What "Hot Girl Summer" Means to You

Let’s take the focus off the boys, it’s called Hot *Girl* Summer for a reason

by JOLIE ZENNA ★ JUNE 30, 2021

Okay, ladies. It is *officially* Hot Girl Summer, and it’s been a long time coming after this crazy year we have had. Now that the time is finally here, I know what many of you may be thinking: you’re single and you are going to make the most out of it this summer--and you totally should--but it’s important to keep in mind that the number of guys you get with has no jurisdiction over how hot you are. Even though the root of Hot Girl Summer may be a way to encourage girls to let loose and have fun, it also comes with a certain pressure. With Hot Girl Summer bucket lists and checklists telling girls to hook up with this many guys and go out this many times, Hot Girl Summer can begin to feel more like a competition instead of a way to give you the best summer ever.

FIRST. OF. ALL. Being a “hot girl” can mean so many things besides getting with the most guys. Whether it’s taking some time to work on yourself or finding a new hobby, you are your hottest self when you are your happiest self, so this summer you should do whatever makes you happy to achieve the ultimate Hot Girl Summer. Throw out the bucket list you found on Tik Tok and make one of your own with things that you are passionate about, because Hot Girl Summer means something different to everyone.

Here’s what “Hot Girl Summer” means to SU girls:

“A Hot Girl Summer is more about being kind to yourself and being a confident bad bitch. It is also about self growth and being your authentic self.” -Emma, 19

“Finding myself and discovering new passions and working hard so I can be independent.” -Rachael, 19

“Being productive and making a difference but also leaving time for myself to have fun and hang with friends.” -Jordyn, 19

Now it is your turn to find out what makes you feel like your hottest self. This summer, things are really opening up, so the opportunities are endless. Use this time to focus on yourself and your own needs, whether that’s going out with friends or catching up on some *much* needed self care. Do not think of Hot Girl Summer as a race to the finish line of the most hook ups, but instead a slow and steady path to becoming your best self. You should feel no pressure to get with guys in order to have a Hot Girl Summer because let’s face it, letting how many guys we get with determine how hot we are is not hot at all. Hooking up can be fun and exciting, but letting it determine how hot you are is problematic and not true. To be our hottest selves we have to make ourselves the priority and do what we love without depending on male validation.