Wash Your Hands and Face | #MyFridayStory No. 317
Going through puberty is no picnic - especially when you add pimples and acne into the mix!
There's no other time in life where you feel quite as awkward and misunderstood as those pubescent teenage years. All those hormones surging through your changing body leave you confused and irritated.
You don't feel like you fit in anywhere, but you also don't want to fit in. The new urges start happening daily. With your growing interest in your own body comes an attraction to other teenagers - usually, but not always, the opposite sex. Society hasn't always equipped teenagers to navigate these tricky waters when it comes to sex education. It's only recently that Western society has embraced the need to better inform teenagers, parents and teachers.
Mostly though, you just feel alone.
I grew up the youngest of four siblings, with a Brother 11 years my senior and a Sister 6 and 2 years older. As the baby of the family and the cutest (naturally!), my arrival sent them from being the main event to being the opening act. At age 6, after just starting grade one, I fell dangerously ill with rheumatic fever - there was a 50/50 chance I wouldn’t make it. The six-month recovery only further cemented my place as the favourite.
Don’t get me wrong - there was still a healthy dose of normal sibling rivalry I didn’t escape!
After high school, my eldest sister went to college to become a beautician. As a pimple-prone teenager going through puberty, I became her perfect guinea pig for facials, creams and acne treatments. She passed on so much great advice that’s stuck with me over the years. One habit I still follow religiously is washing my hands and face frequently.
She always said to wash my hands thoroughly with soap and water, then splash just warm water on my face. Do it regularly - more than seems necessary - to control breakouts. I was desperate to fit in and escape ridicule, so her advice became gospel.
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When she started working, she’d take me shopping with her on Saturday mornings. She always planned our route the night before, detailing the shops and where we’d grab a bite. Sometimes Dad drove us into town, otherwise, we took the bus. I loved the hustle and bustle of all the people! It was on one of our outings that I saw my first fashion show held by one of the large retailers.
Even with all the love and support from my family, those teenage years were still confusing trying to figure out all the changes happening. But thanks to my Sister’s guidance and skin advice, I managed to get through relatively unscathed - and with clear skin!
Happy New Year!!
Have a great weekend and please remember to be generous! ??
As always, thanks for reading. ??
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Still trying to enjoy an Early Retirement in this Crazy World !!!!!
1 年Frans, loved your story about growing up in your family,,,, it’s a long time ago,,,, but I remember those teenage years with much fondness ,,, and I was the baby too with a sis 6 years older than Me ,,, hopefully the coming year brings much awaited Peaceful Conditions! Stay safe my friend !
Head: Collaborations (Corporates, Colleges, TVET Colleges, NPO's, NGO's, Schools and communities). Manager: STADIO Regional Ofices throughout South Africa. Head: Continuous Professional Teacher Development (CPTD).
1 年Thank you for sharing
General Manager - Various properties within the Premier Group of Hotels and Resorts - 9 Years. Currently at the Premier Hotel OR Tambo Airport. Relocating to the Premier Hotel EL ICC in East London.
1 年May both you and your Family have a fantastic 2024.
Quality inspector Chess engineering Western Australia. December 23
1 年BLESSED new year brother