What would you say to...
 

Your 13 year old self?

Just write a letter here to yourself, at the age of 13. In hindsight, what would you say to you?

I'll write one in a bit, I just thought i'd make the thread now..

So..

Dear 13 year old self...

[This might be better in F&D so feel free to move it]

Dear Eirinn

Stop now.
Stop drinking.
Stop taking drugs.
Don't sleep with that person.
&& For gods sake stop cutting yourself.
Treat your mother with some ****ing respect.
Infact, grow up you ****ing freak.

Lots of Love & kisses Eirinn


That kinda sums it up for you Alex.

Pretty much what Erinn said >.<

Dear Amy,

Stop being a ****. Really. Go and make friends, join those sports teams, you can make friends there as well. C and M are horrid friends, so leave them whilst you can. And when you think about 'experimenting' with pain. Don't. Just, don't. You'll save your older self a lot of hassle.

And for God's sake, do some WORK. STUDY. REVISE. Get the GCSE's that reflect your intelligence, k? And have fun. Don't let the boys get to you and ENJOY LIFE.

From me. Who currently hates you. =]

Dear 13 year old Nat.
Yes, you are gay, deal with it. It's cool.
Stop hating yourself so much, life gets better and you pull well fit ladies.
Don't even think about cutting yourself, you mong. It isn't good and you'll still be doing it when you get to my age!
Gain some self respect, don't let people take advantage of you.
Put down the cake and do some exercise.
Be a 13 year old. Don't try to grow old before your time. Don't start getting pissed every night. You're really f*cking intelligent so don't waste it. Learn to appreciate your sisters, they turn out alright xD.
Respect yo' mother, respect yo' father.
Get the dog some f*cking training.
Stop listening to Blue and Hearsay.
Kthnxbye.

Dear 13-year-old Zed
Stay exactly the way you are right now
Don't speak to anybody about anything
Do NOT trust anybody, please
Stay away from sharp things and don't you dare think about hurting yourself
Be true to yourself and for God's sake, if you ever think about killing yourself, make sure it actually works.
Yes, you're a lesbian darling, don't fight it any longer, just trust me and accept it, it's cooool
Oh and never tell 'her' how you feel
And and and start drinking alcohol darling, please, you need to lighten up
19-year-old Zed

13 year old Luce,

Just step out & be a bit more confident, you'll feel better & make more friends that way.

Keep doing your school work & homework like you are now - don't give up when it comes to GCSE or A-Level, your grades will appreciate your consistency.

When you meet A, don't put her on a pedestool quite so much - you have other friends, rely on them too. When you're 18 you won't even be speaking to her. & don't even think about trying self harm because you learn that she does it - it's not okay, it's an addiction, & you'll still be dealing with that in 5 years from now. & your mum will get the idea from you & try it a couple of times as well.

Don't argue too much with your mum, dad or sister - they're lovely & will be a good source of support, etc, to you in the future if ever you need it.

Make sure you save some money when you get to having EMA - it'll be useful when you need to buy a laptop for uni.

Don't go to Chichester University, it's small & you won't enjoy it very much.

Go to [insert address here] & meet Dani =]

Don't get into all of that mental health stuff - it's not a good idea. You'll wreck your life.

Don't comfort eat or anything, do regular exercise with Kirsty & make sure you eat healthily.

Just look after yourself, everything will be okay.

Oh, & don't bother with the Christianity - you'll realise that it's a load of rubbish in a couple of years & just end up being left-out.

18 year old Luce x

P.S. I would say just do all of this to make you who you are, but you don't turn out very well, so don't (Y).

dear 13-year old steph,

I could say stop what you're doing and completly change the direction your life is going. but im going to leave that decision up to you.
Either carry on the way you're going. you will end up being hurt by your friends, you will end up cutting yourself a lot, you will end up ODing and ending up in hospital. But you will get some help eventually, and you will meet some fabulous people along the way. Some who are so awesome, I wouldn't want you to miss out on knowing them.
Or you could change. Stop all the **** you're putting yourself through just now. Stop blaming other people for everything, take some responsibility for yourself, go out their and live your life. There is so much you could do. Stop doubting yourself, especially with your art, and do something. You're clever, so don't throw that all away.
The decision is yours, please make the right one. And do me a favour, go and be nice to your sister. She does get better, and you'll learn to love her.
lots of love,
17-year old steph. xx

Dear 13 year old me,
Dont live in fear of him... face up to him... tell him he hurts you mentally, tell him you want him to be happy and not blame you for everything. Dont let popele make decisions for you. Make them yourself and learn to be happy even though its hard.
Dont start going down the wrong path.. dont start becoming isolated because she died. Love yourself and in later life you wont feel so bad. Dont make bad friendships and dont depend on others.. learn to communicate and dont live your life through others.
But most of all dont feel the need to want to disappear. Be brave and tell people what you feel, start with your family otherwise.. you will regret every single year since you were born. Just be happy.
Love 21 year old you xx

Dear 13 year old Charlie.
All the penis in the world can never *make* you straight.. deal with it.. its not so bad liking the lady loving.
Also.. eat you fool.

Your parents are going to split up, and times are going to be hard.. but you know what.. you get through the other side.

One day you'll see that lifes not so bad.. maybe you should start learning it sooner rather than later so that you dont miss out on 6 years of your life.

Lots of love.
21 year old charlie.

dear 13 year old me,
be happy, appreciate your family, they love you. ignore your friends, they know nothing about you.
embrace the world. it's amazing, you'll see.

love.

Dear 13 year old self,
Right den mrs You've not gonna start this **** got it your first time was an experiement stop it now. it'll **** you up i'm telling you.
Make up with dad and leave that bloody webcam alone you whore.
Can't you see the lads only want you as a bit of fun on there.
Leave BFs to your older and NEVER even think your gay It wont work out bitch.
Ditch emily!!!! I know you need her but just fricken ditch her shes trouble!!!.
I'm telling you please do not cut your arms again you'll end up with fu*ked up arms and you wont be able to wear sleeves i'm telling you.
Loose weight. do u really wanna end up with back problems and do you really wanna be 16 stone at 16.
Do all you can btw to suceed in your chosen career do volentry work

love you always 16 year old laura xxxxxx

13 year old Chelsea:

I wouldn't change a thing about anything. Do what you want, go wild, have some fun. Just, go where you want to go, and be who you want to be. If you go the **** way then you'll just come out of it in 5 years time and be a much better person for it.

One thing though: Stick with M. He's a lovely person and he'll make you really happy. You'll learn a lot from him, and him from you, and just, don't ever give up on him, okay?

18 YO Chelsea.

dear 16 year old Jane

Do not become friends with Nadine and that group.They hurt you in the past and they will hurt you again.Be who you want to be because those that are your friends will stick by you, the rest are just jealous.You will have a few mental issues by the time you are 16 but these will make you a stronger person.Dont worry about exams, you will pass the ones you need to for the course of your dreams.

also start eating onions as it makes buying any ready meals, sauces and going out for dinner really difficult :p

Dear 13 year old me,
Grow up and get a backbone. Seriously are you going to let them tell you what to do forever. And the're not worth it anyway. Seriously go and meet some new people or you'll be stuck with these people for ever and they won't stop putting you down.
Your dad is a waste of space, rember that. And Carol is a loser as well. Please don't try to be nice to her. Remember she was the reason your mum was in tears. And she'll ignore you no matter what you do.
The world won't end if you say something or even don't do your homework for once. Years from now you'll regret being so timid and can you explain what you gained from colouring worksheets you know aren't going to be collected.
Oh and finally no matter how much you love your brother you're only three years older than him and not his mother. It's not your job to help with his homework, or check he's had lunch or make sure he's happy.
Whatever you do. Do not turn into 15 year old Jessica.
Please Please sort yourself out.

Dear 13 Year Old Liz,

Don't put yourself down so much, you're a nice kid. No, you may not be one of the popular kids, but that won't matter in the future. Don't try so much to fit in, it will only bring you more hurt.

Don't try so hard to bock out those feelings. Numbing them will lead to worse feelings than those you have right now. Don't trust people just because they have authority, in fact treat that as a reason to steer clear.


From Liz at 26.

PS: Eat something. Don't spend the next 13 years starving yourself.

Dear 13 year old self,

This year you'll start something new. It won't be fun and you won't be able to stop yourself. Because you can't. You think it helps. It will teach you more about yourself and others than you ever knew existed. You'll meet new friends because of it. And maybe see who your true friends have been along the way. But never hurt yourself because of it. When you're older you'll see how far it's brought you. How it's shaped you to be how I am now. You won't be the most confident person in the world. You'll be insecure, paranoid. But you'll be able to be strong enough to stop the pain. Maybe not to start with. Maybe not for a very long time. But I know you'll be able to do it. Don't look on it as a burden. But as a blessing for it's lessons. It won't be with you forever. So don't deny it. Or hold it in. But fight it as much as you can.
You'll lose friendships you never thought you would. You'll lose people in ways you never thought possibly, but don't deny them. Don't live your life in disbelief or repression, trust me, it hurts so much more later on.
Just live your life. I won't tell you not to meet this person, or not to do this, because it's all experience. And as long as you take the best lessons from what you can, then that's all that matters. x

P.S Never be afraid to cry. Seriously.
P.P.S Do your ****ing work. Seriously girl just get a grip sometimes. You KNOW it will be worth it int he end. So listen to your gut instinct sometimes.

Dear 13 year old Daisy,
You've actually already experienced most of the things that are gunna be the foundations of your troubles.
Stop cutting yourself while it's still not too bad because in a few months time it's gunna get worse and worse.
Get the hell away from that girl now.
I know you think you 'love' her.
But tbh you're just gunna feel awful about it every time you think about it in the future.
It will literally make you sick to your stomach.
If you dump her (instead of what will happen otherwise) then maybe you won't spend a year with absolutely no friends.
DON'T get with Kieran on a rebound.
Then don't cheat on him 3 times.
Just hold out for Daniel and don't screw it up.
They'll hate you for it at first, but they get over it trust me. (Coz I am you)
And if you do mess it up with Dan, don't then start drinking and smoking all the time and thinking you're cool.
Don't have sex with anyone else until you're completely ready and deffs not Dec.
Because otherwise guys are gunna start thinking you're easy and then you'll get all mistrusting and confused about their motivations.
You'll be lonely.
You have some wonderful people in your life, keep them close.
Ly x

Dear 13-year-old-katy

Listen to what she tells you
show her how much you love her
She is right when she says its better to be yourself
But most of all DO NOT under any circumstance go to London Next Summer
because she won't come back

Be yourself even if it means standing out from the crowd and being a bit "quirky" because you have your own mind and you shouldn't be afraid to show how unique you are just because other people dont like it.

Get help now
Don't let things get worse
Or you will spend the best time of your life
when you have more friends than ever before in hospital falling apart.
Start talking to Emilleh now don't leave it till your 15 and only have 1 year before your banned from seeing her. its going to break your heart but talk to people and don't keep it all inside because it will kill you.

Use your mind
don't let teachers push you into things that arent you
don't be afraid to work in different ways to others its what makes your art special and its whats going to get you places in this world.

From katy at 17

Dear 13 year old moron.
For the love of god, stop speeding up the process of growing up, it'll be gone faster than you think and at the end of it all you'll wish you could've gone back. Stop smoking, stop drinking, you have all your life for that. Perfect yourself, motivate yourself. Do what you want to do and don't be afraid to do it. Don't sit around. Don't wait for the tomorrows. Do it now.
You will go through many changes, experience many things, love, hate, betrayal. Embrace it. But whatever you do. Do not give up. Don't give in to what your heart is saying. Fight. Fight for the things you love, because if you don't, they will perish they way they did to me.

dear 13 year old lucy
lose some weight,
get a better haircut,
discover contact lens'
stop wearing those ****ing stupid trousers, they look ridiculous
don't worry, you & him happens eventually. it's not really worth it in the end & he's really weird.
she's your best friend,it gets ****ed up.then it gets fixed.
don't kiss her! & don't later kiss her girlfriend?!
oh yeh, by the way you're a big emo gay.
love 19 year old lucy.

p.s. don't go near those men.

dear 13 year old sammy,
yes i know, i'm only fourteen year old you,
but oi bitch.
stop doing what you're doing.
be niiiiiiice to people.
and don't always be looking for someone to aspire to be.
cos in a little under a year,
you're gonna realise that being yourself is way more fun.
and don't listen to what all the mean people say.
cos you're just gonna keep cutting.
and that is not cool.
don't keep thinking about suicide either.
cos trust me,
although things seem hard,
you are gonna be soooo glad you didn't do it!
just try to accept yourself for who you are.
cos you're not that bad.
and in a few months,
you're gonna realise that you are a silly little girl!
love sammy.
p.s. buy more hats.

dear you.
stop doing what you're doing and have fun just being a kid.
oh and don't **** everything up in the future.
cheers.

Dear Twatface,

Don't let them manipulate you into hating the people you should never even dream of hating. Don't let yourself be alone in his house. Don't think it's your fault. Tell all your secrets before they seem insignificant and untrue. Don't ever doubt your self conviction. You're stronger than you think. Enjoy being young and free. Stop being self indulgent. Let yourself trust. Let yourself go. Let yourself be emotionally vulnerable, it's how you learn. Do things which scare you. Don't break people's hearts, don't be afraid to let yours get broken. It's worth it. Look after yourself. Don't be afraid what other people might think. Don't worry about those who leave you behind. Don't let the bastards get you down.

kthanxbai.

Dear Kayleigh,
Your an idiot! dont hang out with those people in the future, they are twats they treat you like ****. your friends now are amazing dont leave them for a bunch of idiots!!
Dont get so hung up over guys, they are not worth it!!
Dont let your stupid mother get to you!! shes not worth it. she'll always be like this, nothing you can do can change her!
Your a strong person, and very clever!! dont give up and run away when things get too hard. you can do it!
Love Kayleigh at 20

Dear my 13-year old self,

Please don't do that. Please. It's addictive and if you carry on you will end up with scarred, bloody arms like myself. It's not attractive.
Please get help with your issues with food. I know how scary that is, but when help is offered to you, grab it with both hands. Do this, and hopefully you will get through school is a much better state than me.

Love, me. x

Dear 13-year old Yasmin,

Please just carry on being happy,don't listen to them idiots,they just like hurting you. They're fxcking morons!
IGNORE THEM!
Please stop doing them silly things. Stop while you can because you've hardly got any marks,and trust me you don't want arms like me.
For your own sake.
Oh yeh and please just get on with you work you silly moo.

Lots of love Yassmin
xxx

dear little hannah,
stop being so silly.
don't do anything stupid, you'll be in the psych ward for weeks and it won't be fun. it will be scary to see how terrified your family is. don't hurt them please.
don't worry about talking. you'll get better at it. people don't hate you as much as you think.
start listening to a bunch of bands so you can say "I KNEW THEM BEFORE THEY SOLD OUT" on the internet in five years.
don't stop reading.
don't stop writing.
you will make friends, it's okay.
don't be scared even when things are happening really quickly and you want to get the hell out.
seriously, you'll get smarter.

Dear 13 year old Jane,

Don't be so naive. Friendship groups of 3 never work.
Don't fall for the popular group's attractions.
You'll waste 3 years of your life trying and failing to fit in.
Being ignored and used from the people around you.
Don't be so timid.
Experiment, have fun.
Stay in touch with you're old friends, but stick up for yourself.
Show them you're not to be messed with.
Don't listen to the girls on that day after school.
Don't take those pills.
Don't. Please listen to me.
It starts a destructive cycle.

Don't waste you're time on that guy.
He turns out to be another user.
Don't worry about not kissing anyone.
It comes eventually. Though maybe not how you dreamed.
Just learn to love yourself.
Learn to have you're own style.
Be who you are.
Read, just because you love to.
Don't be embarrassed and try and wear their clothes and do what they do.
You don't need too.
Don't say those things about jenny and cheryl.
There nice people. They didn't deserve you're ****.
Don't try and make an effort with mum. It does get better.
You don't have a relationship. But you learn to put up with each other.
Trust you're instincts, you'll be right.
Be honest.
And please, when you need it. Learn to ask for help.
Then maybe when you turn 18 you wont need it
But if you do, you will be able to ask.

Love you & have faith in yourself
18 year old Jane
<3

18 year old me...
Spend that money on seeing him, dont make the same excuse about being skint.see him before his time is up.

Dear 13-year-old Alys,
stop the puking, cutting, crying, its ****ing worthless:) you're already ****ed up enough as it is. talk to your parents decently and DONT break up with him.
oh,and dont get back with that ****wit james
please

much love
alys

Dear 13 year old Danz.

Trust no-one.
Do some work.
Lose some weight.
Eat properly.
Spend a whole day with grandad, he'll be gone soon.
Get a better hair-cut.
Don't worry your sense of humour will get better.
Don't throw yourself around to guys. It'll only make you look cheap. And You'll get that guilt thing.
Look foward to smoking in two years. Stock up, the age gets raised
Learn to roll a good joint.
Trust me, You'll spend a day with Nick. And it'll change you.
You'll get piercings soon. Clean them more!!!
Don't punish yourself for other peoples mistakes.
Try not to get paraletic too often.
Breathe in. Breathe out. Calm down. Let it out on something else.

Love 17 year old Danz.

Dear 13 year old Dicky,

Things will get worse before they get better.
But they may do, oneday.
Discover punk. Utilise your Angst.

Your 20-year-old self

Chels - that's lovely, really nice.

& It's really interesting reading these, too.



Dear 13 y/o Jo,

You're young. Don't worry about not knowing your style. Continue exactly as you are, and don't stress about conforming; part of your identity is your style, don't try to make your style match your identity.

It's okay to be confused, and it's okay to have issues. Talk them through, don't bottle them up. Try to communicate as much as you can, while you've got friends around you who'll listen. You have no idea how much you'll appreciate that.

For the most part, don't change who you are - but learn to respect yourself.

Accept help on offer, maybe not now, but in the future. Don't hide or shy away from it; it'll be far, far more productive if you take it.

Work your arse off, and do better A-levels. You're capable of them; don't settle for half-hearted subjects.

Don't push your parents, especially your Dad, away. You'll feel bad about it later. And although he wasn't particularly helpful, neither did he deserve some of the things you said.

What's going to happen is going to be scary, but try not to be phased; things will work out in the end.

Finally, don't be an idiot, don't break up with T. He's a fantastic guy, and you'll spend years regretting it.

dear 13 year old ashleigh,
stop thinking about cutting before its too late. you are good enough, and dont let others make you think any different. dont hurt yourself, it will just make life f***in harder later.
please dont start.
you are not a burden to others, they are there to listen.
love yourself.
you are amazing.

Fi.
I'm here to offer some advice.
The friends you're about to meet will be some of the best you could ever ask for. And you know what I did? I f-cked it up. Don't shut them out, you've been hurt a lot and you'll be hurt more, that's life. Just please, don't shut them out, you don't realise how much they will love you.
Don't go to that party and if you do, don't get too drunk, if you do the results are not pretty. Work harder at school, mainly 5th year, Your whole high school experience is going to suck if you f-ck things up with your new friends, if you don't then only half of it will suck.

Be nicer to your mum. Yeah she's a hypocritical cow who takes out **** on you lot for no reason, but she's stressed. She's struggling, a lot. Don't add to it.

I'm not going to tell you to not hurt yourself. You haven't done it yet but you're so depressed and have been for a while, I know. Just be careful. You'll end up quite liking what you do.
Let the bullies at school treat you like sh-t, you'll be stronger for it.
Don't let the bully at home treat you like sh-t. He's done some awful things to you and your family, stand up to him more. Yes he is scary but you'll be so proud of yourself later. What's the worst he can do? Hit you? That's nothing. Stand up to him and be strong. He has no right to treat you like that.
Yes, you cause their break up, it still makes me happy.

Oh, your first boyfriend is pretty nice, but it turns out he was only with you because he thought you were gullible enojugh to fall for the 'I love you, let's take things furhter!' line. You're not :)

People will taunt you about being gay, but you're not, you're bi. And you have a good time discovering that!

Start playing piano!

Kiss him. Don't tease him. You will want to and you should. I regret not doing it so much. So kiss him.

Treat her better. Don't just abandon her.

Tell him you like him. Don't get in that taxi, stay with him, I've always wondered what would have happened if I'd just stayed.

Finally. Don't fake orgasms, and smoke more weed.

Fi.

Oh! and also, when you're picking your standard grade subjects, ditch physics and pick art instead.


That was longer than I thought it'd be :/

Dear 13 year old me,
Don't be mean to your sisters, they both get put in mental hospitals and it makes you feel guilty!
Don't be mean to your mum because she's the loveliest person in the world!
Don't be mean to your dad because...you'll need him to pay your rent when you go to uni.

Oh and sort your eyebrows out and straighten your hair. You look ridiculous.

from your 21 year old self.

dear navie kim

hmm what can I say. your future can go two ways. going off the rails can seem fun at the time but believe me, in the long run its not. its lonley, its ruins your life, messes up everyone who knows you an you end up in a mental hospital.

so don't take that route. right now, you are havin the best time of your life. cherish it, thin will go downhill.

lose the impulses. odin at that age isn't cool an double what you take if you want it to work.

learn to put the effort into things for yourself. you will one day realise that doin it for mum will never work as nothinis ever good enough. this fact will follow you through life, get used to it, it will be less painful in the end.

when face with the descsion, don't go near older lads. trust me it will wreck your lfe completley. you can't even egin to imagine how much so. but trust me that its enough that you will still be dealing wth it when yoour 21.

yur grades are good. kep them that way.

stay out of hospital an wait for relationships with ppl your own age. its better than getting older an not having any relationships.

learn to love an to talk, learn to have fun.
I would love to say it all turns o well in the end, but who knows. oh an stay well away from maried men.

love your not so wiser self.

dear 13 year old me,

firstly stop eating put down the crisps and walk away
secondly sarah will die at 15 prepare yourself
thirdly when your 15 and get detention don't take the shortcut walk the long way
DON'T even think about hurting yourself
WORK at school get good grades and go to sixth form and uni like normal people
DON'T move out untill your ready you will regret it trust me

Dear me,
you think it's funny now, but 4 years from now she'll be right. you'll be a mess, and no one will know.
tell him. now. before he leaves. if you don't you'll regret it. if you do--well who knows what'll happen. either way it's just a middle school crush and either way you'll get over it eventually, but if you tell him then 4 years from now you won't be wistfully missing his friendship.
talk to her, your best friend. reach out to her. she needs you NOW. don't wait to figure that out until after the storm has passed. don't let her go through this alone.
in 2005 Grandma will die. In 2007 Grandpa will die. so prepare yourself. tell them you love them & get to know them better. make more memories.
love yourself now. more than you do. maybe then it won't be so bad.
and most of all...
it helps a ton to talk about your emotions.maybe if you start now you'll be used to it & four years from now you won't have to resort to cutting. maybe...
I just wrote last night in my journal about how much I miss you. I love you so so much & wish that parts of me were still you, if that makes sense. good luck. can't wait to see how you turn out.

Dear Thirteen Year Old Aimee,

"In three years from now, she'll be long gone."

Good Luck for it all.

Aimee.

dear 13 year old bee

stop drinking.
be a kid
stop hurting yourself
MAKE people notice you
learn that your best may not be as good as all others,
except it
be happy with yourself
throw the blades away
eat something
treat yourself like a human

16 year old bee

pity none of that stuff happened. and im now worth nothing. to anyone

Dear 13 year old Sam,

please stop worrying about everything so much, you have a couple of great friends, go out with them occasionally, better than spending time in your room on your own.

stop fantasizing about bad stuff, believe me in a few years time you'll regret it, you'll have the scars to prove it.

work harder in your last year of school and actually revise, your really quite clever.

oh and please stop wearing those clothes, and do your hair and lose some weight (the healthy way) your actually not as ugly as you think you are.

oh and dont worry about boys, in 5 years time you'll have met your soul mate and he's a million times better than all of them put together!

and work harder at dancing, push yourself and make your teacher put you through your exams quicker, you have no idea how much you'll regret it later on if you dont, if your feeling really brave ask for some pointe lessons!

Love

24 and 3/4 year old Sam

xxx

Dear 13 year old me,
stop cutting yourself, I know you started a year ago and that seems a long time, but get some help now, otherwise you'll still be doing it at 20.
In a year or so's time someone is going to do something bad to you, speak out! Don't keep it bottled up.
Give up on fitting in- normal is boring remember. And don't listen to anything anyone say's about your figure, you are voluptous not podgy and if you go on to lose masses of weight guy's will tell you that they found you really hot with curves but now you've lost them.
Your family are gonna rely on you a lot over the next few years, but you can cope, you are a strong person. Just don't hide the stress, please don't get obsessed with exercise. If you do you will not get your 4 A's at a level and you will not get into cambridge.
Stop fighting with your sister, in time she'll become a good friend of yours.
Love my 20-year old self.

Dear 13 year old me,

I have nothing to warn you about or give advice about. Everything happens for a reason.
But one thing, don't spazz out when you realise you're gay and tell mum before you're 21 ;)

Your 21 year old self.

Dear Jess, not too sure with all this ****ing with the past stuff

Dump those friends of yours, your scared you'll be left with nobody?
Don't worry anything is better then those idiots, and sombody better *will* come along.

Don't isolate yourself, keep going out, even when you worry that you can't. Do not isolate yourself! Don't worry about boys, you don 't want to go with sombody just for the sake of it. Try hard at school, you might want to give up but believe me you'll be glad when you see your results!

Don't dumb yourself down for those immature kids in school, don't worry about being fat, don't EVER start to count calories, you beautiful tubby girl, your hot ok??!!


There are going to be a lot of changes, mum's going to die 20 days before your 17 birthday. Make sure you tell her you love her before she goes.
And through all of these changes PLEASE resist that crazy idea in your head that says; blade, skin, blood. DONT DO IT you moron.
I can't wear long sleeves now thanks to you dumbass.

Sorry, you haven't done it yet he he
Just, live life! Go out, have fun and ignore the **** at home.
it will all be over one day , stay strong and never let ANYBODY try to shut you up. You have a voice, you have beliefs, use it and keep on doing whats right.

(also don't kiss james at megans birthday party, blurgh, oh lol, and don;t kiss stuart at dads wedding :-S )

your 17year old self.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Darling...

I know these people are crap and that you want out, but please, please Im begging you keep trying. Your persistance in this case leads to the most amazing best friends who you will truly need and depend upon, so please nothing rash and hang in there. When Ashleigh starts to SI dont get caught and go down with her, its the biggest lable youll hav eto deal with and it sucks. And for christ sakes, dont just let Nat walk away, tell her that you love her...

To 13 year old me

You think this is the best year of your life....the luckyest....13...lucky number for you right?

Probably spot on....everything goes downhill from here though I'm afraid....you have about 1 more year to be a normal kid....don't obsess about the small things....don't let Michael control so very much of your life....He is the one whos trouble...not you

You are smart....you might not know that yet....or you might have a vague understanding but...you really are intelligent....from now on you will be the smartest in all your classes....so push yourself to get that extra mark

Its not a popularity contest....and aren't you glad about that?....there is nobody in school now who you will wish to socialise with when you leave....and you will miss school....proposterous I know

Grandad dies next year....so don't forget to take that photograph of him sitting in his arm chair.....and tell him you love him

Read....thats another thing I will tell you....read as much as you can....read like its going out of fashion....it helps you in more ways than you will ever know....develop your singing voice....you will be amazing by the time you get to my age

Learn guitar and piano now....don't worry about people thinking its uncool....it is probably one of the coolest things you will ever do...and join the choir...and don't drop out when the fit music teacher leaves ¬_¬

You will meet your first love in 2 years time....her name is Phoebe....I would say avoid her but....you learned some valuable things from her....about life....

Other than that....get confidence....NOW

You have everything to be confident about....you might not think it but....you are an amazing person and will actually help so very many people in your lifetime.....

When you speak to a girl on AOL....by the name of Naomi....do not pass her off as some 12 year old little girl.....she will actually turn into one of the best things that ever happened to you....and do NOT...under ANY circumstances....tell her the truth about Tom....we know he is going to break her heart.....but if you tell her....you will lose her forever....

Find Hollie now.....shes GCbabe27 on aol....and she is 2 years younger than you....she is your sister

Good luck little man....you don't turn out that bad as it goes....and you have everything going for you right now....University (I know...who knew we would go) and jobs....and some really amazing friends I would never deprive you of

Self harm isnt an answer....but it makes you a stronger person....and gives you these amazing people

I love you.....so learn to love yourself now....save me time...please?

20 year old Paul x

Right
ENJOY YOURSELF
This summer will be the last one you will enjoy if you carry on like this.
Next year those scratches will be nasty cuts and you'll spend all your time hiding them. It will just get worse. Quit while you're ahead.
WORK AT SCHOOL- but dont stress about it. Just keep on top of it. You can do it. trust me.
You've got some awsome frieds- hold onto them, spend time with them and don't you EVER start avoiding them. If you do, you WILL lose them.
Put yourself out for other people, treat your parents with respect, even if you think they dont deserve it. They do.
Be nice to H. Be a proper sister to her.
Stop worrying so much, stop checking the doors and switches and cupboards- ITS OK! NOTHING WILL HAPPEN IF YOU DON'T! and one day you will realise this.
Start eating more healthily. Believe me, you'll wish you had in the future.
Becky, 16