Dear 16-Year-Old Me

Dear 16-year-old Laura,

Ah, young love!  You're in the thick of it right now, and there's a lot that's really great about it.  He has just enough of a wild streak to satisfy that inner rebellion that you keep so well hidden.  But he's basically a pretty good guy who never tries to take advantage of you or pressure you.

Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your perspective), he's going to break your heart before the year is over.  The two of you will stay friends for a while, but eventually you'll drift back to your group and he'll drift back to his.  You'll feel kind of lost for a while, but you'll be fine.  In fact, 19 years from now, you'll be in contact with him again through your computer.  (I know that probably boggles your mind, but computers will be MUCH different.  Not a DOS prompt in sight!  Tip: buy stock in Apple and Microsoft.)

Warning: he will break your heart again when you're 22.  But it won't take nearly as long, and it will have an unexpected, very positive, result.  That experience at 22 will cause you to have a much greater appreciation for the man who will become your husband.

But enough about that.

I'm tempted to tell you that you should dress differently - not feel like you have to stay hidden all the time.  But truthfully, dressing so modestly is probably keeping you out of some trouble and away from some people with less-than-honorable motives.  I guess I just wish you could have more confidence, even under all of those clothes.  You are more than just a brain!  You have a cute figure and a great sense of humor, but only a few people get to ever see glimpses of either.  Your future husband will recognize both of these qualities and know how to appreciate them.  :)

Twenty-two years from now, you'll be amazed at how some people have changed (and be even more amazed that you are still in contact with them!).  Some of your high school classmates have developed a real spiritual depth, and it's a shame that they either don't have that, or aren't willing to show that, at 16.  Sadly, some others will just be worse versions of their 16-year-old selves.  I won't spoil it for you, but I think you'll be surprised who matures and who doesn't.

So enjoy your first love.  It won't last forever, but it will be great for a while, and you will survive the aftermath.



P.S. Remember that Senior you had a crush on last year?  Even at 38 you still won't have the guts to contact him ... but that's definitely for the best.  :)

P.P.S.  See?  I was right about the acne getting much better.  :) And girl, you are rockin' the big hair!  (Enjoy that, too, while it lasts.)

If you are at all curious, you can read other letters to my younger self here.

This post is linked up to one or more of the following blog parties.  Check them out! Monday: Menu Plan Monday on I'm an Organizing Junkie Wednesday: Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family Friday: 5 Minute Friday at The Gypsy Mama, Company Girl Coffee at Home Sanctuary Other days: A Wise Woman Builds Her Home