For some, it was three years of fun and games. You finally got to switch classes throughout the day, almost like a big high schooler. For others, it was three years of awkwardness and wondering if three years could possibly go any slower. No matter how you perceived your middle school experience, there's no doubt that it was a time of new trends, experiences, and behaviors.
1. You got a phone.
And I mean a real phone, not just those Firefly things that you could only call Mom, Dad, and 911 on. It had a keyboard and everything. You took it everywhere you went and got super excited whenever you were courageous enough to type, "Hey" to that special someone.
2. Everyone started wearing Silly Bandz.
Yes, you may have been between the ages of 11 and 14, but these animal-shaped rubber bands were just so darn cool. You probably followed the trend even if you didn't fully understand it. A four-inch long stack of rubber bands was definitely a bold fashion statement.
3. People kept tagging you in those Facebook character photos.
Who's the silly one? The smart one? The shy one? Someone would basically be the judge of their friends' personalities and tag them on top of the face/character that was most like them.
4. "I <3 Boobies" bracelets were all the rage.
Well, they were all the rage until your teachers started confiscating them for "profanity" reasons. In order to buy one of these, you probably walked into your nearest Hot Topic for the first time. Thrilling.
5. Maybe you didn't even play soccer, but you wore Adidas soccer slides 24/7.
Who could blame you? They were so cool, comfy, and versatile. Of course, they lost some value once you and your friends vandalized them with your colored Sharpies during math class.
6. A new way to make a finger-heart was invented and widely used in photos everywhere.
Forget using your whole hands to make a heart in a picture! The new, daintier way involved only putting your index and middle fingers together. Once word got out, these hearts were all over Facebook.
7. You probably discovered Picnik, a photo-editing site that's not around anymore.
You most likely overused Picnik, too. There were just so many amazing features that it was hard to not go overboard sometimes. Everyone suddenly became interested in photography once this website became popular.
8. You finally got your braces off (or on).
Whether you were ending or just beginning your orthodontics journey, middle school was the time to do it. Once you got those hunks of metal off your teeth, you had to take a Facebook selfie, of course. Swollen gums and all.
9. Your locker was the place to be.
You spent hours on registration day decorating your locker with things like photographs, dry erase boards, and mirrors. It was worth it because all your friends wanted to stand around your awesome locker between classes. You probably made a few new friends if you had a mirror in there.
10. You wore snapback hats and took artsy pictures with them on.
Maybe a snapback wasn't part of your everyday wardrobe, but that didn't mean you couldn't take some fun selfies while wearing one. Add a few duck faces, some peace signs, two pigtails, and a webcam and you got a fun photo shoot with your friends.
11. You went to your first party.
Somewhere along the line, someone decided to have a party and invite the whole grade. It was good, clean fun (games, punch, and movies), but something about it was still so exhilarating. Ah, middle school.
