Throughout my many years being a teenager (I'm basically done with that once I turn 20), I've learned and observed some important aspects of the way in which teenagers operate. Most notably, we get embarrassed way too often. The “self-conscious” phase we go through is so intense that it can almost destroy the souls of those who never really learn to accept themselves.

Of course, this kind of phase is all a part of growing up. Where would we be if not for those awkward, uncomfortable photos of us as teenagers wearing bras over our t-shirts and thinking we look just like Avril Lavigne?

However, the problem is when we become adults, and we take this self-consciousness with us. For some, just the mindset of getting over the fact that embarrassing things happen really doesn’t develop until they’re senior citizens receiving help from someone else to wipe their butt. This should so not be the case!

Here are some examples of things that I’ve just learned to say “screw it” to, because excessive worrying will get us nowhere, people.

1. Farting in public.

Way to start of gross, huh? Now I’m not suggesting to just rip a big one every time you’re around people. But for the love of all that is just, don’t kill yourself trying to hold in a fart if your body is pleading for some release. If you can release a silent fart without upsetting your mother at the dinner table, perfect. However, sometimes we just make a noise, and this is okay! Just outwardly say “Yes, I farted” or “Excuse me” and the situation will soon be out of everyone's minds.

2. Not having perfect hair every day.

Admit it. In high school the straightening iron was your best friend, or maybe you went to sleep with braids in every night so that you could achieve that “perfect beachy wave” look. I guarantee that for the most part, everyone was paying more attention to themselves then to your attempt at a complicated french braid that you saw in Seventeen Magazine. So moral of the story: sometimes, you’ll have to put your hair up in a ponytail, there will be frizz, your bangs won’t look great, and your curls won’t mimic those of the girl you follow on Instagram. And this is perfectly fine.

3. Buying "off-brands"

Why, please tell me why, was it so important to have UGGS and so looked down upon to have FUGGS (fake uggs, obviously)? As teenagers we spent so much time trying to look perfect. And for who exactly? None other than the rest of the awkward teenagers around us, girls and boys, who were also striving for perfection. Brands are basically held to such a high standard in order to get us to spend more money. If you see shoes at Target that look just like Birkenstocks and you don't feel like spending hundreds of dollars just for a brand, I think you know the right thing to do.

4. Not being the best at conversation.

I used to be so concerned about how I sounded to other people. Did I say the right thing? Was I too forward? Could this person have been offended by what I just said? Was that just not a cool thing to bring up? The minute I stopped worrying, the better my conversations became. Not every conversation is going to go as planned, especially those with strangers or people you’re not so close to. Understanding this is so crucial to actually having good conversations, and I promise that once you stop thinking about how you should be acting according to what people expect, the anxiety of talking to people will disappear.

5. FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

So I’m pretty sure college age students of today’s time period invented this term, but it most certainly applies to many of the feelings we had as teenagers. Trust me, I know what it feels like to have to miss out on Stacy’s awesome party because you have to hang out with your family (or something along those lines). But please, we’re getting to an age where pouting about “missing out” on those college parties or even casual get togethers is just a waste of energy. Don’t stress over the fact that you weren’t able to watch Kyle do a keg stand. Kyle is not important. Your time is important, and if you decided to miss out than it was probably for the best.

6. Expressing opinions.

Conforming. This is probably one of the biggest problems in high school culture, even in today’s age where the “hipsters” are the cool kids. As teenagers, we all used to sacrifice our feelings and perspectives in order to fit in. We shut up about things that rubbed us the wrong way because stating our opinion could isolate us from others. Guess what? Sharing your opinion is cool. Protests or movements on social media are a good start, but actually staring someone in the face and saying “I disagree” is a whole other deal. Let’s get over the fact that some people might be offended, and stop being embarrassed about being the only person in the room who supports the minority opinion. You’ll feel so much better once you stop nodding and smiling in begrudging agreement.

7. Pooping in a public restroom.

There. I said it. We all poop. Just get it out of your system please, sitting in awkward silence in the bathroom stall does nobody any good. And this also applies to picking a wedgie. Do it discreetly, but just do it. Your underparts will thank you.

8. Loving my family.

Looking back, I'll never understand why it was cool to be disrespectful to our parents. They know so much more than we do because they've lived longer, yet we blatantly ignored their advice. Stupid, right? For those of you who are still embarrassed by your family, please just give me a break. You're not to blame if Uncle Sam is an alcoholic or your mom gives too many kisses. Just tell it how it is, and accept it (or don't, just stop being so dramatic). Normal people will not shame you for the actions or characteristics of your family.

9. Apologizing for things that are out of our control.

I don’t know how many times I said “I’m sorry” for things I had no reason to be sorry about. “I’m sorry” you have to listen to me struggle through this presentation. “I’m sorry” I’m wearing neon blue boots that everyone else thinks are extremely weird. “I’m sorry” I don’t want to watch this super vulgar movie. The list goes on and on. Fact of the matter is, we are the only ones in control of our own actions. If we choose to do something, it’s on us. But we make these choices based on intuition, emotions, and so many other factors that are way to complicated to get into right now. Say sorry for the important things, but don’t let the word lose its validity over the small things. Don’t be sorry for just being.

10. Not being sure

Ah, the college kids conundrum. I'm sure we all know this feeling, but let's think for a moment where it stemmed from. As teenagers we had constant pressure to "just grow up" and start figuring out our talents or skills, because colleges were always watching.

For those who have carried this pressure into their 20's, you don't need to be 100% prepared for life right now. It's awesome to have a direction, but you'll get nowhere if you're just trying to please those around you. Let's learn from our teenager selves and accept that it really is "just a phase."

I think we could all add something to this list, and that's the beauty of it. We learn from our actions and build foundations upon the things we experience as we leave the "teen years". Just remember, you're not the only one. Other's have gone through this transition before. And I believe, in my heart, that we will all do the good ole' "number 2" in public someday.