Being back in the States and back in Evanston means a lot of changes are occurring in my life. No more aperitivos, no more Duomo to serve as my personal compass, no more consistent weekend excursions.
That’s all well and good, but I wasn’t prepared for the smorgasbord of emotions that would hit me when I unpacked and set up my final collegiate residence.
Slowly but surely, I’ve been refamiliarizing myself with my stuff. A lot of it smells like an attic, which makes sense considering that’s where it’s been sitting for the past six months. There are some items I have been very excited to uncover, like my sweats, hoodies and rubber ducks. Others, like my Northwestern merch and sundresses, are doozies to sort through and store.
Along with the miscellaneous articles of clothes I’ve acquired, I also have two unopened blue toothbrushes. They were supposed to belong to a guy I was involved with here.
I know what you’re thinking: Two toothbrushes are almost too symbolic. Why did I get a new one for the second guy? The answer to that is that I couldn’t find the first one when it came time to buy number two.
And, why haven’t I used one? Because I only use pink toothbrushes, of course.
Another obvious question is: Why do the guys I go out with not brush their teeth? That isn’t quite the story, although I do like that narrative.
No, the sad truth is I have an unfortunate track record of jinxing relationships by buying guys’ toothbrushes they never end up needing because the relationship expires before they can sleep over.
I don’t just go around buying toothbrushes willy-nilly, either. I only ever buy a toothbrush for a guy when I already have one at his place.
I sometimes think about my toothbrushes on guys’ sinks. I wonder how long they lasted, or if they outlasted me.
I wonder if guys stare at my toothbrushes on their sinks and regret the fact that that’s the most access they have to me now.
I kind of resent the fact that I think about things like this. What is it about me that I can’t help but dwell on the past when I have so much going on in my present and even more to look forward to in the future?
And, if I’m going to be dwelling on anything, it should be my time abroad, not plastic sticks in landfills.
As much as I don’t believe in making New Year’s resolutions — big fitness just counts on that first quarter gym membership boost — I will resolve to spend less time worrying about stinky boys who don’t brush their teeth. It’s not good for my health. And I wasn’t kidding — I simply do not have the time.
It really is surreal to be back. After so much time spent away, I’m a little worried I forgot how to do this whole Northwestern thing. And I’m taking two reporting classes this quarter. My goodness, it’s time to work hard and play… soft(?), I’m afraid.
Well, I’m back! Not that I went anywhere in Communal Shower Thoughts land. But, in Northwestern land, I’m Back, with a capital “B.”
And, I have my own room now and no mom living with me telling me I can’t have weeknight sleepovers. So, if any of my girls want to come over and have a slumber party, I have a toothbrush for you!
Sylvie Slotkin is a Medill junior and author of “Communal Shower Thoughts.” She can be contacted at [email protected] or by fax. If you would like to respond publicly to this op-ed, send a Letter to the Editor to [email protected]. The views expressed in this piece do not necessarily reflect the views of all staff members of The Daily Northwestern.
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