We all know our teenage years can get the best of us. We don't know who we are yet, and we think we have the world figured out -- despite our parents telling us otherwise. And the most important thing in the world seems to be one thing: boys. You'll make endless mistakes, and that is okay. Now that I am in my 20s, I look back at my teenage years and I may or may not want to cringe -- or at least punch myself in the face for all the dumb choices I made. I wish I figured out these few things sooner rather than later, but hey, you live and you learn right?
1. Girls Rule, Boys Drool
First things first, teenage boys are literally dumb as hell. Stop giving him all your attention when he gives you none. When he stands you up for a date once -- do not let him do it again and again. When he ignores you in front of his friends, or won't hold your hand in public, know you're worth more than that and walk away. But here's the real kicker: do not give him all of you in return for more attention or to feel more secure in where you stand with him -- he will only disappoint you in the end. If he breaks your heart, and I'm sorry to say that one eventually will, you will be okay. You will rebuild and realize you are far better without him, and hanging with the girls is way more fun.
2. Girls Will Be Mean, So Be a Nice One
Okay, so I learned this at a very young age: girls are nasty to one another. But here's the thing: you don't have to be. There will always be those who love to pick out the smallest things about you and make fun of you for it. I won't sit here and say I've never said a mean thing behind a someone's back, but I have never bullied someone for any reason, or went out of my way to hurt someone just because of the way they look or their personal qualities. If we continue to treat each other like crap then it just gives guys an excuse to treat us the same way, because why would they treat us with respect if we can't even do it ourselves? We should be encouraging each other and lifting each other up instead of tearing each other down and degrading one another. Tell the girl across the room her hair looks cute, or her makeup looks good that day. Let your new teammate know she can do it and that she's doing a good job. If you see one girl being mean to another, step in and stop it. Take a younger girl under your wing and watch out for her. Ask a girl that keeps to herself if she wants to hang out after school or come sleep over. Spread love instead of hate.
3. Be Confident In Who You Are
I think this is a huge point to make. Be happy with who you are. I'll admit I still look at other girls and see how beautiful they are and I wish I that looked like them. (Hello Kendall Jenner!) But, I have also come to this realization: love the color of your hair, the color of your eyes, your pale or tanned skin, your creativeness, your nationality, your athletics -- just about everything that makes you who you are as a person. Don't change a certain thing about you to fit in with a certain group of friends or to impress your crush. Real friends or a real love interest will love you for you and you won't have to change a single thing about yourself. It can already be confusing at times to find yourself and decide what kind of person you want to be, so don't try changing to fit a certain lifestyle or group of friends if that isn't who you really are. Be you and don't change for anyone.
4. Find Something You Love and Immerse Yourself In It
When I was around thirteen or fourteen years old, I found my love for photography and I haven't stopped following it since. I realized how much I instantly loved creating work that meant something and I completely fell into it. I lived and breathed for it - I still do. When you're a teen, if you find something you love: Love it with all you have. Whether it is sports, music, art, food, or writing, go after it full speed. Do not go in half hearted, go in to your dreams head on and be furiously passionate.
5. Don't Grow Up Too Fast
Last but not least, take your time growing up. Before you know it, high school will be over and everyone will move into different directions. Friendships will change -- whether it is for good or bad. You'll move away from home and find yourself having to conquer being on your own for the first time. By the time your senior year is done, I know you can't wait for summer and to move on to college. But take your time, enjoy the last year you have with most of your classmates all together. When its over, its over. The older you get, the faster life seems to fly by, so enjoy being a kid and don't forget to call mom and dad for advice. Like I said earlier, I'm in my 20s and I still call dad to help me figure out how to install a curtain rod in my apartment, or call my mom to go to breakfast, or just ride on errands with me. Enjoy being a teen because it will be over before you know it, and then you're a grownup wishing you were young again.
