Letter to me*
*Note, over at Feministing, there was a post where an editor wrote a letter to herself at 16 based on this book. Rather than write my letter over there in a comment, I thought I'd post it here.
Dear 16 year-old starzki,
So, how are you doing? I'm you in the far future and I'm here to give you some advice.
First, lay off your little sister. Yes, she's annoying and can be awful, but she's dealing with her own stuff in the only way she knows how. She's actually pretty cool once you get to know her better.
Second, keep doing what you're doing with sports and school. Those turn out spectacular.
I know you're feeling lonely and like the people you hang out with don't like you. Screw 'em. Real friends don't make you feel like crap. Don't beg to be in their clique just to belong somewhere. Do your own thing. Find people that you actually like and respect (like Jess) and then be yourself around them. You're likeable, I swear. And actually, you can be pretty funny. Once you get over the idea that you have to be nice and quiet and once you open up and actually voice your opinions, people will actually start wanting to hang out with you. I know it's scary to be yourself and be open for people to accept or reject the real you, but I can't even explain the relief you get once you stop trying to reign yourself in all of the time.
Don't worry so much about doing exactly the right thing. Have some fun! Not everything is such serious business.
Also, don't worry about boys and sex so much. I won't spoil the surprise, but it all works out. Trust me. However, in college, if you feel like a fling or two, do it! It's really not as scary as you thought.
Speaking of college, you will have the best time there. Enjoy every second.
Also, you think you're crazy for loving The X-Files so much right now. Go with it! Take it online and get involved with fandom. Seriously, you're not nearly as crazy as you think and there are some great people out there. And speaking of fandoms, there's this awesome thing called anime that I wish you would start watching. Yes, I know it seems like it's for nerds. But guess what, you are a nerd (see your X-Files obsession). Once you embrace it, it's all downhill from there.
I know life sucks for you now, but stick with it and try to have some more fun. I promise, it will all get better.
starzki
So, what would you write to yourself?
Dear 16 year-old starzki,
So, how are you doing? I'm you in the far future and I'm here to give you some advice.
First, lay off your little sister. Yes, she's annoying and can be awful, but she's dealing with her own stuff in the only way she knows how. She's actually pretty cool once you get to know her better.
Second, keep doing what you're doing with sports and school. Those turn out spectacular.
I know you're feeling lonely and like the people you hang out with don't like you. Screw 'em. Real friends don't make you feel like crap. Don't beg to be in their clique just to belong somewhere. Do your own thing. Find people that you actually like and respect (like Jess) and then be yourself around them. You're likeable, I swear. And actually, you can be pretty funny. Once you get over the idea that you have to be nice and quiet and once you open up and actually voice your opinions, people will actually start wanting to hang out with you. I know it's scary to be yourself and be open for people to accept or reject the real you, but I can't even explain the relief you get once you stop trying to reign yourself in all of the time.
Don't worry so much about doing exactly the right thing. Have some fun! Not everything is such serious business.
Also, don't worry about boys and sex so much. I won't spoil the surprise, but it all works out. Trust me. However, in college, if you feel like a fling or two, do it! It's really not as scary as you thought.
Speaking of college, you will have the best time there. Enjoy every second.
Also, you think you're crazy for loving The X-Files so much right now. Go with it! Take it online and get involved with fandom. Seriously, you're not nearly as crazy as you think and there are some great people out there. And speaking of fandoms, there's this awesome thing called anime that I wish you would start watching. Yes, I know it seems like it's for nerds. But guess what, you are a nerd (see your X-Files obsession). Once you embrace it, it's all downhill from there.
I know life sucks for you now, but stick with it and try to have some more fun. I promise, it will all get better.
starzki
So, what would you write to yourself?