5 Things I wish I knew as a Teenager

Teenagers these days have it so easy. All they have to do to learn something is to jump on YouTube via an app on their phone and watch a video or two. In my day, we had to wait for our turn on the computer and walked uphill in the snow both ways. Sure, we had the internet, but (totally dating myself here) I spent more time on MySpace than Facebook during high school and there was no such thing as a “beauty guru” to teach you how to contour. Do 16 year olds really need to know how to contour though? Do their brows really need to be on fleek? Is “on fleek” even cool anymore? no? whatever.

Kids need an awkward phase. My awkward phase was 5th – 8th grade. I still cringe when I see pics from high school sometimes. My prom hair and makeup was a disaster. But that’s ok! It builds character… or at least that’s what they say.

 Who lets their daughter go to prom with a barrette? Mom, this one’s on you… 😉

5 things I wish I knew as a Teenager

[1]

Proper skin care, heck – I’m still learning on this one, but lots of sunscreen, take my makeup off at night, use a moisturizer!

Growing up, I had terrible acne. I had oily skin and I thought that putting a moisturizer on before putting makeup on would make my face even oilier. In college, I consistently slept in my makeup. Granted, it was mostly BareMinerals but it is a terrible habit.

[2]

Buying clothes from Target is actually cool now.

My junior year of high school, every thing in my closet was from American Eagle. True Story.

[3]

Be more confident.

I still struggle with this, but I was super self-conscious. Most of this involved my skin issues, but I thought my legs were too fat (they weren’t) and my stomach pooch was too big (HA.) I weighed 100 lbs when I graduated high school. um, hello Jordan!

Looking back in my relationship with David, I was pretty insecure from time to time. While I don’t regret anything when it comes to our relationship, I realize that I didn’t have anything to worry about and I should have taken that time in my life to pursue other friendships and activities.

[4]

Wear your retainer.

Here I am. 28 years old and I have Invisalign. Because my teeth moved. I did not listen to my orthodontist, my mother, or my private clarinet teacher. Sorry, Mrs. Bronson!

[5]

 Mom is right.

Okay, aside from the iffy fashion choices (ahem, PROM), my mom was right just about everything. After arguments with one of my sisters, she would tell me that one day they are going to be your best friends and you will miss them. True. I do need to watch what I eat. I reap what I sow.

BONUS:

Not everything needs to go on social media. A few times over the years I’ve gotten phone calls from my Dad telling me to take down a “status update” when I might have said something I shouldn’t have. No complaining about a job or person, basically nothing negative at all. You can control what goes online, but you can’t control what happens once it is there – and you definitely can’t control who sees it.

 

What do you wish you knew as a teenager? I’d love to hear in the comments below!