The Word You're Probably Misusing

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Y'ALL: I hate summers in New York; it's true. I spent a long time in Texas, which is known for unbearable summers. But in Texas, we're constantly flooded with central air conditioning everywhere we go. We're either inside, with central air blowing the hair out of our faces, or in an air-conditioned car. There are also snow cones and pools everywhere (Texas is great. If you haven't been there, I suggest you get on the next plane out).

In New York, on the other hand, we are constantly overwhelmed by the heat. We have to walk everywhere. Even if you choose not to walk, if you want to connect via subway so you'll be dropped right off on the doorstep of wherever it is you're going, you are subjected to the infinite hell that is the New York underground subway system. It might actually be 10 degrees hotter in the underbelly of New York (though I do give credit where it's deserved: the subway trains themselves are air-conditioned).

My apartment only has an air-conditioning unit in my bedroom, and the buildings are just not quite as cold as I'd like them to be. Basically, during the summer, I must either confine myself to my bedroom or venture out into the sweltering heat that radiates from the pavement and envelops New York City.

I am by far at my worst in the summer: consistently broken out, sweaty, and frizzy-haired by the time I get anywhere. I'm so disgusting and disheveled by the time I get to social functions that I'm surprised anyone looks at me, let alone talks to me.

I am utterly embarrassed to be seen in public. Please don't judge me if you see me during the summer.

If this sounds overly whiny, hyperbolic, petulant, please, try living in New York for a summer. I promise you, if you're someone who is bothered by heat, it will be very hard to deal with. The oven-like heat might make you feel nauseated if you're not accustomed to it. Because of my overdramatic nature, I'd go so far as to say that summers in New York are nauseous.

"Nauseous" and "nauseated" are two very commonly confused words.

For the difference between them and how to use them, click here!