What would you have told your younger self?

desert_rose

Not to listen to people who have their own agenda
Not to be so trusting that you believe what they say
To recognise the in-validators for what they are
To believe in yourself
Being happy is allowed!

andy.m_2

stay away from fruit machines.

daisiegg

• You're NOT fat, you're freaking gorgeous. But in ten years' time you WILL be fat if you don't do regular exercise now. Asthma is not an excuse to get out of PE...

• Don't follow a boy to a mediocre university and turn down those other top 5 unis you got into.
• Boyfriend isn't everything. Spend more time with friends along the way because you will need them when he breaks your heart.
• Speaking of the broken heart - I would tell myself that it's ok, in a few months' time you will meet the man you are going to marry. In the mean time, enjoy those months of being single and crazy and go ahead - sleep with a few more people! (safely of course...)
• Just because you know him and you know his family doesn't mean he's not a rapist. Just because you agree to some things doesn't mean the other stuff isn't abuse. You are beautiful and worthy and you shouldn't waste a year of your childhood living in fear and terror and pain.
• Don't stop writing. You will lose the knack, and somehow the stuff you wrote at 15 will be more amazing than anything you'll ever manage again.
• Your parents are probably right about a lot of things...
• ...but not everything. There ARE other ways to live and other ways to view the world. You are allowed to live life your way.
• Don't worry and enjoy the ride. It will all turn out great!

• Forgot to add...SAVE MONEY!!!! Don't spend it all on the boy you adore, because in 5 years' time he will be gone and you will be BROKE. (but don't worry TOO much because you will end up with a good job and a supportive husband...)

BritAbroad

You are pretty as a teenager.

Thank your teachers. In the years to come you'll understand they're human and make mistakes, and you'll wonder if they're still around.

Pay more attention in maths and science classes.

Don't beat yourself up - a 2.1 is a good degree!

Don't spend money when you're miserable - frittering it on the little things makes it harder to buy the big things!

Don't fall into a 'respectable' corporate career when it isn't really 'you'. Don't then waste years getting qualifications you don't really care about and passing up opportunities in order to progress in a career that makes you miserable.

Don't work in a place you hate, be that a team, company, or town. Commuting is hell, work somewhere you can get to easily.

Trust your instincts - someone who's evil on your first day at anything isn't going to get any better.

Sometimes stuff happens in life to make you pay attention. When those moments come along, make sure you do.

Know your family love you. Accept they are human and therefore not perfect.

Be as tolerant to yourself as you are to other people.

You don't have to achieve everything in a day. Try to be patient.

Get out of the house and speak to someone EVERY SINGLE DAY.

mishmogs

Hmmm

Work harder at school (but have since made up for that)
Enjoy your life, its only short.
People are not what they seem, learn to listen and question what is being said.
Seize opportunities which come your way (you can always change your mind if it isnt what you want).
Have confidence and believe in yourself.
Save money.

Now?
I have, and am, enjoying my life.
Seized most opportunities which came my way and have regretted very few.
Wished I had saved more money and not get swayed.
Learnt to like myself and have few regrets.

mintymoneysaver

More than one boy will love you, so don't just settle for the first one that does.
If he's an annoying drunk at 18, then he still will be at 40.
Go places ( as long as you can afford it) You might not have the money or time later...
That annoying boy who's 3 years younger than you will end up being the best friend you've ever had.
Don't be so horrible to your mum. You'll realise how much she put up with ( and how much nicer than you she is!) when you have teenage girls of your own.