From lotioned skin to our pet cats to our favorite drinks, we seriously can’t even without these.
I can’t live without…
Diet Coke. My addiction to Diet Coke has become a serious point of concern in my life. Who knows what they put in there, but whatever it is, it’s nothing short of perfection. Nothing tastes better than an ice-cold Diet Coke with crunchy ice and a slice of lime on a hot summer day, or a large cup of Diet Coke accompanying popcorn and candy at the movies. No matter the meal, my drink of choice is Diet Coke. I cannot imagine if I was forced to live without it. If you asked me to describe the flavor of Diet Coke, I wouldn’t be able to tell you anything other than the fact that it is liquid gold. I thank my lucky stars every day that it exists, and that I can drink it whenever I want. The people who say that regular Coke tastes better have never had that perfect, crisp sip of Diet Coke. All it takes to take a bad day to a good one is an ice cold Diet Coke and a good TV show to watch. I am fairly certain that nobody has ever loved it as much as I do. I don’t know if I would be able to function as a normal person without it. So as long as I have Diet Coke, I won’t worry about the unknown chemicals or risks from having one a day– because I am just happy to have it. I am counting on all regular-Coke-enjoyers discovering the hype of the greatest diet drink ever created.
- Rachel Larsen
If fidget toys didn’t exist, I don’t know what I’d do. I’m constantly moving around, fidgeting all the time. Whether rocking back and forth, tapping my toes or bouncing my knees, flapping my hands, clicking my tongue, or twirling my pencil around, my body needs movement just as much as it needs air or food. So, I have some sort of fidget toy with me at all times. The bracelet I wear daily works as a toy. I keep a small squishy toy in my backpack, as well as a fidget I made out of LEGO. I’m always carrying around a small Slinky, and sometimes I even bring Play-Doh or kinetic sand to school. I’m always looking for more fidget toys to buy or play with at home. I’ve got a collection of pop-its, a handful of spinners and twirly tops, not to mention a massive pile of stuffed toys and blankets that I sometimes use as a sensory bin. I have a Pinterest board with dozens of fidgets I want saved. I don’t know what I’d do with all that fidgety energy if toys like that didn’t exist—so you can probably guess I’m playing with a fidget toy as I’m writing this.
- Amanda Waterhouse
One thing I can’t live without is warm weather. Going from living in the warmth of Florida to the frigid landlocked state of Colorado was a change that 8-year-old me didn’t think would be as terrible as it has been. I lived at the beach–in a bikini daily– and I was always swimming in pools. Now I wear six jackets and big Ugg boots just to walk to my car, even when it’s a thousand degrees out. I’ve traded sunscreen for chapstick, and pool days for slipping down my driveway. Don’t get me wrong, I love the mountains and snowboarding, but only in small doses. The second it starts snowing, I wake up already complaining, convinced the day will be horrific and cold. Meanwhile, it could be 107 degrees and humid, and I’d be ecstatic. I love Florida. I love thunderstorms. I love all that comes with warm weather. I need warmth to function and feel truly happy. If you think you know me in the winter, you don’t. The real me only shows up when the sun is shining and it’s warm. Nothing can ruin my day as long as the sun is cooking my skin and my windows are rolled down.
- Abbey Elalouf
Asking me what I can’t live without, you may think I would say something like my phone or airpods. But no. The thing I really can’t live without is Aquaphor. It might not be a very eye catching or flashy thing, but It has saved my life more times than I can count. It honestly deserves more respect than it gets. Chapped lips? Aquaphor. Dry hands? Aquaphor. I feel like it’s the Swiss army knife of possibilities. It can do so many different things and work in so many situations. Over the years, I have even used it on my eyelashes to make them look glossy and healthy, my eyebrows to help them stay in place, and even as a perfume enhancer, putting a little on my wrist before spraying my favorite sent. Some people rely on fancy lip balms, but all I need is my trusty tube of Aquaphor. Honestly, I would be lost without it. It’s one of those essential things I always keep close, whether in my backpack, track bag, or nightstand. It is just a great go-to stable. It may seem very simple, but I have found that sometimes the simplest things work the best. For me, that’s Aquaphor.
- Opal Grimes
My cat. She is my heart and soul. I could never live without her. Maybe “Can’t Live” sounds a little dramatic, but my cat makes my life so much better. I can’t imagine my life without her. Cats aren’t demanding like some pets– they’re happy with a scratch behind the ears and a comfy spot to nap. Marzipan, my cat, is always there, a quiet presence that makes my house feel like a home. Sometimes after a long day, just seeing her sleepy faces makes all my stress melt away. She doesn’t judge my bad moods or ask too many questions. She just offered a gentle brush and a comfy meow. Maybe other people don’t get it. Maybe they think it’s just an animal. For me, Marzipan is more than that. She’s my best friend. A silent listener, and a constant source of joy. The more I think about it, the more I realize how deeply woven she is into the fabric of my everyday life. It’s not just about the cuddles and the purrs, it’s about something more fundamental. There’s this companionship. Living alone can feel quiet. With Marzipan, there’s always a constant. She explores, naps, and battles so much for such a little cat. There’s always something to observe and smile at. She fills the silence in a way that feels comforting, not lonely. Life without that? It would feel empty.
- Chloe Blair
One thing I can’t live without is an iced vanilla latte. It might seem basic, but no one truly gets this drink like I do. The second that I take my first crisp sip of an iced vanilla latte, something is awoken in me. I feel revived. It’s the perfect drink. The bitter espresso with the creamy milk and the sweet vanilla syrup make it the best pairing to ever exist. I love iced vanilla lattes so much that my whole day gets ruined when they taste burnt or watery. Having my latte made wrong takes away my happiness for the whole day. It’s like a sign from the universe that tells me my day is gonna be horrible. Additionally, I despise getting my coffee from any big chain. No place will do it as well as a small, local coffee shop. Coffee just tastes better in a plastic cup from a local coffee shop rather than through Starbucks’ “sippy cup lids” (which I also despise). An iced vanilla latte is always gonna do it for me, and no other type of drink can ever top it.
- Ben Lehman
