Conversation with my 13 year old self

I cannot lie, High School were not my glory years, I don't look back with fondness or nostalgia, but rather am supremely thankful I made it out somewhat OK and am done with formal education. So for your erudition (I suspect using words like this did not help me much in the popularity stakes) here are the things I wish I knew when I was 13.

1. Hair

I know right know you hate it and are desperate to have straight, swishy locks like the women in the magazines, but one day you will learn about the curly girl method and will embrace, and love, the way god made you.

 2. Boys

 Trying to make yourself smaller and quieter will not make you more attractive, but instead only serve to harm you and almost prevent you from reaching your potential. There is literally nothing sexier than confidence so own your personality.

3. Grades

Don’t worry you will ace practically every exam (except for a brief foray into economics)... but no one will actually care. Instead spend more time being an actual kid... experiences and not grades will form you. 

4. Reading

 Don’t ever stop your passion for reading - one day all those books will lead a path to your very own copywriting business and a completed first novel.

5. Friends

Some will be your rock in the hard times and others will prove your instinct right and be detrimental and toxic; be careful of who you trust, but love those who support you unreservedly.

 6. Fashion

 I promise you that one day you will look back on your penchant for coloured tights, headbands and general desire to look like Blair Waldorf fondly, but in the future you will learn that no item is more powerful than the black skinny jean.

7. Diet

 Eating is not the answer to everything, but trying to be a size 8 will not solve your inner turmoil. Learn to close your mouth when you’re not hungry but enjoy the food you love without guilt or shame.