The Reputation Era: Your Version

…Are you ready for it? With spring on the horizon, it’s time to enter a new season: your reputation era. However, we’re not talking about the trendy TikTok-take on the subject; we’re talking about the Taylor-approved one. Many associate Swift’s “reputation” phase with a rage-filled quest for vengeance and an obsession with karma. But, if we really listen to what Taylor has to say, we’ll see there’s more to it than revenge. At its core, the rep era is about wisely choosing who you trust, relishing in private contentment and putting your peace first.

If you want to get smarter and harder in the nick of time, your best bet is to listen to the lyrics she strategically and lovingly penned in “reputation.” Taylor’s vision for this time of transformation is perfectly laid out for us in this masterful album. The following advice will guide you through your journey to embodying a Taylor rising from the ashes – prepare to enter your reputation era.

“Here’s a toast to my real friends”

Taylor, like us mere mortals, has experienced betrayal from her friends. Unfortunately, it happens to the best of us! Pay attention to how your besties treat you and make sure they actually have your best interests at heart. You don’t necessarily need to kick anyone to the curb, but one of the keys to entering your rep era is knowing who you can trust.

“You must like me for me”

Sure, the reputation era is all about not taking anyone’s shit, but an essential component everyone seems to forget is finding true love. As always, it’s easier said than done. When opening your heart to romance, take pointers from our matriarch, Ms. Swift. During her disappearance from the public eye, she fell in love with Joe Alwyn – now, her boyfriend of five years. Alwyn accepts and adores her, impervious to all the public slander she receives. Take your cue from Tay and her bae: don’t settle for less than anyone who stands by you and loves you unconditionally.

“Nobody’s heard from me for months”

In 2016, Taylor deleted all of her posts on social media. No one physically saw her for a year. She traveled inside a suitcase to avoid paparazzi. We’re not saying you need to take these drastic measures, but if you feel inclined, take a social media break. Revel in the freedom of abandoning the constant content curation. Refocus from a lens to real life.

“The old Taylor can’t come to the phone right now”

Image Courtesy: “Look What You Made Me Do” Music Video - Taylor Swift

Old habits don’t have to die hard. Your rep era is the perfect time to work on becoming a person you’re proud of. When the pressures of chasing popularity evaporate, you’ll have more leeway to indulge in introspection. Leave the old you behind and emerge from the chrysalis of your past, new and improved.

“Hold on to the memories, they will hold on to you”

Your college years flee faster than a getaway car. A key component of your rep era is making memories with the people who really know and love you. Want to take a girls trip to New York? Get on that plane. Is your favorite artist going on tour? Buy those concert tickets. Maybe making memories just means relishing in your friends’ company. Whatever it may be, make sure you make this time count so when you look back on it, it will be cast in a rosy glow.

Now that we have revered the words sung by Swift, we can move forward with our new era of life. Baby, let the games begin.

Strike Out,

Writer: Daniella Conde

Editor: Kate Corcoran

Graphics: Jordan Corina

Gainesville