A couple months ago I posted a letter to my younger self, to which many of you responded with letters to your own younger selves in the comment section. Turns out, we had a lot to say to our mini-me’s—from dating advice to style tips, we’ve learned a lot since the days we donned jelly shoes and spent weekends cruising the mall (or should I say we’ve learned a lot since the first time we donned jelly shoes and spent weekends cruising the mall?)
I combed through the letters to our younger selves for the best lessons learned and wisdom gained. After the jump, fifteen tips for the young women behind us.
- Drink one glass of water for every cocktail you consume.
- Appreciate your body and the great shape you’re in.
- Be nice to your mom.
- “Screw worrying about being popular because in ten years all of those people who you thought were so pretty and cool are now chubby accountants with three kids and a sexless marriage.”
- Start an exercise regimen NOW and stick to it.
- If you have a chance to study abroad, GO.
- Don’t waste your time mooning over the boy who doesn’t know you exist.
- “It’s okay to trade on your looks, not just your principled smarts and scruples.”
- Spend more time with your grandparents.
- Wear sunscreen every day, and don’t forget your neck and hands!
- Pay with cash, not credit.
- Get your eyebrows shaped.
- Stand up straight—you’ll look thinner and more confident.
- Always trust your instincts.
- Never mix Dayquil with alcohol.
Related Stories:
Notes to Our Younger Selves
Wedding Day Dos and Don’ts
Seven Ways to End A Relationship
By Wendy Atterberry of TheFrisky