I can't say I miss being sixteen–or being a teenager in general. It was such an awkward and messy time. Why relive it?
That said, my views about my life at the time were totally out of whack. They do say that hindsight is 20/20. I definitely would have been more kind to myself if I had been able to see and know how future me would turn out.
And future me is pretty awesome if I do say so myself. Truly! Just ask my mom.
People shared their own stories after Redditor dumb@ss099 asked the online community,
"What would you tell your 16 year old self?"
"Just ask her out now..."
"Just ask her out now so you can love her longer. She is the one you end up with anyway in 25 years and it’s great."
BmwMSpicer
Of all the comments I'm drowsing through before bed, I wanna wish you and your partner some love in gratitude for briefly reminding me that love exists.
"He's not the one..."
"He’s not the one but just enjoy your time with him."
cinnamontingles
This is good advice – we could all learn to savor the moment!
"I don't even feel..."
"I don't even feel much smarter than you right now. Can't give you any advice really."
owjfaigs222
Hey, at least you're honest and self aware. You have nowhere to go but up.
"You will go bald..."
"You will go bald just like Dad. Grow your hair long right now while you still can."
ThirtyHelenAgree
Many young men are devastated when they start to lose their hair. Enjoy it and appreciate it while you have it.
"Tell that girl..."
"Stop being such a wallflower. Tell that girl in your German class you're interested in her."
GrumpyCatStevens
But can you ask her out in German? You might earn some points there.
"Stop listening..."
"Yes. She IS interested in you. Stop listening to all the losers who are abusing you and stop doubting yourself."
dthmf
We were all scared to talk to the people we liked back then. Sorry you had to deal with such bad people.
"Stop letting..."
"Stop letting your self consciousness/fear of not being good enough or perfect get in the way of you truly living your life and making many good memories to look back on later in life because looking back you’ll realize that the majority of people don’t really care/wouldn’t have criticized you as much as you thought they would."
"Your life is yours to live, so live it for you and not based on anyone else’s opinion because you only get one chance at this life, You can’t rewind. You’re only young once so try to make the most of it and enjoy it because memories and regret are the only things that last."
UngodlyGoddess
I feel this. I'm glad I learned my lesson while still young before I could regret much.
"This girl..."
"This girl with the blonde hair is flirting with you and also there's a cool looking stick in the grass nearby, get it before your brother does."
Lenka420
Going to be honest here... I think I want to know the story about the stick.
"My 16-year-old self..."
"My 16-year-old self would not listen to a damn thing."
Sector-Independent
Ouch! Why you've gotta keep it so real?!
"You're getting..."
"You’re getting severely depressed. Get help."
Noodlesandwings
And it sounds like you ultimately did! Kudos! You should feel proud.
Have regrets?
A good therapist, great significant other, or a good friend who is willing to talk things out and willing to help you towards a better mindset. Slowly over time, day after day.
Get out there and keep living.
Have some stories of your own? Feel free to tell us more in the comments below!
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