Dear Alternative Me,

Hi, it’s 18 year old you. Right now you are probably binge listening to Evanescence in an outfit that was entirely bought at Hot Topic. You might even be wearing those black knee high converse, you know the ones mom hated.

You, like many other middle school students, are trying to find your place in the world. You know you aren’t goth like you’re sixth grade best friend, but you don’t identify with the norms of middle school. So you’re a self declared “rocker chick.” You’re obsessed with wearing fishnets and fingerless gloves. You also want to pierce your entire face, maybe get a tattoo or two when you’re older. Mom’s worried this phase will last forever and she won’t let you dye your hair blue. You think that’s so annoying, but trust me you’ll be grateful later.

Right now everyone is telling you this is just a phase, but you’re convinced this is who you are. You believe you’ll be a “rocker chick” forever. I hate to break it to you, but you won’t. You’re going to give up your fishnets forever once you move, and you won’t wear fingerless gloves ever again after this year. When you move, mom’s going to take this opportunity to throw away those knee high converse you love so much. You’ll barely shop at Hot Topic except when you’re friends insist you go. As you grow older, you’ll find that you identify less and less with your former alternative self. You’ll go from Hot Topic to Forever 21. I know, the horror! You’ll never dye your hair, except when you get highlights before senior year. You’ll never pierce your face, because let’s be honest you hate needles too much to even pierce your ears.

This is the beginning of your many transitional phases. In 9th grade, you’ll buy a lot crop tops and only wear tight clothing. In 10th grade you’ll calm down and try out your alternative phase again. This is when you’ll realize that that part of you only exists in your music taste. Although you will move on from Evanescence. In fact, you’ll make fun of it a lot when you’re older.

In 11th grade you’ll start to buy more bohemian and chic clothing, edging towards your modern day style. Over the years you will have discovered new music genres, high waisted jeans, and a new look. In the end you’ll be happy with it I promise, although right now you probably would look at this new you in disgust. Phases are a part of growing up and let’s face it, you can’t wear Hot Topic forever.

Sincerely,

Your Future Self