2019, it’s not you, it’s me...I am tired of you.

Every year has its ups and downs. Some years are downright tragic, some are banner years. Twenty-nineteen may have been one or the other for you, but the end of any year always brings retrospection and the opportunity for growth. As we move on to greener pastures in 2020, let’s look at some things from 2019 that no longer serve a purpose and we’ll be happy to bid adieu.   

First up, let’s say goodbye to gender reveals. This wildly unnecessary practice has become banal and tacky. No matter what the reveal is, boy, girl, twins, people always cheer. (And why wouldn’t they?  Why would someone, other than a sibling, be invested in whether someone else is going to raise a son or daughter?) Truth is, the family and friends featured in these inane videos are just happy the couple is welcoming a child. Enjoy your baby shower, gush over your gifts, be glad for your blessing but don’t act like there is genuine suspense in something with 50/50 odds.

Speaking of things people are tired of being subjected to on social media, where do these insipid quizzes come from and why do people take them? I can guarantee you, no one is interested in which “Love, Actually” character you are (and to the person who did get 3 likes, it’s the equivalent of somebody saying, “Bless your heart!”). Don’t wait until the new year, just stop posting these immediately.

The only time I watch home improvement shows is when I am getting a mani/pedi and even so I am already tired of shiplap. Is there no other building material available in these mammoth hardware stores? Also, man caves and she sheds are played out and trite. Why can’t there be a hobby-pursuit space or a sports team worship room that all family members can enjoy? These shows are a guilty indulgence but when every episode mentions the same tired trends, it gets monotonous so kick it to the curb (or berm as I learned from watching DIY network.)

Finally, I resolve not to attend any more MLM guilt-tripping, come to my house and shop at my imaginary store disguised as a party events this coming year. I am kissing this obligation good-bye in 2019 because yes, I can buy that at a retail store or online, no, I don’t know anyone who has ever become financially independent this way, and omg those leggings are hideous! 

So long 2019 and take these minor annoyances with you, I am eager to see what 2020 will have to offer.

About The Author

Christina is a life-long Rhode Islander who has been dedicated to mission-driven human services work. A mother of two, she recycles, composts, and runs her household with solar energy. An animal lover and a world traveler, this bon vivant has jumped out of a plane, bungee jumped (twice!), run over the Newport Bridge, swum across Narragansett Bay, and penguin plunged.