When I was 16, I thought I knew everything, just like every other 16-year-old out there. This was the age that I felt absolutely invincible. I had just gotten my license and a new car, so nothing was going to stop me. But oh boy, was I wrong. Reality hit shortly after. When you're 16, you don't know anything compared to what you're about to learn.
1. You don't know everything.
When I was 16, you could try to tell me anything, but my answer was most likely "I know," "I am," or "I'm fine." I was stubborn as hell and there was no budging when I felt that I was right. While I am still stubborn, I'm more perceptive to the opinions of others and more likely to take my mother's advice.
2. That boy you're dating will most likely not be your husband.
It is a very slim chance that the boy you are dating at 16, or any age in high school, is not going to be your husband. I thought that I was 100 percent going to be with the guy I was dating at 16 forever, but I was so wrong. Don't put your all into those relationships because they may not last. I mean, don't get me wrong — I've seen some of those high school sweethearts actually work out, but those chances are slim to none.
3. Sneaking out isn't worth it in the long run.
When you're 16, your parents probably aren't going to let you out at midnight to go to an unsupervised house party. So what did we all do? We snuck out our windows and back doors and took it upon ourselves to make that happen. But the truth is, it's really not worth it. While it was fun in the moment, the aftermath and all the time spent worrying while you're there is just too much. And let's be real — the pillow trick? You're not fooling anyone.
4. Your mom isn't a controlling bitch. She just loves you and wants you to actually make it to college (the real fun), and she will probably end up as one of your best friends.
At 16, the last thing you want is guidance from your mom. You want to be independent and free. You have a car and feel like you can do anything. But the truth is that your mom is just trying to protect you and prepare you. Her goal most likely isn't to make your life miserable and keep you from having an ounce of fun. Listen to her. She knows what she's talking about.
5. Smile with your teeth because everyone already knows you have braces.
I was fortunate enough to never have braces, but I did have those awkward years of horrible teeth. If you have braces, you're not fooling anyone when you smile with your lips closed or try to show only the tops of your teeth. You've got braces and everybody knows, so embrace it. See what I did there?
6. Playing dumb won't get you anywhere. Boys don't think it's cute.
I've seen so many girls let everyone think that they are dumb as dirt just to get attention or the boy they want. It's only hurting them, and the boys don't actually like that. It just makes them think they have a better chance of getting in your pants.
7. Eyeliner is meant to be thin and flattering. It is not supposed to make you look like a raccoon.
I look back on pictures of my early high school years and think to myself, "What in the world was I thinking?" Not only was my makeup horrendous, but the faces we made in those selfies were NOT flattering.
8. Pay attention in driver's ed; it will get you out of a ticket.
You don't value what you learned in driver's ed until you get pulled over for the first time. That's when you start pulling out everything you know and trying to impress that cop in hopes he doesn't write you a ticket.
9. Dressing up every day in high school isn't as important as you think it is.
I dressed up every single day in high school. I didn't really ever wear sweats or a T-shirt after my freshman year, and when I did, you knew something was wrong. But I can tell you it is not worth it. I was going for the senior superlative of best dressed, and while I loved how great it felt to wear my cute clothes every day, sleep was more important, and I didn't truly realize that until I got to college. If you're going to dress up every day in high school, do it for yourself, not others.
10. If you're a size 0 or 2, we all know that's a bombshell bra under that tank top.
I can't even tell you the number of times I saw this in high school and even today in college sometimes, but we all know that, if you are stick skinny, you probably aren't rocking double D's. So just do yourself a favor and wear the right bra size so you don't have to be embarrassed when summer rolls around and it's time to wear that bikini and all of the sudden your boobs disappeared.
11. School is more important than you think, so care about your grades.
Luckily I've always been a low-key nerd, but I saw many of my friends just not care or do anything in high school because they didn't feel like it mattered. While I made good grades, I just slid by like some people because I didn't want to do the work and I probably waited until the last minute. Reality hit when I came to college: I should have done more in high school.
12. You're not a grown-up just because you have your license.
When I got my license, I felt like my parents had no control over me at some points. But what we don't remember is who bought the car, who makes the payments, why we are lucky enough to have that car insurance we have to have, and who is most likely filling up your tank. My mom put a tracker in my car when I was 16 and I was furious. I mean I was enraged. I was supposed to be an 'adult' now. I had my own car, license and job, so I could do anything I wanted, when I wanted and how I wanted, at least in my mind. Nope, I was still 16 and living under my mom's roof not paying rent, so no, I was not an adult yet. Hello, reality check.
13. Don't stress too much when you argue with your friends. If they're your true friends, it'll work out.
Drama, the one thing that pretty much encompasses all high school girls. I mean, if there is no drama, is there really any point in high school?
14. Be nice to your siblings. They are cooler than you think.
I fought with my brother and sister like it was my job sometimes. Never did I think they would be two of my best friends, that I would rely on them for so much. It makes me wonder, if all that time we spent fighting was actually used for good instead, how much better my high school years could have been.
15. Spend time with your family. They're going to be the only ones there in the end.
When I was in high school, I was all about friends and going out to places as much as I could. I don't have many regrets because I believe you learn something good from every mistake, but not spending more time with family while I had it is definitely one. I didn't realize how important it was to give them more time because my friends would come and go, but my family wasn't going anywhere.
16. Don't be in such a hurry to grow up.
I dreamed of freedom during my high school years. It was all I wanted, to have my own place and be in college. And while all of it is great, I should have soaked up the time at home being a kid as long as I could. Growing up is fun, but it could have waited just a little bit longer.
