The Perfect Cocktail of Casual and Comfort

We all know about the “summer fling” or “feral girl summer,” both of which are unapologetic and rebellious. What is the “summer boyfriend”? It is more than a casual FWB or meeting men in the wild. This means exclusively hanging out with one guy within a certain time window. What are the benefits of the summer boyfriend?….

The “study abroad” mindset….

With summer versus the rest of the year, we may be traveling and have a looser schedule with school, for instance. It does not mean romance goes out the window. I love to think of myself studying in the south of Italy with a great man, knowing when I return home we will no longer see each other. You give it your all and carpe diem until August.

How is it different from a FWB?….

This is not a “come over to my house” at 11am guy. It is a man who actually wants to get to know you, but there might be a time limit attached.

Who do you pick for the summer boyfriend?….

In most cases this falls into your lap. For example, I had a great summer with this guy who was moving to New York City at the end of July. We made the most of it and had fun summer days at the pool and even did a huge cookout for Fourth of July. The important thing is you are NOT in a hook-up box. You prioritize actual dates versus late night shenanigans.

How a bite-size boyfriend experience can benefit you….

For anyone who suffers from future-tripping and not taking chances, this might help. It is ok to enjoy some romance even if it does not lead to the altar. It can create a shift in perspective that things can end and you should enjoy yourself instead of game playing and manipulating the outcome.

Why keep it exclusive….

It certainly does not have to. I find it happens naturally that he becomes the only guy whom you end up hanging out with. He might be a breath of fresh air from the other guys or he knows how to bring out your adventurous side.

Bottom Line….

This outcome does not mean it necessarily has to end when fall comes. It is getting into a mindset of living in the present. We worry so much about outcomes in dating. This is a good lesson of practicing authenticity while getting to know a person. Most importantly, it is erasing the over-analyzing and taking a microscope to every word he says. We live in a dating landscape of avoiding red flags and getting the ick. When you allow things to naturally unfold and get your ego out of the way you can actually enjoy yourself.