Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

If you could go back & tell the teen-of-you

113 replies

loveisland · 11/08/2018 20:25

If you could go back and tell the teenage you some life lessons you have now learned the hard way what would you say?
I wish I could go and shake the teenage me and say "that older boy is abusing you, please run a mile"

OP posts:
newroundhere · 11/08/2018 23:46

You are not fat. Really, you're not.

Timeisslippingaway · 11/08/2018 23:48

I would tell myself to stop trying to be one of the "cool" kids and work harder at school. Stick in and go on to do something with my life.
A lot of people told me to do that but I didn't listen, just thought they were being typical old people.

Whippedtoafrenzy · 11/08/2018 23:55

What about ... what piece of advice would you give your teenage self that you need to take now? I’m about to divorce, a single parent, am in the process of changing career in my 50s 😬 life feels very insecure and unfriendly at the moment. I can understand and empathise with my teenage self why I made my choices. Shall mull over ‘my piece of advice.’

Fishface77 · 11/08/2018 23:56

Don’t marry so young.
Marry someone closer to home when eventually you do marry.
Don’t be a martyr.
Your needs and wants are important.

Tortycat · 11/08/2018 23:56

Dont worry about EVERYTHING. Some things go wrong but most dont, and there's no point worrying anyway.

Talk to your dad more. He won't be able to talk much quite soon, and you'll wish you had.

Hang on to a great love - dont settle for someone out of fear you won't find anyone else.

You are really pretty- revel in it while it lasts!!

Dysania · 12/08/2018 00:01

Thanks to previous posters
For me, don't eat so much. 😂

Fatbelliedgirl · 12/08/2018 00:03

Don't be lazy or listen to your mum. Get a job, save some money and don't get a credit card.
Don't put up with the way your boyfriend treats you, you can do much better, there are kind men out there who won't make you cry.
Learn to drive with the money from your job, and buy a car.
Apply for that job in London, otherwise you will regret not doing so when you are in your 40's and sadly looking back.

Ventiamore · 12/08/2018 00:03

When he first showed indications of wanting to cheat, leave. He definitely does it, doesn't love you, then takes the piss by deciding you were the one for him after all. And when you find out, you're messed up relationship wise forever.
Don't let yourself get into a position of dependency.
Appreciate the decent body you had, which was wasted on a cheat.
Exercise more, eat better!

UghFletcher · 12/08/2018 00:04

Go to uni
Dump the twat
Go on holidays, go out with friends
He is lovebombing you, in reality he is a twat
Don't be afraid to take chances - stuff works out
DUMP THE TWAT!!!
Be more assertive
Pay into your pension, like now

meercat23 · 12/08/2018 00:04

You don't have to please everybody. Do what you need to do for yourself and what you believe is right

The people you think you have to please don't respect you and won't be there for you when you need them.

Greenyogagirl · 12/08/2018 00:05

Dear teenage Greenyoga, literally everything you’re about to do, turn around and do the exact opposite. Love older and wiser Greenyoga

HelpfulHermione · 12/08/2018 00:05

Forget boys. The one you want is about 20 years away. Get some bloody work done, get some qualifications in something (anything!!) and don’t ever rely on anyone else for financial security EVER. And stop cutting your hair.

meercat23 · 12/08/2018 00:06

Oh , and you are beautiful. Believe it. Enjoy it.

Timeisslippingaway · 12/08/2018 00:06

What about ... what piece of advice would you give your teenage self that you need to take now?

I would tell myself basically the same, work harder, get a good career behind you so you dont have to worry about supporting your kids alone. I'm not alone but I do worry about it quite often.

Greenyogagirl · 12/08/2018 00:18

What about ... what piece of advice would you give your teenage self that you need to take now?
Stop feeling so sorry for yourself, grow up and get a life.

tellyaddictanon · 12/08/2018 00:18

Ease up on the booze. And fags.
Get some bloody sleep.
But - don't get too boring - you're going to have kids after all & plenty of time for that dull shit in your 30s.
Enjoy that great skin fgs!
Appreciate your family.

tellyaddictanon · 12/08/2018 00:20

Yep and as most ppl said- max out those pension contributions now and also buy a flat.

Whippedtoafrenzy · 12/08/2018 00:23

Greenyogagirl and Timeisslippingaway Respect sisters ✌️

TryItAndDieFatLass · 12/08/2018 00:23

Stand up for yourself, you're worth more than second best.

Make sure you listen to your kids when they say they aren't happy: don't force them to stay at a school that ends up causing issues well into adulthood.

Don't believe what everyone is telling you - you are smart enough, you could become a medic if you work hard

HushabyeMountainGoat · 12/08/2018 00:25

Youre not fat now but you will be if you keep eating like that. Get better habits.

Ask your mum for some proper hair straighteners. Use them.

Don't drop science just because you hate your teachers, and think they don't teach you anythingn. It's your best subject, you have a natural talent for it and STEM careers are well paid and often not public facing which will suit you.

Fluffyears · 12/08/2018 00:48

Don’t get into debt it will stop you doing what you want to do. That boy should be avoided, yeah you like him but he’s damaged beyond repair and will use you and leave you with thousands of £ of debt and suicidal with how he will hurt you. Stick with your good friends, stop being a doormat and get yourself some savings as soon as you get a job, no debt savings capiche! Also you have a great figure but it will turn to shit unless you eat better and get proper exercise.

Timeisslippingaway · 12/08/2018 01:03

Whippedtoafrenzy

My mum always told me, everything works itself out in the end. It does, and it will for you too. Good luck with the new career x

anitagreen · 12/08/2018 01:05

If I could go back I'd give myself a cuddle and just try and make her change her whole lifestyle and remind her life isn't all about love

nellierose · 12/08/2018 01:06

Don't be embarrassed of your Mum and dad and don't resent spending time with them, ditto grandparents, they won't always be around

nellierose · 12/08/2018 01:07

Also don't go to uni just because you 'should' when you have no set idea of a career, work first and try save for a house as prices are going to rise big time in ten years

Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.

This thread is closed and is no longer accepting replies. Click here to start a new thread.