My heart breaks for all of the things young women put up with in their youth. One of my fiance's cousins is having a major crisis because of a boy who simply won't leave her alone. However, she hasn't blocked him on social media or anything, which blows my mind. I could see the hurt and confusion and anger as she was telling me all sorts of things about how awful this boy was treating her--and they weren't even dating anymore!
I wanted to just say something to all of my female cousins as I get ready to marry into their family:
When it comes to dating, and boys, and high school, I generally have one rule: Don't. Boys in high school generally have no idea what they are looking for, nor do they have the capacity to treat any woman with the respect she deserves. Give yourself the satisfaction of knowing that you are untouchable by any guy in high school. Use high school as an opportunity to grow.
Never, ever let a boy be the determining factor in your happiness. Never let him steal your joy or take away your precious thinking space. No boy should have the ability to keep you up at night. Don't ever lose sleep over a boy, no matter the circumstances.
You have inherent value. You've had this value since the day you were born. Never let a boy try to define your value. You are worth so much more than some boy who wants to just have sex or hang out with you without any real meaning to the relationship.
Never date a blatantly disrespectful boy twice. Don't give him the satisfaction of being able to have him whenever you want. You are worth something, so never allow a boy to have the power to make you feel like you're less than what you're worth.
Dress how you feel you're worth. Dress to be successful. Dress to be a boss ass bitch because that's what you are. This doesn't mean dressing in the most conservative outfits, but dressing with the respect you deserve and to emit the image you want for yourself.
You are so much more than a number on a scale. Do not let society's definition of beauty keep you from living your best life. If you want to eat, eat. If you want to work out, work out as hard as you can. Do whatever you can do to be your best.
Love yourself immensely. No one will love you harder than you will love yourself. If a boy says he loves you more, tell him that you love yourself the most. That's what counts here.
And, finally, be yourself. I know this sounds so corny, but at the end of the day, you are the only person who can be you. Everyone else sucks at being you. Never try to be something that you aren't because you will only fail at it. Hold your friends and family close
