Every teenage girl goes through phases… phases of boys, clothes, friends, and experiences. I was a rebel; strong-willed and independent, and ready to explore the world. The only thing holding me back was the fact that I was a teenager with zero freedom, money, or common sense. As teenage girls make life decisions, there is one person who knows best to watch you go through it all: your Mom. She stands by (not very quietly), lecturing and warning you that you are making decisions you will regret. You claim you are smarter, declaring that your “years” of experience have taught you plenty. After all, you are 16!

After years of lectures, arguments, and getting grounded… It’s time for me to admit that you were right, Mom. Yes, I said it, those three dreaded words that you will hold on to for the rest of my life. You. Were. Right. Not about one bit of advice, but all of it.

You were right about the immature middle school and high school boys that I wasted my time on. You were right when you told me they didn’t like me for the right reasons. In middle school when I started “dating” and you told me I was too young… You were right. My tears and broken heart were not worth the one-week relationships. The boys you warned me would turn into bad boys and bums… You were right. When you told me that young boys are only thinking about one thing… You were completely right.

You were right about me looking trashy in my barely there clothing. Looking back at short crop tops and way too tight leggings… I see what you mean when you told me they weren’t flattering. You were right when you told me my shirts were too low and my shorts were too short. I hadn’t even developed boobs or a butt yet so I really don’t know what the purpose was. You were right when you told me I wore too much make up. I looked like a raccoon. You were right when you warned me that lipstick was a little too bright, the eyeliner was way too dark, and the eye shadow was a bit colorful.

You were right that I was wasting my money. I can’t remember now what I could have spent it all on. I want to yell at my younger self not to spend it… All that Christmas and birthday money just down the toilet. You were right when you told me to save and to budget. I want to cry when I think about all the money I could have right now if I had just listened. You were right when you expressed how important an understanding of money is. I’m happy I eventually started following that advice.

You were right when you told me that high school doesn’t matter. The bullying, the boyfriends, the drama, none of it matters. I remember you rolling your eyes when I told you the daily gossip, you must have thought I was ridiculous. You were right when you told me a small group of friends is better than being “popular.” I look at the people in my life now and am so thankful to have a group of people I can trust. You were right when you said the high school drama would be left in high school. I am so happy you were right about that one.

You were right when you warned that grades do matter. I wish I had tried harder in high school… I look back and wonder how I did so poorly. You were right when you told me college would be a lot harder. I’d take a high school exam or a middle school homework assignment over a 20-page paper any day. You were right when you said I wasn’t putting in my best effort. I would complain and say you didn’t understand but I was just being lazy.

You were right when you told me that connections matter. You were always embarrassing me, from every worker at Panera, our server at a restaurant, to a random lady at the grocery store. You were always talking and never failing to embarrass me. I see now that those connections are what help us through life. You were right when you said the workers liked talking just as much as you did. Through the several jobs I’ve had I’ve become thankful for people who are as kind and talkative as you. You were right.

You were right when you told me that me going away to college would be good for us. We have built a relationship that is stronger then ever. I love your daily texts and weekly phone calls. I love how much you care. Even though you’re a couple hundred miles away, you still manage to lecture me. Telling me not to drive when the roads are bad, making sure I’m cautious when I’m walking around at night, and checking to make sure I’m going to class. I love you, and am forever thankful for you watching me grow up and letting me learn my lessons. You were right that one day I would come to you and tell you how right you were.

You were right and I’m so happy you were.

Love,

Your Apologetic Daughter.