Matt Joseph Diaz

Of course, summertime also seems to come hand-in-hand with partial nudity. Wearing next to nothing out in public is just as important a part of summer as barbecues and trips to the beach. That is, unless you’re anything outside the socially acceptable body types. Then it suddenly becomes an opportunity for people to dole out their own specific kind of “fashion justice.”

This week, Matt addresses everyone out there with a lady as their partner. Which is a lot of us, so listen up.

Dear 16-Year-Old, 500 Pound Matt,

As much as you want to believe people are all the same, we don’t have the luxury of being seen as the “default” in the same way white, straight, cis people often are. We don’t have the luxury of dismissing our painful history and systemic issues for the sake of everyone getting along, because we’re still in the middle of them.

It's Monday — Boo! But, it's also time for another installment of #MondaysWithMatt — Yeah! 

Everyone messes up, so you can bank on future opportunities to apologize. When the time comes for owning up to your own mistakes, these tips will help ensure you make the most of making amends.

This week, Matt shares what he wishes he learned in high school.

You are not where you're from, and you are not your environment.

My roommates [...] weren't aware that I live with bipolar disorder until a few weeks after I first moved in. In the month or so since, I’ve learned a lot about the way we approach our interpersonal relationships when living with mental illness, especially with those who are closest to us — both emotionally and literally.

This week: Find what fuels you, and don't beat yourself up if what's fueling you right now is "surviving."