I try not to regret the past. I believe that everything happens for a reason and turns out the way it’s supposed to. Sometimes though, I do wish that I could go back to high school and tell myself so many things that would have made life better at the time. As I reflect on high school, I think about the decisions that I made that caused terrible reactions and consequences that could have been avoided. Maybe you can relate to some of these things, maybe you know someone in high school who needs to hear some of the mistakes that we so commonly make. Regardless, we’re human and prone to making mistakes, but there are some things from high school I wish I could have known beforehand that could have made it an easier time.

The following are 39 things that I wish I knew in high school:

1. You’re beautiful without all that makeup

2. Your mom is your best friend

3. Nothing better happens after midnight

4. That boy that cheated on you will do it again

5. Your family is your biggest support system

6. What sport you played or what clubs you were in doesn’t matter after high school

7. Sex is your choice, make sure you’re ready

8. Curfews aren’t the worst thing in the world

9. The drama isn’t worth getting upset over

10. Love yourself

11. Rumors/gossip don’t last long

12. Speeding isn’t cool, you will get a ticket

13. Don’t cry over boys

14. Having pride in your school isn’t stupid

15. How popular you are doesn’t matter when high school is over

16. Heavy eye makeup doesn’t look good on you

17. You don’t need a boy to make you happy, create your own happiness

18. Don’t go back to the boy that hurt you

19. PINK clothes don’t make you popular, they’re just expensive

20. Actually study for the ACT, don’t just blow it off

21. Visit more than a few colleges

22. Put the phone away during dinner; spend quality time with your parents

23. Not every action requires a reaction

24. Not every friend you have has your best intention at heart

25. Some things don’t belong on social media

26. If your parents don’t like him, he’s not the one

27. Don’t let your weight bother you

28. Don’t be so naive

29. Take fire/disaster drills seriously, you never know when something could happen

30. Put the phone away and pay attention in class

31. Complimenting someone you’ve never talked to isn’t weird

32. You don’t have to have a date for homecoming/prom

33. Lies will catch up to you eventually

34. Take every dual credit class you can

35. The ex you’re missing doesn’t miss you, move on

36. Getting good grades doesn’t make you a nerd

37. Be your own person, don’t follow everyone else

38. True friends will defend you when you’re not around

39. Realize that high school is only four years, and it goes by fast