If you could, what would you tell your younger self?

[recklessruby]

Found a photo of me and my best friend age 15 taken at school 1983.
We look so serious and I remember it was a really worrying time.
So if I could talk to my teenage self I would tell her....

1. You are not ugly. The fact you wear a train track brace on your teeth doesnt define you as a person. Ignore Susan and Karen, they are bullies who will fail their exams.
2. Stop watching the news. It's alarmist and a nuclear bomb is not going to drop on the school while you are in history class. Nor will an asteroid collide with earth while you sleep.
3. Some day a boy WILL like you but sadly not the cool American boy in the sixth form (he will break your heart when he goes back to America before you ve exchanged more than a few hellos).
4. You will allowed in the staff room years later when you come back as a teacher. It's not that exciting.
5. Your best friend will still be close to 37 years later. So what would you say to young you if you could?

Don’t let yourself get fat! It fucked my metabolism for life and now I’m a year on year yo-yo dieter.

Don’t get a credit card. Don’t prioritise falling in love at 18-21, there’s plenty of time for that and it will fuck up your early life.

Don't start smoking
Don't move to Sheffield

Get a mortgage and buy a flat as soon as you can, rather than rent for years. (I was in my early 20s just before the housing boom of the next couple of decades started.)
Kindness is the most important quality in a partner.
Life works out and you will be happy.

Stand up for yourself, don't let people treat you like shit, tell them to fuck off. Be kinder to your sister.

1. it will all work out in the end job wise and one day you'll be proud of your work.
2. stop doing drugs
3. take up a sport, team exercise isn't just for geeks
4. go to school
5. not a single one of your boyfriends are good enough for you, and one day you'll find 'him' and realise why
6. you are beautiful, in a different way to your friend, but still beautiful in your own right, so stop feeling bad about yourself.

Men ain’t shit

I mean I have a partner but now I know I don’t NEED one.

Also I would tell myself actually your parents are right so listen to them.
The older kids who get wasted in the park are not cool.
Wear your bloody coat. It might not be stylish but it wont keep you warm stuffed in a locker all day.