a personal style blog by Lauren Pfieffer

Monday, September 16, 2013

Dipped in Wine.

Polka Dot Blouse, Brown Flats: Thrifted.
Cape with Black Pipping: Forever21.
Wine Colored Circle Skirt: c/o OASAP.

Before I came to college I knew the one goal I had for myself-- to make friends. I never had a close group of friends in high school, and felt like college was my last chance at establishing a solid group of people who cared for me. Thankfully, I found a great group of guys and gals throughout the year that I could hang out with, confine in, and be myself around.

The thought never really occured to me that friendships don't just stop there. In my mind, all I could think about was once I had the friends, I was set for life. I didn't begin to think about the challenges I would face with my friendships coming back for my sophomore year.

Friendships always need nurturing, time, and care. I figured that the friends I made last year would just pick up where we left off at the beginning of May like nothing ever happened. But people and life evolve and it was silly of me to think like that! The biggest challenge I've faced these past few weeks in coming back to school, is maintaining and taking care of my friendships.

There seems to be this odd sense of disconnect with myself and everyone that I can't quite put my finger on. Sometimes I think it might be that I go through not socializing for so long, I come back awkward and unsure of myself. It's hard to adjust to the new lives we all have this year instead of the old ones where we met last year. Myself and all of my friends have changed-- different schedules, different majors, different views on life, different living situations. All which cause a strain in what seemed to work so well last year.

I think I definitely get hurt too easily when it comes to hanging out, as well. I instantly attribute someone not wanting to hang out or not being able to hang out to myself being the problem. It's been strange, but I've found myself to come back to college with many insecurities that I didn't have last year. I felt like my freshman year I didn't have anything to lose with these people, but this semester I value my friends so much that I am constantly seeking their approval or that they are fond of me. 

Just some things I've been struggling with and realizing in the past few weeks here. It's definitely taught me and opened my eyes up to seeing, however, that friendships are never 'check, that's done. moving on!' They're a process, and something to be cherished and give your whole heart to. I appreciate much more now my friendships from last year and how they are evolving already this year. 

With much love, Lauren.



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14 comments

Katie Selt said...

Those colors! So cohesive and gorgeous. I love that skirt and cape!

http://www.katielikeme.com

Mary said...

Ugh, sorry I get really upset when people just look at the pictures on a blog without reading the often really insightful and intense things that bloggers are sharing on their blogs!

But yeah, what you said here is so important. Friendships are totally a process as opposed to an event/one-time thing. I definitely value my friendships more now than I ever have and think it's always worth the sacrifices necessary to maintain and grow them. Best wishes!

Anonymous said...

This outfit is lovely! I really like the cape! I've been wanting one really badly. The transition to fall is hitting me quickly and I can't wait for more outfits that are in this kind of color scheme! You look beautiful!

Lexi

Rachel said...

You're right, it's definitely a process and you are growing so much while being there at college!! You also look adorable and that is such a lovely coat!! -♥- Rachel (For the Birds)

Elliementary, My Dear said...

In my experience, college is a time where you make many acquaintances and out of those people only about a handful to a dozen become true friends. It is worth maintaining the relationships with them though and you can make friends at any time. I made a lot of of friends during my first and second year and then the majority of them graduated before me so I made all new friends again during my fourth year. You've got lots of time :)

Also, you look amazing in this outfit. I love everything about it.

Anonymous said...

Your little cape is absolutely beautiful and perfect for fall! And as for the friendship situation, I totally understand where you're coming from. It's hard to open up to people and put yourself out there, and realize later in life that you've all changed so much. I've gone through similar situations with friends I thought I was super close to, but I had to realize that new friends would suit me better. I'm sure you'll find your place!

Xo, Hannah

sweetsweetnoir.net

Unknown said...

Wow, that cape is gorgeous! your outfit just looks so sophisticated! And I know what you mean about friendships...I'm really not that social so sometimes I'm not that great about maintaining friendships :/

Unknown said...

Number one I have to say I absolutely love your cape/coat, it's adorable and I need one. Secondly, I completely agree that friendships are always evolving and you have to work to keep them going. I didn't leave home for undergrad so I kept the few friends who stayed home too for college, and I regret not making closer friends in college, but being a commuter made it hard. Now that people have graduated and are moving back, I'm rekindling a lot of old friendships and become closer to friends that I was really just acquaintances with before. Friendships evolve over time, you just have to go with the flow :)
Amia

Unknown said...

I'm loving this outfit! The polka dot shirt with the wine colored skirt is just perfection!

Friendship can be tricky, but they are so worth it in the end! I know that I'm struggling now as my friends and I have all moved off campus into different houses. That added with the fact that we are graduating this year has just added a lot of pressure!

xoxo,
Laura
http://lauraisthriftingthroughlife.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

It's true, friendship grows like a garden! You need to give it time, I'm sure guys will reconnect again!

On another note, you look so sweet in this outfit: the colors, the dots and the cape are the cutest!

Sara, Swing The Day Away said...

I know what you mean about feeling like you're the reason someone doesn't want to/can't hang out. It's just an insecurity/self doubt thing that is a little tough to get over. I still do it, sometimes but you just have to remember that the people in your life are in it for a good reason....because they enjoy you company! :) By the way...I love love LOVE this color combo and the outfit in general...especially the coat!

Unknown said...

Can't believe you found that cape in F21, it's super cute. And love the color of that skirt, I'm always looking for a skirt in that color (long or short, I need both!)

I try to maintain friendships, it's just easier with some people than others. I'm the type of person who can pick up right where we left off, even though it was from a year ago. Everyone is different though, I try to work with all the personalities in order keep in good terms with everyone :)

Ester Durães said...

wow I am so so much loving this outfit, Lauren! your cape is gorgeous, I am so jealous you own it! haha
-
Ester @ Drawing Dreaming

Mary said...

I promise college is not the last chance you get to make good friends, or even establish new groups :) I've been out of college now for two & a half (!) years and have yet again found myself having made incredible new friendships that quickly grew to be core people in my life!

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