I was thinking about myself when I was sixteen* and noticing all of the changes that have occurred since then. I've moved out of home, I can cook a decent meal, I have my own money and have since gotten myself fully immersed in academia. What would my sixteen year old self say to me or think if she met me now? Would she laugh at the things I worry about?

I know I laugh a little at the worries I had back then, like insecurities about my body and such that seem so trivial to me now.

So here's the question(s) for you all-
If you met your sixteen year old self from the past, what would they think about you? What would they say to you? -- do you think they would offer advice? Would you offer them (yourself) advice?

and for those under sixteen, how do you imagine you'll be when you turn sixteen? What do you hope to have achieved by then?

*I chose the age of sixteen because I always imagined it to be the age where I was not old enough to be taken seriously, and too young to be completely serious.

Dear 16 year old Monica-

You think you're fat -now-?!? HAHA yea okay, don't ever take birth control if you wanna stay that way.
High School is bullshit, and you can keep brushing it off. Don't listen to people when they say take it seriously.
High School friends are bullshit as well. College life is better.
Yes, you -are- still with the same boyfriend 3 and a half years later, but you're gonna go through some tough shit. Just stay with it.
Your "First Time" is exactly how they describe it in Cosmo and with the perfect person. Its all the sex afterwards that gets boring.
....No really, you're not fat. It gets worse.
Your family loves and cares about you, even if you don't think so now. They'll pull through for you in a couple years and you'll see what I mean.
Drama is fun to spectate, but don't get too close.
James is a faggot, and he hates you..... a -lot-. Don't let it get to you.
Stop hitting on teachers. You're making them uncomfortable. I don't care if it's funny.
Always stay true to yourself <3

Love 19 year old Monica.

that was only two years ago....
i would probably tell myself not to date that one loser and just do better at school .... you still have a chance

I'd stare at my long hair and try to run my hands through it, but I know my own hand would slap me away because I hated it when people would do that. Haha.

Myself at Sixteen would stare back at me, but mostly my clothes for being much more conservative. I'd wonder where the rest of my hair went and enjoy my fluent English.

If I could offer a piece of advice to my past self, I'd tell him to save a few lives, not to be so cynical and trust certain people more.

Hm... sixteen year old me...

Sophomore meee.. I had to do some math thar xD lol. I remember what happened in my life better by grades! Ha ha. Anyway...

If I could talk to sixteen year old me, I'd tell her:

Most of your friends suck, I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but who better to tell you than yourself? Cheyanne, Jorden, Mearygrace, Tyler, David, and so many more are all fuckin' assholes and they are NOT worth your time one bit, got it? Get over David, it'll feel amazing once you do. Sure, it'll feel like crap at first, but the day after will be the happiest day of your life without anything amazing happening. Your eyes will hurt, your head will ache, but a smile will be spread across your face and a new found freedom will engulf your very soul.

You need to learn to let go, not everyone is going to hurt you. There are some great people out there that you are missing out on because you are too busy being angry, hurt, and paranoid. Yes, Jason fucked you up real bad and nothing is ever going to fix that, but not everyone is like him. Not everyone will try and get into your heart and tear you apart.

Let yourself cry for once in your life. It's not a sign of weakness and will make you feel so much better once you let it all go. About everything. You have bottled up too many emotions throughout your life and you need to let them out instead of letting them pile and pile for you to explode with years later, it's not healthy and you'll feel terrible until you let it out. I would know, since I'm you.

Hanz isn't your last boyfriend. He'll let David talk shit behind your back and not be there for you for a bit and you'll end up thinking Max is a better choice, he's not. Not to say I regret leaving Hanz, I just regret getting with Max. He's a lot like Jason and only lasted like a week, but it'd be better to just skip him. Bryse is pointless, you used him to let out sexual desires (you don't meet him until Junior year btw) and you break up with him without really knowing why (though, people have speculated you just lost interest). Next is Dylan, skip him. It's 6 months of bitching at him, trying to get him to spend time with you, etc. Unless you REALLY feel a need to have someone to bite, don't bother. Then Hamdi... don't get with him. Not that he isn't a good guy, you would know he is (I believe you know him by now), but he'll suddenly shut down on you and you will LOSE your best friend. You will become acquaintances and it's just... dead. Months later you will get Brett. DON'T GET WITH BRETT. HE IS A MINI JASON IN DISGUISE... and only lasts two weeks.

Nikki will pop back into your life and Mich will fade (she moved away, deal with it). Nikki pops up after Tyler leaves her and you decide to be a good friend and cheer her up, in which she realizes just how AMAZING you are (don't even deny it, you emo you). Mich, believe it or not, will get a boyfriend and they will be happy, but they will break up. You'll get jealous and this jealousy is stupid and ultimately destroys your best friendship, though you guys still remain close. At this VERY moment, you have no best friend though Kevin (someone you meet on a site in a couple years [Gusty]) is coming very close.

Talk to Sean and Bryon more, they are amazing people.

If you don't wanna lose Jack, try and either get him fixed or find someone who will PROMISE to take him in, because your landlord will find out about him and you will blame it on yourself and cry a lot because you miss him.

Try and work on getting a PO box NOW. Hamdi will help you get a website, it's a present 'cause he's a sweetie =)

Mom won't believe you when you tell her Bub's a bad kid, just hope he gets busted so you aren't the bad sister. You know he still loves you.

You aren't fat, but stop eating like a fat ass so you'll think that way rather than stare at Michelle in envy.

You're a great artist, but don't bother with an art college. Not worth your money, just go to LMC.

You still live with your mom, stay with her until you are out of college. It's smarter as much as she drives you crazy. Just fill up your time enough so you don't have to deal with her as much, okay?

I don't remember how you feel about Dante right now, but you'll love him if you don't already. He will become one of your close friends and someone you'll love to hang out with even when mom's not around.

Be yourself rather than the defensive person you are. People love the real you and will accept you, you don't have to be on guard all the time.





............


D: GOD DAMN THAT WAS LONG! I'm sorry @_@ I unno if anyone will really read this anyway. :rawrmayor:

Originally Posted by DearSweetAru

Hm... sixteen year old me...

Sophomore meee.. I had to do some math thar xD lol. I remember what happened in my life better by grades! Ha ha. Anyway...

If I could talk to sixteen year old me, I'd tell her:

Most of your friends suck, I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but who better to tell you than yourself? Cheyanne, Jorden, Mearygrace, Tyler, David, and so many more are all fuckin' assholes and they are NOT worth your time one bit, got it? Get over David, it'll feel amazing once you do. Sure, it'll feel like crap at first, but the day after will be the happiest day of your life without anything amazing happening. Your eyes will hurt, your head will ache, but a smile will be spread across your face and a new found freedom will engulf your very soul.

You need to learn to let go, not everyone is going to hurt you. There are some great people out there that you are missing out on because you are too busy being angry, hurt, and paranoid. Yes, Jason fucked you up real bad and nothing is ever going to fix that, but not everyone is like him. Not everyone will try and get into your heart and tear you apart.

Let yourself cry for once in your life. It's not a sign of weakness and will make you feel so much better once you let it all go. About everything. You have bottled up too many emotions throughout your life and you need to let them out instead of letting them pile and pile for you to explode with years later, it's not healthy and you'll feel terrible until you let it out. I would know, since I'm you.

Hanz isn't your last boyfriend. He'll let David talk shit behind your back and not be there for you for a bit and you'll end up thinking Max is a better choice, he's not. Not to say I regret leaving Hanz, I just regret getting with Max. He's a lot like Jason and only lasted like a week, but it'd be better to just skip him. Bryse is pointless, you used him to let out sexual desires (you don't meet him until Junior year btw) and you break up with him without really knowing why (though, people have speculated you just lost interest). Next is Dylan, skip him. It's 6 months of bitching at him, trying to get him to spend time with you, etc. Unless you REALLY feel a need to have someone to bite, don't bother. Then Hamdi... don't get with him. Not that he isn't a good guy, you would know he is (I believe you know him by now), but he'll suddenly shut down on you and you will LOSE your best friend. You will become acquaintances and it's just... dead. Months later you will get Brett. DON'T GET WITH BRETT. HE IS A MINI JASON IN DISGUISE... and only lasts two weeks.

Nikki will pop back into your life and Mich will fade (she moved away, deal with it). Nikki pops up after Tyler leaves her and you decide to be a good friend and cheer her up, in which she realizes just how AMAZING you are (don't even deny it, you emo you). Mich, believe it or not, will get a boyfriend and they will be happy, but they will break up. You'll get jealous and this jealousy is stupid and ultimately destroys your best friendship, though you guys still remain close. At this VERY moment, you have no best friend though Kevin (someone you meet on a site in a couple years [Gusty]) is coming very close.

Talk to Sean and Bryon more, they are amazing people.

If you don't wanna lose Jack, try and either get him fixed or find someone who will PROMISE to take him in, because your landlord will find out about him and you will blame it on yourself and cry a lot because you miss him.

Try and work on getting a PO box NOW. Hamdi will help you get a website, it's a present 'cause he's a sweetie =)

Mom won't believe you when you tell her Bub's a bad kid, just hope he gets busted so you aren't the bad sister. You know he still loves you.

You aren't fat, but stop eating like a fat ass so you'll think that way rather than stare at Michelle in envy.

You're a great artist, but don't bother with an art college. Not worth your money, just go to LMC.

You still live with your mom, stay with her until you are out of college. It's smarter as much as she drives you crazy. Just fill up your time enough so you don't have to deal with her as much, okay?

I don't remember how you feel about Dante right now, but you'll love him if you don't already. He will become one of your close friends and someone you'll love to hang out with even when mom's not around.

Be yourself rather than the defensive person you are. People love the real you and will accept you, you don't have to be on guard all the time.





............


D: GOD DAMN THAT WAS LONG! I'm sorry @_@ I unno if anyone will really read this anyway. :rawrmayor:

Imagine how much all of that wisdom would have helped. but the source of that wisdom could not have been gained without living through our experiences without help. Funny, isnt it?

Dear 16 year old me

Stop being scared of smoking fags or havin a beer. It's stupid. Party more, your parents don't care as long as you're not dead.
If you're in a fight with someone in a car.. just.. get out of the car and walk home.
Have more autotrots. Pay better money for jeans, they'll last longer.
Get better tastes in music. There's only so much Belle and Sebastian one can take.
Don't forgot to always be courteous. It's important, it sets you apart from the fags.

18 year old me.

Dear 16 year old Wyndi-

Good job with breaking up with that boy. Now- he's going to get a lot more clingy and whiney in the next couple of months.

It shall be annoying, and you'll feel sorry for him.

And worst of all, he's going to end up telling you that he loves you over MSN.

And then you'll start getting lonely- and think "Ah, what the hell, sure lets try this again"

Here's were I'd love to say, "don't do it" but even though it'll put you through horrible pain later- you'll need the experience to understand emotional anguish later.

So hold in there 16 year old Wyndi- and try to study and actually /do/ your homework- please?

Originally Posted by Wyndi Ayr

So hold in there 16 year old Wyndi- and try to study and actually /do/ your homework- please?

It seems nearly all of us wished we had done our homework more often XD

Ah, to be sixteen again.

Originally Posted by Gutter Glitter

Imagine how much all of that wisdom would have helped. but the source of that wisdom could not have been gained without living through our experiences without help. Funny, isnt it?

I know! It's insane. I wish I had that knowledge then or someone to give me that knowledge then. It woulda made life a hella lot easier.

I think that my sixteen year old self would look at my current self and wonder what happened to my love for graphic design, but be MORE than happy to eat all the delcious dessert and bread i turn out instead now.

Other than that, personality, image, most of it hasn't changed. i really haven't changed so much since i've gotten older. only my interests really have.

But looking back...and thinking hard, i think i would tell my 16 year old self to not feel guilty about turning boys down....rather than tying myself into relationships that i'm not really into. and that all that hard studying is going to pay off eventually, even if it doesn't right now. :)

Originally Posted by kollusim

It seems nearly all of us wished we had done our homework more often XD

Ah, to be sixteen again.

Hehe, yeah. Except that I didn't do my homework /at all/.

Barely a shred of paper done at home. I disliked the thought of doing work outside of the assigned time. Seemed screwed up to me *shrug*

Of course- now I realize that the homework was essential practice to get the things taught to sink in... and that it was rather vital. DX

My 16 year old self would probably overlook me entirely. He'd roll his eyes if I ever addressed him, but other than that, he'd never acknowledge me. Back then, I did whatever I could to be silent... And yet, I fussed over how I looked... I'm still a bit bi-polar like that.

If my 16 year old self ever offered me advice, my mind would explode.

If I ever wrote him a letter, it would be similar to this:

Dear 16 year old self,

Stop crashing at 1 and waking up at 4 to mess with your face and hair. It isn't worth it, and the person who matters likes your current self's dreadlocks more.

Be a bit more trusting. Not everyone wants to bite your head off.

Being a frigid bastard will get you nowhere. Actually, eh, it'll land you in juvie with how you're going.

Talk. Please. If you have to, mumble. It makes you seem pretentious when you don't say hi back.

Eat something. A carrot! Anything! Hell, I don't mind if you just nibble on something. A stick will never be sexy.

Happiness will come if you let it. The next year will be rough, but you can endure it. He'll come, and you'll think he's retarded at first for talking to you, but trust him. He's actually the best thing you'll ever have.

Pleadingly, your 20 year old self.

Dear 16 yr old kel

School isnt as shitty as it seems
you will miss your friends later, even if you dont think you will
that one boy that asks you out over msn isnt worth the time and effort you're gunna spend on him

and enjoy yourself more because despite what you feel you will pull through and its gunna be awsum!

You have no idea how much I would love to go back in time and slap myself silly!

Dear 16 year old self,


Stop hiding in the closet and ask the girl out! She likes you and you like her you were made for each other, don't be afraid of what your father thinks because by the time your done contemplating and twiddling your thumbs it will be too late and she will have gone off to college and by the time she comes back the cancer will have come back and you won't have much time left. So make the first move, because she won't and you'll regret it later.

I know you have your whole life planned out, but pick your nose out of the books and socialize with your peers a little more. They are all afraid and intimidated by you.
The world will not end if something does not go according to your life plan. Live a little, break some rules, be rebellious!

No matter what you do it will never be good enough for your father, so stop trying so hard it's only stressing you out.

DO NOT DYE YOUR HAIR BLONDE! You have beautiful natural red hair, just because everyone calls you carrot top is not reason to change it (They are all just jealous because you are so pretty :P). You'll regret it later and you'll find you can never get your natural color again unless you want to shave your head and start over.

Your Asthma is not really Asthma, get that looked at because it's going to become a problem that changes your life forever and not for the better.

You will find happiness.

Oh and one more thing, stop saying you hate kids and you will never have any :3

Much love <3,
Your 23 year old self.

I don't think there would be anything that i would say to my sixteen your old self if i had the chance.. Though that is mainly because i've only just turned seventeen though i guess if i had to tell myself something i would tell myself to stop stressing about your end of year exams your going to do fine. Your prom is going to be ace and you gonna love going to college..

I'd probably tell myself to go look a bit harder for more scholarships and start saving money now. And don't go out with that one guy. Worst mistake ever.

I think if i had met myself today when i was sixteen i would be... Happy and reassured. Sixteen was an extremely low point in my life, and at sixteen I had not quite learned that there is always an end in sight, when it comes to low points, and that my life would improve. I think things are much better now then they were at sixteen and i am pleased with the improvements i have made with my life.

The biggest advice i would give to me at 16 would be to study more. Of course, that would be the advice i give to myself now, soo... I would also tell me back that that that guy is not and was not even a little bit important and that i should not pay him much mind. At sixteen, I would not have listened to me, but i guess wisdom comes with age, hmm?

Oh, one more bit of advice:

"Don't listen to them; he's a great kid and will make you very happy"

yup, that's about it.

OH boy what to say, what to say.... Hmmm when Jeff leaves just know that he DOES LOVE YOU! and that he is comming back. Please do not start that relationship online...it is a complete WASTE OF YOUR TIME! Plus you hurt your self esteem and upset your parents. They will start to go through your emails and your history when you get on the computer afterwards so again i repeat PLEASE DO NOT START THAT RELATIONSHIP IT IS NOT EVEN A REAL ONE. :angry: Be nice to Taylor he is still getting over you. TALK TO HIM. :feesh: do not just ignore him. at the winter formal ask HIM to dance. Be nice to Zach he is one of our best friends and he even likes you enough to go out with you. do not mention the fact that the relationship is close to over and you might get another couple of weeks with him. When Jeff returns EVERYONE IS GOING TO HATE HIM. More when they remember what ya'll did, and what he 'PRESSURED' you into. no one is going to believe you when you say you wanted to be with him. And Please do not go along with the idea of a 'one day stand' with Rachel. It is stupid and you both decide that you like MEN NOT WOMEN. :shock: YUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Yes you will lose all your weight and go down to an ELEVEN! ;) Be warned now that in 2 years you will have a baby. Yes with Jeff. He is going to propose in front of everyone. There will be rumors but none of them are true and some girls are going to go so far as to start calling your phone and calling you and your mother very rude names. Jeff will put a stop to that. But as of now and we are almost TWENTY we still have not lost the baby weight and your DAUGHTER is now one. She is the most precious thing in the world and the most well behaved child you will ever come across. Her name is Dorothie. Oh and we are getting ready to move out of our house into one with Jefferey and Dorie.

Sincerly YOU!

Dear 16 year old Shelby,

I know it hurts, but you'll find better than him. He made you feel wanted but trust me it gets better. You will find a guy that treats you right, that loves you for you. Who doesn't mind when you change your hair or get your helix pierced. He's a bit of a gamer but thats okay. Just teach him to dance way earlier than 3 months before grad! You'll thank me for this.

Don't be in such a hurry to leave high school. These were great years with amazing friends. Most of them stick with you all the way, and some you may loose, but rekindle old ties. Remember Dan? Yeah he's back. But it's cool.

The summer after Grad, enjoy every second of it! It goes by too fast, and don't be in a rush to get into McKay! Just calm down, and take the year off. Join the year after Ian, and relax for the first time in your short life. Your always to busy rushing from one thing to another, slow down, and enjoy being a kid while it lasts. Once you finish the course kiddo, your boned. Your a 19 year old adult, so chill!

But McKay isn't all bad, make sure you have enough projects out of school so that you don't blow a gasket during some of the hateful creations you have to come up with in class *hugs* it'll seem bad, but Tony'll be there every step. Also don't get to upset with mom or dad about they're blatant favoritism to Ian's projects and marks. It hurts but they aren't doing it on purpose.

*sigh* Good Luck Love!

Sincerly,
18 year old Shelby.

Originally Posted by kollusim

It seems nearly all of us wished we had done our homework more often XD

Ah, to be sixteen again.

Not If you read mine :yes:

The problem is, I'm only 14 D:

Dear 16-year-old self,

I really hope our peers get more mature in high school. They make me sick with all their giggly nonsense. . .

Please, please continue learning French. You know how serious I am about it. Oh, and try not to fail a class. They might make you drop it like they did with Mom.

Don't get pregnant. Mom made us watch all those episodes of 16 and Pregnant on MTV for a reason, along with Cops. I don't care how much he says he loves you, don't do it.

Quit skipping school.

Love,
Your almost-14-year-old self

----------

Originally Posted by kabbiee

The problem is, I'm only 14 D:

Same here, I just wrote a letter to myself in the future.

Dear 16 year old me!
Surprise! There will actually be a time, where you won't make ugly faces every time people talk about their girlfriend or boyfriend. You will stop feeling so emotional all the time, and start feeling nothing at all. You'll finally get yourself together to loose some weight, even though it's a long and slow way. You will weight more than your big sister, which sucks, but suck it up and get over it. You will stop talking with people in school, and begin acting like you really want to. Oh, and you'll grow your hair a bit longer 0.0 Our 17 year old self isn't sure if we want to cut it yet, or if we'll let it grow more.
You won't be much together with your best friend, and you won't care much about it - since you don't feel very much.
So, I'll say you are looking at a brighter future!

Love yourself 1 year later!

16 year old me.

Don't worry so much about Halesown. Dudley will give you something you'll love for the rest of your life.
Go and see Tracy...She'll cure you. And yes, when i say there wont be anymore fear, having to close my eyes, i mean it. We drive now you know, 70 mph and all that jazz. You'll be fine.

In college you'll meet one person who will change your life forever. Really. Michael. From biology. With the hair. Yes. You'll like him from the start, but i never really spoke to him. Don't worry too much. Your time will come in the second year. It won't be easy, but keep at it. How much you love him will become aparent very early on.

You'll get hurt. You'll hurt so much you'll want to die. Keep going. It's what im doing. Things still havent sorted themselves out really yet. Have faith.
Firefly will come to mean more to you than you ever imagined. Also, you prolly shouldn't get any more animals.

Oh yes, kelly will hurt you too. That'll turn out okay though. Salma will become much, more important in your life. And for the love of god, carry on loosing that weight.
Annd, start gaming again. Properly. Fully embrace the geek that you really are.

~
I don't really think i'd be that much use to my 16 year old self. If she asked me questions i could more than likely help more, but off the top of my head, i wouldn't want me to know too much yanno?