Ode to Autumn

I.

Hate.

Summer.

Controversial opinion, I know. Every year, we’re sold this dream of balmy sunny weather, tropical beaches and partying with friends. Internet, TV, and movies constantly bombard us with images of beautiful happy people having fun, finding love and living their best lives.

For me, however, summer is an ordeal. By mid-spring, the familiar sense of dread has already crept in and set up camp in my chest. To me, summer is a long stretch of sweaty, uncomfortable loneliness that comes with a free side of guilt that I’m not living my life to the fullest.

Having lived far away from school since I was eleven, I had no friends to hang with in the summer as a teenager. So, as an only child, I would just wander around or waste time on the internet, eagerly awaiting September. Going to uni meant that I was still alone, but also working my ass off so I could afford rent over the next year.

I live for autumn. I love the rain, the moderate to cool temperatures, the excuse to have hot chocolate and pie every day. I love curling up with a blanket to read a book and people not giving you weird looks if you don’t leave the house for a day or two. Autumn is beautifully colourful and refreshing after the oppressive heat and brightness of summer.

Winter and spring are also great, but to me, autumn will always be number one in my heart.

What is your preferred season? Do you dislike any in particular? What is your favourite autumn activity? Let me know via Twitter @apageoutofchloe or in the comments below 🙂