We all wish we could go back in time to give our teenage selves some advice. Whether it’s avoiding that toxic crowd of friends who just make fun of your taste in music or laying off the cigarettes, there are some things we definitely would avoid. On Reddit, some wise adults decided to impart some of their best advice to teenagers on what to run, not walk away from. Some of more practical, like using birth control and going to the dentist regularly. Others are more esoteric, like taking time to figure out what you need out of life. To be fair, we could probably still take some of this advice as the aging husks of humanity we now are.
1.
“Pregnancies.” — gozba
2.
“Really loud music, I mean the kind at a concert front row loud, bc tinnitus really sucks.” — iama_computer_person
3.
“Addiction, debt and pregnancy are the big ones. But avoid waiting for life to begin. It already has. Go in some positive direction even if you’re not sure it’s the exact right one.” — picksandchooses
4.
“My mom found her dream job in her thirties and my current stepdad in her fifties. Don’t be too concerned with whether the things you’re doing now is gonna be forever. Do what you can to open doors for yourself but don’t feel forced to think you need to know with who or what you should spend the rest of your life with at this point. Time gives you time to discover more things. Discover more things, and eventually you’ll find your way, even if you didn’t realise it. Stop thinking in today and forever. You got all the time to figure it out. Just get yourself a solid foundation and explore.” — RustyCopal
5.
“Trying to change who they are/what they like so as to fit in. It’s something you might regret later on, not exploring your own individuality and hobbies.” — imnota_raisin
6.
“Social media and seeking others approval. That shit will destroy them for years.” — bigtrav118
7.
“Procrastination. Not as big as the other ones but my God, procrastination can get so bad and affect you so horribly if you let it get out of hand.” — sw3at3rboi
8.
“Fake friends. It’s honestly better to have no friends than people who gossip about you and make snide remarks to you. I know everyone says this but you will find your people.” — upsidedownaliyah
9.
“Avoid skipping the dentist. Even if money is tight professional cleanings and preventive maintenance will pay dividends later in life.” — Growbigbuds
10.
“Lack of sleep. It ain’t make you cool. Go to bed early and enjoy full 9h night.” — F_Slayer