MUST READ: Teens Share Best Advice To Their 16-Year-Old Selves

 

Being 16 is kind of a big deal — you’re no longer a junior student, and you’re probably on your way to finishing secondary school. But as much as there is to look forward to, that doesn’t mean that this golden age doesn’t come with its ups and downs. Luckily, the community of Reddit has some nuggets of wisdom to pull you through.

Users of the social site recently came together to share the one piece of advice they would tell their 16-year-old selves. From dating tips to getting along with life, they shared words of encouragement in addition to what they might have done differently.

Scroll down below to read our 10 favourite slices of advice that can be applied to any teen. Head over to Reddit for the full chain of responses

• I never drank, smoked, did drugs, or had sex in high school. I don’t regret it. High school is extremely unimportant. You have your whole life to try not experiences. There is no rush. – Throwawaymyheart01

• Do the things you love, not the things others love. Follow your own passion and be the person you want to be. This is something I struggle with daily. – Teleporterr

• Turn off your phone sometimes. Spend some quality time with yourself. Appreciate the small things. Never stop learning. Go outside and just sit once in a while. Love a cat. – mycatsmybestfriend

• Have fun! Keep focused on school but make sure you are having fun and making friends in the process! – Solarsun11

• Getting a boyfriend/girlfriend isn’t that important. Your crush will pass. Don’t spend all your time with your friends. They will eventually leave you or you will leave them. Your parents are right 80% of the time but if you want to not listen to them you can learn the hard way. – ujustgotshanked

• Tidy up after yourself and learn household chores. This is how you physically demonstrate maturity to your parents when you want them to see you as an adult and it also sets you up to be a great roommate one day. – littlewoolie

• Read books. Stay away from screens. – The_White_Visitation

• Be yourself but don’t be afraid to make yourself better. People don’t have to accept the way you are if the way you are isn’t great. – McAwesomeBoss

• Build a good relationship with your parents, or maintain a good relationship with them. They may seem annoying at times, whether they tell the same old stories or just ask a lot of questions, but you’ll look back when they die and cherish every second you got to spend with them. Those annoying times will become memories for you to look back on. Also, listen to them and their stories, that’s your history. – flyersfan78

• The most important thing I could ever tell anyone is to not forget who you are. That is easy to do. Keep friends close but don’t be afraid to lose some. Do not change for others. Above all else, be who you want to be not who someone else thinks you should be. NEVER forget who you are. – SephChasseur