December 2, 2010

  • Dear Me At 16,

    [A few bloggers, who've popped up on my Google Reader lately, have written letters to their 16-year-old selves. I think this is neat, so I'm going to give it a go...]

    Dear 16-year-old S,
    I don't want to tell you too much because there are some things you'll need to learn on your own. But I will save you some stress - the first few guys you date are all test-runs; they are just growing up themselves, so view what they say and do like you do Mom's words. Speaking of Mom, what she has been telling you - that high school doesn't matter & that everyone becomes friends later at reunions - is half true. High school doesn't matter, but neither does college. In fact, there are popularity contests all through our lives, so don't worry about whether you are cool to others or not. You'll love graduate school, but I'm not going to tell you how you get there. Stick by your core group of friends; you'll reconnect with them at different points in your life. Stick by your family, and enjoy those Friday nights at home as you have been.

    You are not fat, you are very smart, and you need to continue to ignore those who bully you for fun - they end up having crappy lives later on (that may be their own karma at work). Your hair and teeth get much better; you will not peak in high school with your looks - you have a nose to grow into, afterall.
    Take care, and try not to worry too much,
    -S