With the fall semester clearly under way, many students across campus have fallen into their various daily routines. New notebooks are filled with inaugural doodles, untouched textbooks are opened for the first time, and some of the freshmen even know what classroom to go to.

On top of the time management trivialities, first impressions are being etched into others’ memories and permanent relationships are being formed. We are slowly evolving into adults – and, well, freshmen are trying their best. During this inevitable time of change, however, it is crucial to note the hidden dangers of peer pressure. From underage drinking to illegal drugs, the wrong crowd can ruin more than just your GPA. Like the blind leading the blind, bad decisions are truly contagious, especially at this naive age.

In fact, I have noticed an equally alarming trend growing among our nation’s youth. Far more dangerous than smoking or huffing, this immoral act is taking place on Arkansas Tech’s campus at this very moment – women wearing sweatpants.

Despite your preconceptions of active wear, I assure you that nothing can harm a young woman’s social standing like a pair of baggy sweatpants. With the knotting of a single drawstring, relationships will be ruined, single girls will stay single, and entire collegiate careers will be sacrificed for the sake of cotton. Imagine a modern-day scarlet letter, but in a trouser. Or think of it as The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, only with more sadness and less denim. Sweatpants are like sloths for your legs.

They are associated with all things lazy and unshaven. Like a burlap bag over your face, sweats cover your inner beauty to the entire male population.

I admit that this viewpoint is a bit of a double standard. In a perfect world, there would be equality among genders and, more importantly, no sweatpants whatsoever. Unfortunately we do not live in a utopia, and brands like Hanes and Nike are legally allowed to sell mistakes in multiple sizes.

While I don’t support any lady’s loungewear habit, I’m not a radical by any means. I will carry a conversation with a woman in athletic attire any day – and sometimes I don’t even ask what went wrong that morning.

I strive to be understanding. Addiction is dangerous, even if it is an addiction to comfort.

In conclusion, ladies, I urge you to take some pride in your appearance. Save the sweatpants for marriage. You are only young once. Why waste your youthful allure on a poly blend cotton? Don’t be afraid to kick up your skirt once in a while. There’s a whole world waiting for you out there. For your sake and mine, please don’t ruin it by wearing sweatpants.