An Open Letter to All Teenagers.

What’s up, teenager?

Do you feel like you’re grown up but everyone still treats you as if you’re a child? Yeah, I feel you. You want to be edgy and independent, and ‘live life by your own rules’. I’ve been exactly where you are, and no, this isn’t going to be one of those ‘you’re not old enough to understand’ lectures that I know you’re already tired of.

See this is the time for you to be experimenting. A lot! Do crazy things, go on adventures, make friends, make memories so that you’ll have stories to tell a few years down the line, and fall in love at least once. It’s the time where you’re still trying to find your place in this world, figuring out who you are and who you’re meant to be inside and out. So it’s only fair that you spend a lot of time confused and feeling lost.

Hey, it’s not like we adults have things figured out completely either, you know?

It’s also the time where your body changes a lot more than you expect it to. It’s nothing to feel ashamed of. Some of your friends might be way ahead of you, but that does not make you ‘defective’. You’ll get there. Every flower blooms at its own time, remember? Listen to your body, take care of it and don’t feel the need to force yourself into fitting into the shape some ‘society’ wants you to be in.

You’re also at the time in your life where groupism, peer-pressure and bullying are at an all-time high, and sometimes operate together. Do not give in. Do not let your bullies get the upper hand. If they don’t back off after you’ve tried politely asking them to, or after an adult has disregarded this matter, knock them upside of the face. Protect yourselves, but also be kind to those around you. They’re all just as confused as you are right now.

You think your parents don’t understand you? Well guess what? They’re the smartest humans you’ll ever come across. Don’t mock them for not being able to catch up with new technology and lingos. They’ve taught you how to use far less complicated things. So be grateful for everything they do for you and please don’t be a brat. You might not realize it now, but you will someday.

Last, but definitely not the least, please don’t get caught up in the rat-race. It’s very easy to do the same thing everyone’s doing. But do what you love, especially if nobody else is doing it. Don’t fall for what you see on social media. All that can be extremely alluring, but you know better. Stand up for what’s right and always choose love and happiness.

You’re not ‘useless’, as everyone says. You’re just trying to find yourself, burdened by everybody’s expectations for you. But this is your life and you own this narrative. Don’t give up who you are for the world. Observe and learn as much as you can, and don’t be ashamed to ask for help when you need it.

You’re doing great, don’t worry!

Sending hugs. Xx

Yours truly,
Someone who understands.

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Hey guys! If you know of a teenager/ are a teenager, spread the word to people who might want to read this today. You can also contact me on my socials and chat me up! I’ll look forward to it.
Yours truly,
The Shubhster.

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