So I was chatting to the assistant in the optometrist’s the other day (as you do), when we started swapping sunburn stories.
Being of a similar vintage, we grew up back when getting a tan was cool. When your skin peeling off was the sign of a good holiday, and we coated our legs in baby oil at school sports carnivals, in pursuit of the perfect tan.
I have no idea how we got onto the subject. Seriously. I mean one minute I’m getting my new frames adjusted, the next we’re comparing notes on our worst sunburn ever, like we’re besties. And I don’t even know her name.
Which is pretty amazing when you consider our stories!
Her worst sunburn was the result of wagging school one fine day with her friends, and ending up at the beach instead. They decided to make the most of the tanning opportunity by pulling their swimmers right up into their bum cracks as they lay on the sand. (Gives the term “rosy cheeks” a whole new meaning doesn’t it!)
My new friend was so sunburned, sore and sorry after her escapade that she learned two valuable lessons:
- Don’t wag school and hit the beach because your sunburn will give you away; and
- Always wear sunscreen. Always.
Apparently she got so badly burned she had blisters on her bum, and was unable to sit down for days. She was forced to lie on her front across a bean bag instead. Ouch!
My Worst Sunburn Ever
My worst sunburn ever was as a result of lying on the beach on our honeymoon. I stupidly didn’t think I could get sunburned on an overcast day … I was in so much pain I couldn’t wear a bra, and the poor hubster couldn’t come anywhere near me. Not a very romantic honeymoon!
I’ve had the odd sunburn since then but thankfully none have been as bad, as the slip-slop-slap message has taken hold.
By the time my kids came along we were much more skin cancer aware, so they will have far fewer memories of sunburn. And just think, maybe by the time their kids are grown, swapping sunburn stories could be a thing of the past!
Now it’s your turn – go on, share the story of your worst sunburn ever in the comments below …
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