As a teen I was this timid girl who’d be bothered by every comment, every glance that came her way. I spent too much thinking about what others said, did or will do rather than what I should. And I really hope I’d known a few things back then so that I wouldn’t waste all that precious time in mundane tasks. Purely from personal experience, here are 13 things I really wish I’d known as a teen! If you feel differently, let me know in the comments below.
1. Nobody really cares about how you look.
I remember getting worried sick about how I look and what I’d wear. Apart from being in the not-so-good-looking phase I cared so much about my clothes that they ended up looking overdone.
2. Spend more time outdoors, because you won’t get to do that later.
Now that I have a stable job and I am stuck at the desk for almost 10 hours a day, I often wonder about those summer afternoons when I’d be cycling in my compound or running around playing cricket with the guys. If I’d know I won’t get the chance to do that in the future, I’d do way more of that.
3. Listen to your parents.
Be it for my post graduation or for sleeping early and eating a good breakfast I regret not listening to them. In fact there have been times when everything they warned be about has come true. So now I take their advice really seriously!
4. Not every romance will lead to a life-long commitment.
At that age I dreamt of that one man who’ll sweep me off my feet and I’ll live with him happily-ever-after. But as time passed I realised that not every romance will last a lifetime. Sometimes you’ve got to enjoy the company and the time and then let it pass by.
5. Education is extremely important.
My parents kept telling me how important it is for me to study, get good grades and complete my course. Of course I did that but at that time I didn’t understood its importance. But out there in the big bad world, there’s way to much competition my friend, so don’t take your education lightly.
6. Real learnings are more important than grades.
I would get a good score and so would many of my other friends. But then when I moved out and met people and I realised that grades really didn’t matter. What mattered was how streetsmart I was and how I’d get my work done. Wish I’d known that so that I wouldn’t spend time in rote learning!
7. Marriage shouldn’t be a goal.
Believe it or not, when I was a teen I dreamt of the perfect wedding and being married to the love of my life. In fact I also wanted to have three kids! All my plans revolved around that one goal. But as I grew up I realised that marriage should never be a goal.
8. Being independent is important.
Life is unpredictable and no matter what a brilliant life you are living right now, it’s important to be self-sufficient and independent. Time changes and you never know when destiny picks you up from the riches and puts you in the rags. Plus you must always hope for the best and be prepared for the worst.
9. Learn all the life skills while you have the time.
Yes, you are busy but you are never going to be as busy as you will be in the future so don’t put off learning important life skills for later. Learn to cook, swim and drive because you never know when you’ll need these even if you don’t today.
10. Don’t take life so seriously.
Some of us take everything too damn seriously! As a teen I remember being an uptight girl who wouldn’t talk to anyone and wouldn’t laugh on any joke. I was also referred to as a snob. But as time went by I realised how stupid that was. So loosen up, girl. Relax and enjoy today even if everything isn’t right.
11. Be grateful.
Not only to God for all the comforts but to your parents for fulfilling all your wants, to your teachers for passing on the knowledge and even to your maid and driver for tending to you. Thank them for all their services, because believe it or not you are one of the lucky ones.
12. Give your grandparents their due.
They’ve seen way more of the world than you have so make sure you take their advice seriously. They may not understand you but you can always try. Spend time with them and make them happy because remember one day you’ll be in their position and you don’t want to deal with emotionless grandkids.
13. Family comes first.
Now this may sound a little preachy but is true. No matter how many friends you have and how close they are, family is what will be with you for life. Your friends change and acquaintances drift away but family is forever. So make sure you keep your family together and maintain your alliances.
