Growing up is not easy for anyone. If at some point in life you did not go through an awkward stage, you probably peaked. Being awkward builds character. Going through phases of life feeling unsure about how to act was a normal part of middle school, otherwise known as the worst years of my life.
Personally, my awkward phase lasted from ages 8 to 15. These were the hardest years of my childhood because I knew I was no longer a cute little kid, yet I also was not an adult. I could not drive, vote, and until high school I rarely went anywhere without a parent. Ironically, my parents are the only ones in denial about how awkward and unfortunate looking I was.
Like every awkward child, I had to simply wait it out. After three years of braces, seven years of questionable haircuts, and two years learning why not to wear bright pink eye shadow, I had an ugly duckling to swan moment. Once I turned sixteen I no longer felt uncomfortable in my own skin. I was not an awkward child or preteen, I was an actual teenager. And thanks to Pinterest and YouTube, I finally knew how to apply makeup properly.
Being awkward builds character. While growing up I learned how to interact and socialize and now as an adult I feel more confident going on job interviews and meeting new people. It also helps knowing that I never have to deal with the unmanageable unibrow I was forced to have until I was thirteen. I can also rest easy knowing that I never have to return to shopping at stores like Justice, where it was acceptable to wear pink on pink.
I am grateful for going through an awkward stage and all of the lessons I have learned from it. The only downside is never wanting people to see any pictures of me as a kid.
