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MNHQ

What would you say to your 15 year old self?

379 replies

CatherineHMumsnet · 25/02/2015 16:50

Mumsnet's 15th birthday is fast approaching (what'll we WEAR?). And that put those of us at MNHQ to thinking - if, by the magic of some time travelling device, we could speak to our 15-year-old selves - what words of wisdom would we impart?

OP posts:
cowbiscuits · 27/02/2015 15:01

milkwagon "You'll get over Kurt Cobain & River Phoenix" Grin Yes this!

I'd tell my 15 year old-self many many things.

"That eyeliner looks daft. Learn to apply makeup properly and get a better haircut"
"You don't need a boyfriend, there's really no rush. Concentrate on building lasting friendships and building your confidence"
"You are actually really pretty when you make an effort"
"20 years from now you will be desperate to get that figure back."
"Stop drinking before you make a tit of yourself."

PeachyParisian · 27/02/2015 15:03

Don't overpluck your eyebrows, make the most of your opportunities and at 5'7" and 10st you're not fat (yet), your much skinnier friends actually have eating disorders so don't be jealous.

Oh, and save your money for travelling, don't waste it on poor quality shoes and clothes.

OhGood · 27/02/2015 16:09

Over the next 20 years, you will waste incredible amounts of time worrying about your body. Stop now! Use that time to write (yep, you'll be a poet, so keep the faith).

If you leave Africa, you can never go back home.

Your mother is lying to you about something important.

Use a condom, idiot.

Put that cigarette down RIGHT NOW, idiot.

And:

When you break out of school to go clubbing, don't let that cow Fiona know. She will tell on you.

Swimminglikehell · 27/02/2015 16:11

You are beautiful with an amazing figure, but you don't realise it - this is why they are bullying you.

Stand up tall, embrace your height, be brave, strong and yourself, you are amazing.

Believe that you can, don't get married at 18, but go out and live your life.

Your parents don't encourage you or believe in you because they know no different, but they do care.

debbriana · 27/02/2015 16:34

Never rely on anybody for help in life.

BlueberryWafer · 27/02/2015 17:51

Take your time - life is a journey, not a race.

He WILL notice you, and one day you will have his children.

Stop smoking, it will be harder to quit when you are older and want to start ttc.

Please don't take drugs, that buzz you're feeling will be replaced by an all mighty downer.

Listen to your mum, she really does know best.

clippityclop · 27/02/2015 18:28

I'm gorgeous, my parents' problems were nothing to do with me, go back and 're-sit that exam and do the law degree I should've done, instead of being grateful for a job that was loads of fun but went nowhere at 18. But then chain of events leading to marrying dh 20 years ago wouldn't've happened. Hmmmm.

WhatWouldTheDoctorDo · 27/02/2015 18:30

Stop smoking.

Stop coasting at school. Instead of getting decent grades you could get really amazing ones and go to a brilliant university. You are good enough, stop being scared that you're not.

Pay attention to those friends buying property in London when you're in your 20s. It's a very sensible move and you can afford it.

Queenofknickers · 27/02/2015 19:26

Don't have sex until you really want to. Don't smoke. Stay away from banking when you're older - it is a pit of evil. Your Aunty was right - don't rub your face!

RonaldMcDonald · 27/02/2015 19:29

Being gangly is just a detail
Stop worrying about it ffs

frankie80 · 27/02/2015 20:05

Gary will be the sexy one
Your crush will be as ugly as fuck in 20 years time
When you go to uni, finish the full course
don't flash your bits on the third date, even if you do end up marrying him :D
You only have to put up with the bullies for another 2 years :(
Ditch your so called best friend
Don't study History, you'll just scrape by

PissedOffRestingFace · 27/02/2015 20:20

Bending the rules a bit but....

At 15:
Stop fucking around at school and concentrate in lessons.

At 17:
Don't lose your virginity to the pothead twat you work with who is 10yrs older than you. He is a dick and will drop you without the courtesy of breaking up with you properly.

Do not have a one night stand as a rebound from the above mentioned twat. Because although he was a nice enough bloke, you will feel gross after and regret it.

At 18:
Do not go for a drink with another work colleague. Because you will not be happy with your choice.

As an adult:
Do not get that second impulse tattoo. You will regret it and it is expensive to remove. If you must get it then at least get it in a place that it can be hidden.

And finally, over the last decade or so:
STOP EATING CRAP AND EXERCISE MORE!

(Sorry for shouting the last bit.)

Andcake · 27/02/2015 20:32

You'll have an early menopause so get up duffer as early as possible so you can have kids

DrHarleenFrancesQuinzel · 27/02/2015 21:07

Dont spend any of that money. Let your mum keep your savings book. You might need it later on. Travel while you are young instead of Uni. See the world before you meet DH and settle down. One day you will wake up and instead of being carefree you will have a family.

Missdee2014 · 27/02/2015 21:46

Stick in at school. Stay back from the tall blonde guy and don't touch the alcohol til you're 18!

showtunesgirl · 27/02/2015 21:50

That thing you want to do? Go do it, it will all end up fine.

And yes, you're quite right to wait for The One.

firefly78 · 27/02/2015 22:37

sort your hair out.
dont listen to your mum.
you will get a boyfriend.
appreciate how slim you are.

amothersplaceisinthewrong · 27/02/2015 22:38

Stand up to your controlling Mother

And wow, you are gorgeous.

ijustwanttobeme · 27/02/2015 22:59

Don't piss about at school just so the other kids in class won't think you're a 'swot'.

Don't take that YTS scheme, just because your friend did. Carry on to college to do your A Levels.

Don't sleep with Mark from work, he doesn't love you. He'll take your virginity then dump you immediately, to go back to his girlfriend.

iwasyoungonce · 27/02/2015 23:01

Stop smoking.

Dump your boyfriend now (not when you're 18), he's bringing you down. And he lied about sleeping with his previous girlfriend, just so you'd feel under pressure to have sex. That's how nice he is.

You're beautiful. Go and have fun.

Ilovemybedbaby · 27/02/2015 23:17

Yes I love I know your best friend died 11months ago but put the joint and the bottle of really awful cider your drinking down and look around, no one cares about you , but you. Stick in at school coz you will regret it ( I do) listen to your mum( I hated her at the time) boys will tell you anything you want to hear! don't listen! Your not ugly or fat your a teenager! Don't listen to the bullies! Don't take those tablets! Be a bit kinder to yourself!!

CointreauVersial · 27/02/2015 23:24

Stop worrying what you look like. Stop feeling so insecure and inadequate compared to all your self-assured and confident friends. Hold your head high, and be yourself. You'll find your way when you step out into the world.

bakingaddict · 28/02/2015 07:28

You are intelligent enough to be whatever you choose but it's a lack of self-esteem and confidence that will hold you back.

Believe in yourself and have enough confidence to really push yourself forward and shine.

mommyof41986 · 28/02/2015 08:25

do not go anywhere near that man that keeps smiling at u & popping up everywhere when u go to college at 16 he is a very very bad man & will hurt u badly several times. instead listen to ur friends, be a bit naughty & go to that pub across the road. the landlord is going to save u but if u dont go u wont meet him for another 4 years. do not sleep with him until ur at least 18 (he will wait) cos even though ur on the pill the first time u have sex u will get pregnant.
ur children will have special needs but you CAN handle it just be strong.
oh yeah & get out of ur mothers house asap. she is toxic she has done enough damage

oh & stop eating ready meals & take aways or u will be fat & start making urself sick which will ruin ur teeth & it will hurt like hell when ur 28.

PetiteBateau · 28/02/2015 08:59

You are not fat.
Stop smoking.
Value yourself.
This will pass.
Don't listen to her.
Don't get involved with D.