A Cali Girl Who Doesn't Tan?

California girls are known for having nice tanned skin. Many of my friends and family members love to go tanning whenever they have a chance to. However, I am one of the few people who dislike tanning.

I have gone tanning before and it seemed enjoyable, but I recently realized it was fun because I was with people I cared about. I always agreed to go with my cousins and my aunt to the river to tan. Getting ready to go was fun, so was the car ride, then it got boring. We would lay there, listen to music and read magazines - if we remembered to bring them. It is relaxing; however, I can recall that I would rather be playing volleyball or go swimming.

As a personal choice, I prefer to have a lighter complexion. I have been judged before for not wanting to get “bronzy” skin, but it just did not appeal to me. Looking back on these memories, I believe I was so influenced to be like the majority that I tanned to fit it. Now, I realized it did not mater what people thought of me. If a friend asks me to join them I will agree only to hangout with them. I will wear normal clothes instead of a bathing suit, and I will put on sunscreen instead of tanning lotion.