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15 Things I Would Tell My 15-Year-Old Self

by Jill Smokler on July 9, 2012 at 9:31 AM

My daughter pulled out my high school yearbook last week and pored through the pages, barely recognizing her young mother in the pictures. Looking through the clubs and classes and classmates with her, I started thinking about all of the things I'd like to tell her, once she enters the tween and teen years. Not surprisingly, they are mostly the same things I'd go back and tell myself if I could ...

1. Have your eyebrows professionally waxed. For the love of God. 

2. Be nice to your brother. He's really not as bad as you think.

3. Stop biting your nails. It’s gross.

4. Use sunscreen. Just do it.

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5. He’s going to end up fat, bald, and living in the same town you grew up in. Don't waste your time angsting over him.

6. Make friends with the theatre geeks, they’re some of the coolest people in school.

7. Don’t pop your zits. It’s gross and it WILL leave scars.

8. Don’t go on that fad diet. It will forever change your relationship with food.

9. Don’t drink half a bottle of Goldschläger after your junior prom if you ever want to enjoy the taste of cinnamon again.

10. Use leave-in conditioner, buy a diffuser, and don’t brush your hair when it’s dry.

11. Don’t rely on CliffsNotes. Reading the classics really is important.

12. The popular girl who you think has it all together doesn't.

13. Soak up as much as you can in school. Your brain will never retain as much information as it does now.

14. Stop trying to be cool. It's not working.

15. Lighten up. Your life isn't so tough.

 What would you tell your 15-year-old self?

 

Image via Scary Mommy

Filed Under: high school, sex & dating, sibling rilvary

Comments

39
  • mommy...
    --

    mommywoos

    July 9, 2012 at 10:00 AM

    it all pays out in the end and you would do it all over again to end up where you are today  ;)


  • Liz...
    -- Facebook comment from

    Liz Ticona

    July 9, 2012 at 10:00 AM

    I would say that time goes real fast, enjoy being 15!!! and that it's better to be cool in your 20's & 30's than when u are 15..it'll last longer :)


  • zombi...
    --

    zombiemommy916

    July 9, 2012 at 10:14 AM
    I would tell myself that life is so much bigger than where you are now...even though it doesn't seem that way...if it doesn't feel right, it's not...listen to that voice inside you, it's your mother and she's always right...never give in and never settle...ever...and P.S. Spend every minute you can with her, one day you'll miss her so much, it will be hard to breathe...please
  • Evaly...
    --

    EvalynCarnate

    July 9, 2012 at 10:28 AM

    One day this shitty town in which you live and all the bastards in it will be a distant memory. You'll marry the love of your life and build a gorgeous family with him. Things that are monumental now will be long forgotten and for the love of God, do not follow in your friend's footsteps. Try and imagine where THEY'LL be in 10 years :D


  • Jess_...
    --

    Jess_E_NyC

    July 9, 2012 at 10:30 AM
    I would tell my old self, its ok to be gay and even though your parents say they despise it they will grow to love you. Plus I would say to her don't fall for yourbest friend she us not gay Eden though you have sex. She will break your heart.
  • Sessica
    -- Nonmember comment from

    Sessica

    July 9, 2012 at 10:37 AM
    I would tell myself: buy Apple stock, don't be afraid to dress how you want, be friends with the people who really get you, don't be afraid to be the tallest girl in school beacuse one day all those girls will want to be you and their boyfriends will want to date you.
  • noneya79
    --

    noneya79

    July 9, 2012 at 10:38 AM

    I would tell myself to not lose my virginity to the guy i started dating only to lose my virginity because all of my friends already have. I would also tell myself to not give it up to a boy trying to get it from me no matter how much I like him!  My body and reputation should be more important to me, because it will reflect on my future since afterall, I won't end up leaving my small town where everyone knows me! 

    Oh and vodka is the devil. It will make you throw up!! Don't even try it! lol! 


  • Zamaria
    --

    Zamaria

    July 9, 2012 at 10:39 AM
    Start eating healthy, don't date until you're done with college, don't settle for guys that you don't really like, don't let people drive your car, find out who you are and be happy with yourself.
  • Amanda
    -- Nonmember comment from

    Amanda

    July 9, 2012 at 10:40 AM
    Get as far away from that boy as possible. You are worth so much more!
  • Rebec...
    --

    Rebecca7708

    July 9, 2012 at 11:02 AM
    Nothing. 15 year old me wouldn't listen anyway, and she would be too afraid of what she will go through to get to where I am today. And where I am today is pretty amazing.
1-10 of 39 comments

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