You see that photo above? That was my group of friends when I was in middle school. That was not even 10 years ago, and we were all going through what is known as the normal "awkward" stage. There were glasses and braces, perms and middle parts, random growth spurts, wearing last year's clothes, flip phones and instant messenger, our parents talking before going to each other's houses, and trying to find our place in the world.
As I scroll through Facebook daily, I come across photos and statuses that you would think come from a 20 or so year old woman, but to take a second look and see that they actually were posted by a young teenager. The overall look of teenagers has changed dramatically over the years, they go from a child straight to adult woman overnight. There's no in-between cute or awkward stage anymore. I was one, not that long ago, and the amount of pressure and risen standards that's given to teenagers now, makes me thankful that I'm not one in today's world.
So, here's to my sister's generation.
Dear Today's Teenage Girl,
Whether you're just turning 13 or are on the brink of 19, everything that happens in your teenage years isn't supposed to be perfect, and you're not supposed to be either.
Don't let society or some boy make you think you're not smart or pretty enough, because really nobody will ever be.
Spend time with your friends and take lots of pictures, because those nights you spent laughing and hanging out on the couch watching movies is what you'll miss most when you're older.
Take many photos and do dorky things; make yourself and other laugh. When you're older, you can look back and see how embarrassing your were and compare it to how embarrassing you still are. Quirky personalities are better than boring ones.
Don't say "I love you" after three weeks of dating and post it all over Facebook. Having a boyfriend is "cool" at your age, if you want to even really call it that, but chances are you'll have a new one in a few weeks and there will be many to come in and out of your life.
And when you have your heart broken, soak it in and hate the day and him, but then let the friendship keep going and let it teach you that not everything works out how you want it to, and that's OK.
Having the latest and fashionable clothes isn't all that, because one day that's what you'll have to dress like every day for work when really you'd give anything to wear a T-shirt and sweats every day.
And the same goes for the face full of make up. When you're getting ready for the day, look in the mirror and remind yourself that you're pretty without it. You don't have to look like you're 25 when you're really 15.
Paying attention in school and actually going to class now will benefit you when you're in college. Being smart isn't bad, because it will put you above others for college and your job.
Spend time with your parents and family, because they probably are a lot of fun and you only think of how embarrassing they are.
Be nice and respectful to people older, younger, and the same age as you, because that's the reputation you'll have in the eyes of many for years.
Going to parties to drink and hang out with the older crowd isn't what your focus should be on, because what fun do you have to look forward to when you actually turn 21?
Spend more time with face-to-face interactions and pay attention when people talk to you, rather than be on your phone constantly. While looking down on your phone constantly, you'll always miss out on so much going on around you.
Surround yourself with friends that have the same personalities and likes as you, rather than a group that you're trying to constantly fit into. It's a lot less work and you'll have more fun.
Don't scroll through Facebook thinking about how much better everybody else's lives are, because people only put what they want others to see online.
And lastly, remember that you're in an age that you have very few big responsibilities, so soak it up. Enjoy being young and everything that it offers rather than racing to be an adult... It's really not all that great.
Love,
A Woman Who Thinks You're Great
