If you could write a letter to your teenage self, what kind of things would you advise them not to do?

Nothing. Changing anything from back then could change where I am now. The things that may have been mistakes lead to where I am and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. :-)

Don’t go crazy spending money just because you’re suddenly making bank after graduating university. Buy a good reliable used car, not that Boxster you’re eyeing. Get a cheap apartment. Don’t go into credit card debt for luxuries like a fancy stereo or expensive camera. Hell, don’t even go into debt for necessities. Live cheap so that you can retire young and won’t have to live entirely on social insecurity when you’re older.

Don’t start smoking. And I would probably advise against the major I chose.

I’m still a teenager, graduating in less than a month, but I wish I had made better choices in the friends I chose. Seems like everyone I thought was a sincere, true friend ended up being the exact opposite.

Never ignore the one you love because they might love you back, but the way you avoided each other ruined it all.

Take another college course. Learn stock investing. Those two college girls you thought were just friends were into threesomes! ( you dumbass! )

Nada. My teenage years were rebellious, angsty, potentially disastrous… but I wouldn’t trade them for anything.

I would suggest strongly that I don’t need to listen to “them” telling me how to look, what to wear, what is cool, what is trendy and what is necessary to conform.

I would then suggest that I look to myself and listen to my inner voices.

What not to do:
* Don’t disobey the parent’s house rules. They were set for a reason. Just ask for clarification. I learned later that they were always right in this department.
* Don’t accept another alcoholic drink when you know you have met your limit. It may lead to becoming foolish or incoherent or throwing up or passing out.
* Don’t go skinny-dipping in a hotel pool. It may be late at night, but you can have just as much fun sneaking in and swimming while wearing a bathing suit.

@beckk :: Don’t worry. Most of your high school friends will become nothing more than memories. It happens to everyone. Things change very rapidly. Your drinking buddy would rather hang out with his twins. I talk to people from high school a few times a month. And if we are lucky see each other once every three months. And we were very close since we were the outcasts.

I’d have played sports in high school instead of doing drugs. At least less drugs.

That is a long letter.

Keep doing everything you’re doing with the following changes:

-Don’t go to your first choice school. Yes, it’s an Ivy League, but it won’t end well. Go to your 3rd choice instead.
-While you’re at it, switch your major to the same thing the 2nd smartest guy in class did. I know you don’t want to do it now, but you’ll reconsider in a decade when the economy sucks.
-Don’t break up with your girlfriend… yet!

Don’t smoke
Don’t lay a dirty hit on Rodney Williamson and tear up his knee so he did not get a college scholarship
Don’t delay taking up the game of golf
Don’t be too shy to ask out Allison Geneva

Never take a sip of any alcoholic beverage and don’t smoke.

I’d let my teenage self live through all the other things and figure it out along the way just like I did.

Dear dumbass bitch, I know you won’t listen to me, but do what your dad tells you to. Don’t start smoking. It’s ass, and it smells. Cut down on the damn hooch before your liver rips itself out of your abdomen and kicks your ass. Stop trying to act all tough like you don’t care what people think. Don’t put on a facade, just be who you are. People are gonna like you way more this way. And for those who don’t, even better. People suck, so fuck em. Yeah I know, I was you back then; this sounds corny. But damnit it’s true. Take it from your future self who didn’t listen to any of this. I’m not gonna tell you to stay in school, because by now, this is too much for your brain to absorb. But at least do something with your life. Something you like. Don’t be a sheep. Don’t be so damn easy all the time. Step up and eat your fucking spinach, ya gat dang ho. Sincerely yours, myself. Also, zombies.

PS; crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentations of everyone they love.

You need to quit fucking around and start writing now!

Not do any drugs.
Not bother with track/field- cheer instead.
Attend the college vocation seminars.
Not let grades slip thinking Jr. College would make up any GPA losses so I could party on in high school.

Stop worrying so much. You will lose your virginity. And get to have a lot of interesting sexual experiences.

Don’t take the white acid….. :)

Dear Dumbass,

You won’t be strong enough to carry that burden, so let it off your chest before it nearly kills you. Stay away from the blonde L, there are many other gals that would be so much healthier. And don’t rush it with her, you’ll ruin it.

Or just cut off everyone, either path will be tremendously easier than trying to find that medium.

Sincerely, The Idiot

Relax. Your life will get much better as soon as you get to college.

Stop being such a gentleman, it’s okay to fuck on the first date!

Doubt means don’t. Don’t rush forward into a decision, even if others are pushing you towards it. In trying to make your loved ones happy, you will ultimately destroy yourself.

Imagine, there are bullies who will be too embarrassed to show up at class reunions 25 years from now.

Reminds me of the Brad Paisley song, “Letter to Me.” www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQ3bn7V0zdU