Dear 16-year-old me,

Listen to Mom and Dad. They seem so annoying and ridiculous, but they are right; your grades do matter and you don't need to hang out with your friends on school nights. Eat dinner with them, reply to their texts and follow their rules. You're going to miss them so much someday when you're sitting in your dorm room feeling alone and wanting to be home. Remember that they've done high school before, they know what you should and shouldn't do and want what's best for you. Oh and talk to your little brother, he's not as bad as you think. He's actually pretty great.

That guy you're dating doesn't matter.He seems like the  most important thing right now but in a few years you won't talk to him or think about him at all anymore. He's not worth the tears or the time. A friend will mention his name or he'll post something on Facebook and you'll laugh and wonder why you put so much time into someone like him.  

Don't post that selfie on Facebook... or Twitter... or Instagram.  Just don't. Please. You don't need people to like or favorite a picture of you on social media to feel good about yourself, you're worth more than that. Take pictures with your friends and your family and of the stuff happening around you. You'll be so much more happy you have those pictures than a hundred mirror selfies.

Stop trying to grow up so fast. The future you have is so fun and fulfilling, but it will all come with time. Live for the day instead of always planning for tomorrow. Always take the time to stop and laugh and be silly. You have such fun friends who love you; make sure you treat them as well as they treat you. 

You're not fat, or stupid, or ugly. You're you and that's an amazing thing. Be proud of who you are and what you have to offer the world. It's all going to work out someday, and be better than you've ever imagined. 

Love, 

Mollie