Dear 17 Year Old Me,
So I know you aren’t having a fantastic day whatsoever. I know you spent today trying not to cry during school and actively trying to avoid them in the halls. You had to sit right next to him in class and that makes you want to cry even harder. Your world is shaken. You’ve liked him since the 5th grade and in the end, it didn’t work out. It didn’t just “not work out." It came crashing down in flames. Well here is what I have to tell you: I am 21 right now and looking back I smile because although the drama going on now is your world, it won’t matter in five years. It won’t even matter in a year. The “them” you try to avoid in the halls will actually become good friends again. One more than the other. Please don’t ever get mad at a friend over a boy. Girl friends are important. They will stand by you. Also, your mom is pretty great too, which I think you know. She will ALWAYS be there to talk. Let her know what’s up.
Now I know you are thinking, “But there will never be anyone better than him.” Let me break the good and bad news to you. There will be other boys. You will realize the reason why it didn’t work out now, BUT it won’t work out with any of the others. You may be in the “friendzone” for a while. However, you will also realize, that boys aren’t the world and they aren’t necessary. You are smart, beautiful, and loved by the Lord above. That is enough. Also, you will be happy you didn’t have any relationships in high school…or college for that matter.
Next order of business: You also feel like you don’t have friends anymore. No worries! You will find many friends in the least likely of places. One of those people will become one of your very best friends. Be patient and open your eyes to those around you. The new friends you will find are in your life already. As I said before, your heart will heal and faster than you think! Don’t decide “they” will never be your friends again. They are wonderful people that you need to forgive. Of course that takes time. Don’t wish high school away either because you will realize with a month left of school, your best times of high school are still to come. Relish in those moments!
Also you are probably wondering what to do about those last dances of high school. Yes, your assumed date is actually dating your best friend right now. Be confident! Go to homecoming alone and have a fantastic time. And prom…well, I’ll let you figure out that one on your own. You may have to do the asking, but you’ll have the most fantastic date ever!
Lastly, love yourself. Don’t find your worth in guys. You will learn down the road that being cold doesn’t fix any problems. Forgive and love people. Luckily, you learn this in time so that friendships in the future don’t crash and burn, you can love people to the fullest, and rejection becomes less devastating. Remember this: You can’t help if a boy doesn’t like you. It doesn’t mean you aren’t capable of being loved. Nothing is wrong with you. Also, the next time a boy tells you he doesn’t like you (which will come), don’t get angry. Just love him. It will make it easier. So much easier. You will be a better person because of it. Most importantly remember: God chooses to love you every day, which is richer than any love on earth!
LOVE,
Katherine