Intimacy and honesty do not mix. At least that's what we are taught. God forbid we should spill our guts about a fling or how much we drank at the party last week. Attraction, uncertainty, exclusivity, intimacy, engagement, and marriage follow in rapid succession, provided we behave the way society dictates. As a result, most Americans conform and are married between the ages of 20 and 30, and by the age of 30, they have or are in the process of having children.
Life is a complex series of ups and downs and, as a result, is hard as hell.
I have never fully recovered from my period of absenteeism. I will tell you though, I rarely submit to my social expectations. I speak my mind as often as I can. I have regained my place in my own life, although it's not quite the same. I don't participate in as many activities and my major is no longer Pre-med.