There’s Only One True Test for a Sunburn

If you have ever spent all day at the beach or lake wearing fewer clothes than would be acceptable anywhere else in society, you have probably gotten a sunburn.

Your family may try to warn you.

“Hon, you’re getting a little red.”

“I think you’re burning.”

“You might want to find some shade.”

But what do they know?

Sure, you may be as white as bleached flour and may not have seen direct sunlight since last summer—but you feel completely fine.

Your family is not the authority on whether you are sunburned.

You know what is?

The hot shower waiting for you later.

You can deny the redness. You can ignore the warnings. You can convince yourself it is just a healthy glow.

But when that first stream of hot water hits your shoulders and feels like lava pouring directly from a volcano, the debate is over.

You are burnt.

And unless you are willing to stink for the next several days, you have a few more of those showers in your future before you begin shedding your skin like a snake.

I am writing this because I recently became reacquainted with this authority.

Apparently, time makes you forget. But my memory has now been refreshed and should remain fully operational until approximately next summer.

So, if you are heading to the beach or lake, carry some sunscreen and apply it.

Or wear enough clothing that people begin asking if everything is okay.