For many, being 13 is the worst. It’s the time when lots of change is happening in your world, and we’re not just talking about growth spurts and hair in new places. There’s dating, peer pressure and testing the boundaries of what you can get away with. Looking back, we asked 20 grown-ups what advice they’d give to their teenage-selves, based on what they know now, and if they would do anything differently…
“I would tell myself to spend more time outdoors. As someone who used to go on a lot of video games I would tell my past self to be more active, do more sport/exercise etc.”
Lewis, 25
“I’d tell my 13-year-old self that the perfect career dream will come early, but to definitely give up on the dream of a perfect love life. It’s a never ending experiment of trial and error.”
Johanna, 24
“I’d say don’t worry that you’re funny looking. It will get better and you’ll grow into it.”
Brigid, 24
“Don’t move out at a young age because your teenage hormones are telling you to. And stay away from all men.”
Danielle, 24
“I would tell my 13-year-old self to ignore the people giving me grief at school. Soon they will be out of your life, and probably on the dole.”
Dave, 25
“If she’s not into you, don’t get upset about it.”
Luke, 24
“I think I would say, remember there is always going to be someone who is better at things than you are, but this is irrelevant. Try to focus on whatever it is that interests you. Become a custodian of knowledge and have as much fun as you can in the process. You’re really lucky to have your life, so make the best of it!”
Ann, 48
“I would say, don’t worry about fitting in too much because the things that make you seem uncool now will make you cool when you’re older. Also, just enjoy being a kid because you really have nothing to stress about now.”
Sarah, 25
“Stick with learning languages, take more risks, eat less food and lighten the hell up!”
Harry, 25
“I’d warm myself against the dangers of dying my hair ‘dark brown’. Not only did it actually turn out black, and therefore making me look like the lead singer of a Goth rock band, but I was convinced bits were falling out. Waiting for the blonde to grow back wasn’t much better either, the blonde roots made it look like I had a bald patch from a distance. Never again.”
Adam, 24
“To not be in such a rush to be all grown up, and to enjoy every minute of being a child. Adulthood is way worse and there is plenty of time for that.”
Ellie, 25
“Always have your own bank account if you get married or live with someone, and have a pre-nup agreement over the kids.”
Anita, 52
“If tell myself to stop wasting my time on running after a friend who won’t return the favour. And, I’d also tell myself to chill out as there’s plenty of time to worry in the future.”
Krissy, 23
“Never get a credit card ‘for emergencies’ because you will spend it on clothes.”
Leanne, 24
“Nothing, let them learn from their mistakes.”
Nessa, 26
“Get braces.”
Diane, 55
“Go to as many parties as you can when you’re 16. Because if you don’t people will stop inviting you, and you’ll never get in with the cool kids.”
Joseph, 27
“The worlds scarier than you think it is. A hell of a lot scarier!”
Salina, 32
“Never doubt yourself, you are the person who knows you best. Try everything, even if you think you can’t do it. You may surprise yourself.”
Annie, 23
“Live and learn and don’t let others stop you, it’s your life it’s for living. People make mistakes, grow from yours and don’t dwell on them too much. Be good to your friends, they will be there through the hard times when your family is not. And last but not least, never worry about being too fat or too thin. Listening to the negative comments will make you feel ugly and worthless. You are 13! Just laugh and be happy!”
Bex, 23
Well, we’re feeling all emotional now.
