Letter to Myself at 18
- August 7th, 2008 11:23 am
In the latest issue of Marie Claire, there was a contest where people wrote letters to themselves at age 18. The winning results were very inspiring. For some reason, I find that writing a letter to the past me from the now me sort of fascinating. I love kicking my former and smaller ass.
Dear Amanda at age 18,
Any day now you will accidentally rear end an old man in a white Chevy Cavalier. When he gets out to see if you damaged the back of his car, he will look like Santa Clause and be wearing rainbow suspenders. This man is not Santa Clause, just if you were wondering. (Don’t you roll your eyes at me!)
Now, I know at times you are sort of an emotional delicate flower of sorts;whatever you are worrying about right now, just stop. It is likely mundane, and in the long run, you won’t even remember what you worried about at 18.I’m sure it had something to do with your frizzy hair, lack of tan, too much tan, or if your legs look fat from certain angles. To be honest 18 year old Amanda, your legs are pretty hot and in the future, you will have bigger fish to fry. And speaking of fish, do not forget your about your carnival of allergies.
Oh,and about allergies, your mother will known when you’ve laid out all night drinking with your friends because your lips swell slightly after you drink alcohol. She will tell you this later, and you will feel foolish.
Oh, bonus time! At this point, you’ve already met your future husband that you got acquainted with after getting kicked out of a bar together. Romantic, I know. I also know you worry about the fact that you are an 18 year girl who is the least bit romantic, and just for the record, that will not change in the future. You will not ever become the type of girl who saves straw papers from dates or worries about when your phone will ring. But to honest, I kind of like that about you.
Really, you should be living this time up, because in about a year and half you will be knocked up. Oh yes you will. You will be pregnant as hell, swollen, and even on bed rest. So you better start living up those worry free days sista! I see you mocking me. But I’m serious.
That’s all for now.
I love you, 18 year old Amanda.
Until next time,
Me
I invite you all to leave a comment with a letter to yourself at 18. It can be filled with advice you would give yourself at that age or memories or whatever. But I think they will all be fun to read.
August 7th, 2008 @ 11:34 am
Great letter. The only advice I have to my 18 year old self is…no matter how crazy it sounds when your husband tells you his scheme to save money based on his experience with role playing video games. Don’t tune out everything else and think “Dear God he thinks we live in a game.” In fact he does not and if you let him have control of the finances now you will have less trouble down the line. Trust me he’s good at it. Stop laughing, he really is. ~Me
Heathers last blog post..Team Sports
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August 7th, 2008 @ 11:43 am
Dear Scribble Boy,
Don’t feel bad that you told your guidance councilor what she could do to herself, demanded your transcripts, and fled the building. It’s all for the best. You’ll open your flower shop and pretty soon after, a beautiful girl with unbelievable eyes will waltz right in and hand you her business card. You’ll make two incredible children who will teach you exponentially more than you ever could’ve learned in college anyway.
Amanda,
I really like this exercise. I think I might write a longer letter in a future post. Great idea.
Writer Dads last blog post..Sink or Swim
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August 7th, 2008 @ 11:49 am
Oh, I think this will need its own post since it’s been *ahem* a bit longer since I’ve been 18.
How fun!
Natalies last blog post..Three Ring Binder
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August 7th, 2008 @ 11:50 am
What a cool idea! LOVE your letter.
A letter to myself at 18 would be…revealing, to say the least.
Cecilys last blog post..Books and Practicing with String Beans
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August 7th, 2008 @ 12:00 pm
Whoa. I am so posting this on my blog today. SO. Yes, I am an idea thief BUT I promise to give you credit. What a lovely, lovely, scary idea! And I loved this letter to yourself, I really did.
Koris last blog post..100th Post-100 Things
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August 7th, 2008 @ 12:02 pm
Actually, I am not going to post it until tomorrow.
Koris last blog post..100th Post-100 Things
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August 7th, 2008 @ 12:11 pm
Great post. I took the idea and ran with it/stole it. Here’s my letter:
http://kobry.blogspot.com/2008/08/letter-to-myself-at-18.html
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August 7th, 2008 @ 12:13 pm
Great idea! I’m going to make a post on my site. Thanks!
Rightmyer Rantss last blog post..Thursday Thirteen #7 – Favorite Vampire Movies
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August 7th, 2008 @ 12:21 pm
I love this idea! And I would never want this letter on my own site, so thanks!
Dear 18,
Listen. You’re an idiot. I love you but you’re an idiot. You don’t need to stick with something if it’s not a good fit. There’s nothing wrong with changing your mind, even if it makes you look like you made a mistake, or didn’t know it all like everyone thinks you do. You’re so afraid of being or seeming vulnerable. How can I tell you that as soon as you let yourself be vulnerable, just like that, you’ll also become happy? Yes, you’ll get hurt, but it’s when you start risking a little with the vulnerable that you’ll also make the best decisions of your life – the ones that really give you a foundation for a great adulthood. Ditch that boyfriend – yes he’s cute and I know you love him, but you need someone with more confidence and self-direction and even though you keep wanting to see that in him, honey, it’s not gonna show. Listen, I’m writing from 13 years ahead. He STILL hasn’t finished school or grown up. That plan you have, to go to the same college, graduate together, move somewhere together? You’re going to graduate, go on to a great grad school, and he’s going to drop out 12 credits shy, have a brief affair with cocaine, and never really get it together again. But regarding love – you already know the man who will sweep you off your feet. And boy are you going to be surprised when you find out who it is! You’ve known him for several years already and paid him absolutely no attention. But he’s a truly great guy, so start noticing! (Even though you won’t, for another 4 years or so of stupid decisions.) And he’s got the self-confidence and self-direction that will make you feel so safe, in a way your grand-plan guy just can’t. And could you please just face that fact a little faster? Ok, so one more thing. You’re going to turn out fine. And happy, really happy, even though I know there’s no point telling you because you won’t believe me, you’re so afraid of the unkown and the future is a huge unknowable, isn’t it? But could you figure out just one more thing a little faster? Hair as fine and straight as yours never looks good that long unless you blow-dry it every day, and we both know you’ll never do that regularly. So just cut it short now, instead of waiting til 25. That will save you SEVEN WHOLE YEARS of embarrassing pictures, but at least those seven years end just BEFORE you get your first digital camera. Good luck! Love you!
~~31
NESs last blog post..Family planning
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August 7th, 2008 @ 12:25 pm
What a great idea! Sorry, I have nothing at the moment, but I may come back later. 18 for me was well over 100 years ago, lol! I also may have to steal this idea for my blog
Gails last blog post..My Truth
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August 7th, 2008 @ 12:28 pm
That was inspiring! I agree that it deserves it’s own blog post. If I do, I’ll be sure to link back to yours. I’m not sure what I would say to myself though!
On a related note – one of the local teachers started doing something similar several years ago. She had students write to themselves at 30 (or something like that) then she kept the letters to mail out. Her first batch of students just turned whatever age it was and got their letters. What a totally cool concept. That teacher rocks.
Nicole (SAHM Ramblings)s last blog post..Heads-Up: Precious Moments giveaway
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August 7th, 2008 @ 12:33 pm
Dear me at 18,
That boyfriend you have is the biggest asshole the world has known. Do not waste your time with him, or your tears on him. And you are so pretty and don’t even know it. Trust me, I am writing from 80 lbs. in the future, and when I look at pictures of us at 18 I can’t for the life of me figure out why you didn’t know how great it was to be 18. You should also try not to drink so much, it leads to mistakes, just saying. And yes, you will be a mom one day, and it’ll be hard, but it will rock the world too!
Florencias last blog post..H&M Canada discriminates against nursing moms
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August 7th, 2008 @ 12:51 pm
Man…this should be it’s own post! Oh 18 year old self…stop trying so hard and worrying so much. You will get out of small town USA. You will travel to places you never imagined. You will make more money than you ever dreamed possible. You will do it all by relying on yourself…so just go get ‘em girl!
Oh, and even though you think you forgot to have children along the way…you will get them too, so be happy…enjoy the ride a bit more:)
Nap Wardens last blog post..Gossip, just pointless gossip…
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August 7th, 2008 @ 12:53 pm
I don’t want to advise my 18-year-old self about anything. I could warn her about falling in love with the wrong man and ending up being raped, or about starting out with the wrong major in college, or any number of other things. But if I hadn’t made some decisions that seemed poor on the 5-year scale, I wouldn’t become the person I have on the 10-year scale. And I kind of like that person and where I’ve ended up. Now, writing to my 8-months-ago self is a completely different story …
Sadias last blog post..Melody was an excellent choice of name
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August 7th, 2008 @ 1:00 pm
OMG I’m going to steal this idea too. Kori’s already stealing it too, but I’m stealing it from both of you! Really enjoyed this post.
pisceshannas last blog post..(Aries)Manic /(Pisces)Depressive
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August 7th, 2008 @ 1:06 pm
Dear Adam,
Don’t dump that girl just because she won’t give you a blowjob. It will take you a while to find someone else as awesome, and she was really good at handjobs!
Love,
Old Adam
Avitables last blog post..OMGLOLWOOT!!
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August 7th, 2008 @ 1:10 pm
Dear 18 year old Tiff,
Honey…work isn’t the only thing in life. You don’t have to beat yourself to death to make things happen. All that time you spent working on dual credits and college applications won’t actually mean squat because you’ll be too worn out on school to actually go to school anymore. Trust me, it’s been 11 years since we graduated highschool and still no college.
Don’t compare every man you meet to JD. Yes, he’s truly amazing, and yes he’s pretty much perfect in every way, but he’s not what you need. He spoils you way too much, and yes, it’s nice, but you need someone less accomodating to truly be the person you need to be.
You will get married to an asshole. He will beat you. Learn from that. I don’t want to scare you, but this little lesson actually makes you a MUCH stronger person, and a better judge of character. It’ll also prepare you to protect your children. Yes, no matter what those 3 “specialists” told you, you WILL have children. One boy and one girl. They’ll be 11 months apart. Don’t worry, it’s really not as hard as you’re thinking. They’ll be beautiful. Speaking of conception, you’ll find out at the age of 29 that you have had PCOS this entire time. Birth control helps you get pregnant twice. LOL Laugh about this now…
You’ll marry a second time. He’s the love of your life. He’s amazing, and spoils you a little, but you’re more of a team. One working unit.
Don’t fight too much with your sister. She’s going to be your very very best friend one day. Support her in everything because she makes some HUGE mistakes, but with your help, she dislodges her head from her butt.
Don’t care too much about what your friends think of you. The ones that matter are the only ones you have left of your legion of friends. Seriously, you can trust these few friends with your life, and then some.
Lastly. Stop worrying. Spend a LOT of time with your cousin Crystal…she’ll be gone way before you think she will be. Don’t drink too much and quit smoking. Enjoy your body now…because 2 kids in 11 months puts you through the ringer. Exercise. Eat right. Travel a LOT. Save your money. Don’t sweat the small stuff. But mostly. Love yourself. I love you. Hang in there. There’s so much more coming!
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August 7th, 2008 @ 1:18 pm
I am at work right now so I probably shouldn’t take too much time doing this but I would like to tell my 18 year old self to be a little nicer to people and stop acting like your world is so awful.
ALFs last blog post..Oh, I Thought Maybe It Was Like Long Island
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August 7th, 2008 @ 1:25 pm
Great letter! I did this myself last year… very inspiring!
http://ruraandmiss.wordpress.com/2007/09/26/an-open-letter-to-me/
Misss last blog post..It’s What We Deserve…
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August 7th, 2008 @ 1:43 pm
Dear 18-year-old Ali,
go to the college of your choice. don’t follow the boy. if it’s meant to be, he’ll come after you.
love,
30-year-old Ali
alis last blog post..of pasta birthdays and pineapple express dreams
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August 7th, 2008 @ 1:54 pm
I’m totally doing this.
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August 7th, 2008 @ 2:04 pm
I loved this! Such a fun idea, and really? Lips swelling after alcohol nights? Wow.
I wrote and deleted the longest ass response, but I’ll keep it to tweak it and someday steal the idea to post it on my blog.
maggies minds last blog post..Thursday Thirteen 8/7/08 – 29th Edition
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August 7th, 2008 @ 2:32 pm
Dear 18 year old doodlehead,
Ditch the guy. He ain’t all that. He’s ruining your first 2 years of college. Sure, you’ll make up for it later. I am telling you, this boy spells trouble for you.
Also, stop dying your hair blonde. You look like a dumbass.
Love,
The wiser and SO FLIPPIN’ MUCH OLDER you
pattys last blog post..photo op
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August 7th, 2008 @ 3:03 pm
Loved your letter! What a great idea! I think I too will do a post in the future. I might have to do two…one my parents will read and one they won’t! Yes, even almost 14 years later!
Helens last blog post..Thursday Thirteen #2
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August 7th, 2008 @ 3:23 pm
Dear Maria,
You are about to become COVERED in stretch marks. I suggest you start moisturizing like a mofo to help out with that.
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August 7th, 2008 @ 3:23 pm
Very neat concept, I’m not sure I even remember enough to write myself a letter at 18 and to think that was only about 10 years ago. I know I was desperately in love. I guess it depends on at what point during the year 18 I was writing to, that’s the year I met my husband, if you go before March then things would be different after March life changed forever and I found myself ready to get married. Yep! I married at 19. Wouldn’t change it for anything though even now, 3 kids later.
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August 7th, 2008 @ 3:26 pm
I did this over in my livejournal! What a great release, I enjoyed doing it.
Jennys last blog post..Onion news?
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August 7th, 2008 @ 3:30 pm
letter to me at 18…
all i can say is…get your shit together. get your grades up. because you WILL regret that you didn’t.
and…when you meet a guy named brian…move to california with anna, instead. trust me.
melissas last blog post..It’s A Heartache…Nothing But A Heartache…
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August 7th, 2008 @ 3:41 pm
Dear Ms N at 18,
While it is tempting to give you a ton of advice about how the future will turn out, who to dump, who to date and what chances maybe you should take, I think I won’t. I know you, you are stubborn and going to do what you want anyway. However I would like to make these suggestions. Explore, learn new things, go new places and try not to lose yourself on the dark side of the moon. Always head for the light.
White Hot Magiks last blog post..Pigs, puppies and tiaras, oh my!
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August 7th, 2008 @ 4:00 pm
18 yr old MP:
you do NOT have to be the life of the party..
Quit smoking, don’t drink so much and take your education a little more seriously.
Oh..stay away from the soft serve ice cream in the cafeteria..freshman 25 really shouldn’t have been an option.
41 yr old MP
mps last blog post..Girl Crush Time
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August 7th, 2008 @ 4:11 pm
Dear 18 yr old Colleen:
That loser you’re in love with? Don’t take it so seriously…in three years time he will have dragged you up and down the place, stringing you along and cheating on your mooney, gullible ass. Hang out, have fun, but drop him like a hot potato the first time he acts like an ass. Don’t worry. By age 21 you’ll meet the man you are going to marry. He’s funny, he’s awesome, and he love to go dancing and drinking with you.
Also, I know you could use a free t-shirt or other free crap with credit card logos, but don’t feel you need to fill out every.single.application. And certainly don’t feel you need to use those suckers like they’re on fire. Use them wisely, build up your credit nicely, and it will reward you later on when those 3 POS cars crap out on you.
Lastly, love yourself (yeah…all cliche-y, but I.mean.it).
Love,
31 Yr Old Colleen
Colleen – wineplzs last blog post..Doody Calls
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August 7th, 2008 @ 4:12 pm
Dear Amy,
Your mother is right. DO NOT marry the bartender!
Amy
But of course I’m glad I did, Babies 1 and 2!
amys last blog post..It’s Only Business
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August 7th, 2008 @ 4:25 pm
dear peachfuzz chin trying to grow somethin but not much fillin in yet –
when you go to college, stay away from that crazy chick named Kristi… bad news, dude. In fact, don’t mess with any of those young ladies who have the appearance of being “good girls”, yet ask you to buy booze and wanna jump your bones… run like hell, man… and be on the lookout for K – she’s the one, dude…
goteeman (you later, dude)
goteemans last blog post..Happy Fun Ball
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August 7th, 2008 @ 4:38 pm
I have been meaning to do this, but haven’t had the time! Will link to you when I do it!
Danielle-lees last blog post..Celebrity Girl Crush
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August 7th, 2008 @ 6:07 pm
I love your letter, I didn’t realize you were so young.
I might have to write a letter to myself too. Just not when I am bone dead tired after a long day the kids.
OHmommys last blog post..Remind me NEVER to buy People magazine again
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August 7th, 2008 @ 6:38 pm
This is so strange – I just started to write a post like this…
I love your letter and your advise to yourself – thanks for sharing.
Bloggy-bling on the Fringe for you…LOVE YOUR BLOG!
Laura from the Finges last blog post..Thursday Threesome
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August 7th, 2008 @ 8:26 pm
Dear Me at 18,
Well Dipshit, you went into the Marines at 17. And now you’re on Okinawa. Just two things, really. First – Keep your head down, keep your mouth shut, get your job done. Like Sarge says. Second – Stay away from the hookers in Kin Village.
That is all. Carry on, Marine.
Me
lceels last blog post..Two Years Earlier …
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August 7th, 2008 @ 8:30 pm
this is soo coool. There are so many things I would say to my self.
Ericas last blog post..interesting..
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August 7th, 2008 @ 8:37 pm
I adored your post and I find your blog to be fantastic! If you ever have any time, feel free to stop by mine!
Dear 18 year-old Lady Vee-
I know you’re going through some rough times. I’m sure you’re still on 24-hour suicide watch after your dramatic attempt to “end it all”. Things will not get better for a little while, so be prepared. You’re about to lose all of your close friends due to your selfish nature, but you’ll find them again. It is going to take a few years though, be patient. Don’t expect things to go smoothly with your boyfriend, but you’ll be friends again in a few years, after the mutual hurt has worn off. S is going to lose his chance in the future. I wish you would let him go now because the agony will only increase.
Now listen, you’ll be okay. Stay on your meds and make sure to eat. You’re worrying the hell out of your family and friends. Be careful!
PS. Your future husband lives three houses down and you wont find out for another two years. You’re going to be happy and healthy in just a few years so hang on!
Love- Lady Vee
LadyVees last blog post..Story of a Prostitute
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August 7th, 2008 @ 10:12 pm
I wonder what I would tell 18 yo me. Food for thought, Amanda. And, I too was with hubby at that point.
Anglophile Football Fanatics last blog post..Feeling Hawt Hawt Hawt
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August 7th, 2008 @ 10:18 pm
Such a great idea! I love this post!
Kathryns last blog post..My Husband’s Keeper
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August 7th, 2008 @ 10:39 pm
Gawd – I may have to do a whole post on this! Heh – my 18 year old self was in the second semester of her first year of expensive-ass-top-ten university. She got laid a lot, and was busy rejecting a lot of the weirdos who were trying to convert her to other religions and/or hit on her.
Oh – and she was hawt though should have had more fun in college than she had and should have taken herself less seriously. Though again – she did get laid a lot. And that was good.
The end.
Tranny Heads last blog post..Proof That Karma Is Just as Snarky As I and That She Plays Dirty
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August 7th, 2008 @ 10:40 pm
Laura,
Thank you so much!
-Amanda
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August 7th, 2008 @ 10:57 pm
I actually wrote a letter to myself to be auto-posted on my 30th birthday. Me at 27 writing to myself at 30…maybe at 30 I’ll write one to myself at 35.
To me at 18…You knew better than to move in with that roommate. Now you are stuck paying the rent and college all by yourself. I’m not even going to say told me so.
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August 7th, 2008 @ 11:04 pm
Dear me,
Keep working out. Do it.
Love and kisses,
Me
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August 7th, 2008 @ 11:08 pm
I need to do this. Maybe I’ll pen the entry tonight and type it on Saturday.
Sarahs last blog post..Remind me again
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August 8th, 2008 @ 12:22 am
I would not want to write a letter to my 18-year-old self. It would be a novel. My hand would cramp.
I would want to challenge her to an arm wrestle . . . and if I win (which I would–duh), then the younger me would have to do exactly as I say . . .
LaskiGals last blog post..Three days . . .
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August 8th, 2008 @ 12:26 am
Like I said, I love this idea and wrote my own letter as a post. Hope you’ll stop by and read it.
Just in case CommentLuv doesn’t work.
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August 8th, 2008 @ 4:10 am
You woulda won. You shoulda done it.
Oh, and good for you – it was the only time you’d get to drive a benz…at least before you’re 40.
Oh, and stop listening to your parents and tell them to shut up. You’re paying for school yourself, so what if they don’t like your major. Hang up the phone, and don’t answer the door – even if they DO have free groceries (those groceries aren’t really free, but you knew that)!!!!
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August 8th, 2008 @ 4:52 am
Pinching this idea for a blog post. Shall link back.
xx
Veronicas last blog post..Pavlova
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August 8th, 2008 @ 5:16 am
http://somedaywewillsleep.com/?p=888
There is mine. xx
Veronicas last blog post..Pavlova
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August 8th, 2008 @ 7:52 am
Hey 18 y/o Katie,
Stop acting like such a douche!
Oh and get better birth control ASAP.
Peace out.
Katies last blog post..Tips and Tricks: Don’t use water.
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August 8th, 2008 @ 7:58 am
Dear 18 year old Kelley,
RUN!!!!
Love your bitter old self
Kelleys last blog post..Where my lasers at?
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August 8th, 2008 @ 9:06 am
I love that you are warning yourself that you will never be a romantic type of girl. haha.
I borrowed your idea and posted a letter on my own blog today, and one from my husband too!
Cassies last blog post..Letter to my past self
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August 8th, 2008 @ 9:46 am
Dear 18 year old Jen,
Dump that creep. Everything he tells you is a lie. The only good thing that will come of this guy is that eventually his big dream of writing country music will come true. That will only happen though because the lyrics he writes are copied nearly word for word from love letters you wrote to him. Trust me, stop writing him love letters and leave his loser ass. Otherwise, when you’re 31 you’ll hear one of the songs that he, I mean YOU wrote on the radio all the time and it will piss you off to no end. Just some friendly advice from a (much) older and (slightly) wiser soul.
Love,
31 year old Jen
PS. I know this may come as a suprise but not only will you have kids, you’ll actually love it so much that you’ll give birth to kids for other people. Try to wrap your brain around that one.
Jens last blog post..Dreaming
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August 8th, 2008 @ 10:49 am
I love this, love it! I will do mine for next week.
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August 8th, 2008 @ 11:36 am
I think I’d like to do this, too!
And your letter was awesome!!
Sybil Laws last blog post..Et Tu, Blogger?
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August 8th, 2008 @ 3:28 pm
Well that was fun!
Letter to self at 18:
Enjoy college a little more, girl. After this? Your life is all about work. Play now!
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August 8th, 2008 @ 3:53 pm
This is genius. And so interesting. I’m definitely going to do a letter to 18 year old me on my blog. Thanks for the idea!
Sadies last blog post..Do you Haiku?
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August 8th, 2008 @ 4:25 pm
DEAR AMY:
DON’T MARRY HIM – HE’S A FUCKING LOSER!!!
OH WAIT – YOU HAVE TO MARRY HIM, TO GET THE AWESOME KID.
LET’S JUST LEAVE IT AT THIS: YOU FUCKED UP BUT IT CAN’T BE UNDONE NOW WITHOUT UNDOING THE BEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED TO YOU. SO SUCK IT UP. IT’S GOING TO BE A LONG BUMPY RIDE.
(PS: size matters. oh yes it does.)
Love,
AMY
Amy @ Milk Breath & Margaritass last blog post..Shark Goes To Work
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August 8th, 2008 @ 5:48 pm
Thanks again for this awesome post/idea; I have really enjoyed both doing it and reading the others. Very insightful.
Koris last blog post..Letter to Myself at 18
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August 8th, 2008 @ 10:03 pm
I might could wanna maybe do this, but my 18 year old self would bitch slap me for trying to tell her what to do.
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August 8th, 2008 @ 10:51 pm
You always have good ideas for blog-response.
Dear 18 Year Old Emily,
First of all, you are about to go on a personality about face. Don’t worry, you will not lose the fresh emotional connectiveness that makes you love every relationship waaay more than other people, but you will sort of become what people call “a bitch,” in that you grow a pair and stop letting people walk all over you. You may find this disconcerting at first, but in the long run it serves you well.
(In case you’re panicing…panicking? don’t worry, you don’t become an illogical crazy bitch, just someone who no longer suffers fools.)
In a few months, you will go through the worst experience of your life to date. You will come out in one piece.
Treasure every freaking moment of dance company (what? you’re not going to try out? OH yes you are!!!) because it will soon be cut. You can hold it together anyway. Love your friends and take chances.
Oh…and stop wasting all that time, energy and tears on Dad. He’s not worth it and when you’re my age, you’ll barely talk to him.
ALSO, cut the teetotaller crap! NOW.
xoxo,
Emmy
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August 8th, 2008 @ 11:29 pm
It would be kind of pointless for me to write a letter to my 18 year old self because I still have eight more months of 18 left. I think I’ll wait a few years so that I can actually give myself good advice.
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August 8th, 2008 @ 11:39 pm
Can’t do this on my blog as my daughter reads it, so here goes.
Kel,
Eighteen and a half is too damn young to get married so don’t do it. But you’re stubborn, so nothing will stop you, and then you’ll spend the next eighteen and a half years learning that you deserve better.
Signed,
Your 37 year-old self
Kels last blog post..Of Olympic proportions
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August 9th, 2008 @ 1:20 am
Dear 18 year old self,
You and your friend need to quit going to Tijuana to drink without telling anyone you’re crossing the border. Not even telling your boyfriend/future husband because he’ll tell you it’s stupid for two girls to walk back across the border bridge at 3 a.m. drunk? What is that all about?
Even though nothing bad ever happens to you and it teaches you to be a very vigilant parent of teenagers you really should knock it off.
Sincerely,
Your older, wiser and more sober 44 year old self.
Jenn @ Juggling Lifes last blog post..Overheard Around The Vacay
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August 9th, 2008 @ 7:31 am
Kori referred me over here. What a cool idea! I originally thought I was too young to do a letter like this, since I feel like the biggest changes in my life so far are actually happening right now. However, I have changed my mind. But I’ll have to do the post on my own blog, because it’s too long for this. It won’t be up until later, though; I have to go grocery shopping right now.
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August 9th, 2008 @ 10:04 am
I did this last month.
Didn’t know about the Marie Claire article.
Just thought it would be…interesting. And it was…
http://marcywrites.com/?p=191
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August 9th, 2008 @ 1:51 pm
Okay, I posted it. Thanks again for the idea. Now I’m going to read everyone else’s posts – or as many as I can get to.
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August 9th, 2008 @ 1:54 pm
Oops, I put in the wrong website there. Sorry.
FreedomFirst (stephanie)s last blog post..Letter to my 18-year-old self
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August 9th, 2008 @ 4:51 pm
What a great idea!!! I will post this on my next one. I found you from Dirty Laundry Diva. Glad I did.
Kicked out of a bar? I like you already!!
Grandys last blog post..The Crue Review
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August 9th, 2008 @ 4:59 pm
p.s. I promise to have it up and linked back to ya no later than Monday. K? Me…perpetual deadlines.
Grandys last blog post..The Crue Review
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August 9th, 2008 @ 7:27 pm
haha. Thank you, grandy! I’m glad you found me.
-Amanda
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August 9th, 2008 @ 7:30 pm
Stephanie,
But thank you for stopping by and commenting.
I’d love to come visit and read it, but you didn’t include your url.
-Amanda
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August 10th, 2008 @ 1:30 am
Okay Amanda, I thought I was being so clever to do a post like yours… turns out I’m not so much clever as much as I am like-minded with your readers. Well, great minds think alike. Anyway, I’ve done the post too, and linked to you. Thanks so much for the idea. And your post was great!!!
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August 10th, 2008 @ 9:11 am
Perfect letter. Here’s mine:
Dear 18 year old Holly,
Your relationship with your family will never get better so stop trying to impress them; they will never be impressed by your accomplishments and will never tell you that they are proud of you for any reason because to them, you are and forever will be known as the high school dropout who thinks she knows too much. But you know what? They’re wrong about you, you’re going places, kid, and they will be the ones who are hurt about what they have thought about you.
You don’t love the man you think you love–He is cheating on you, has cheated on you and the sooner you kick him out of that apartment you’re sharing and tell the man who always IM’s you and asks to hang out how you feel about him the better because I can tell you now, 3 years later, you’ve been together for almost 3 years and it should have been longer. He makes you happy and will continue to do so for many years.
P.S. Life isn’t all that bad, get out there and live it up. I know life has never been easy for you, but you will be okay.
Hollys last blog post..The Sisterhood is Traveling to New Orleans
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August 17th, 2008 @ 11:55 am
What a cool, inspiring post. I wrote my own version here:
http://carolynbahm.com/2008/08/17/dear-carolyn-at-age-18/
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August 24th, 2008 @ 5:36 pm
Thanks for the informative post.. and thanks for adding our comment to the blog. I am subscribing to your feed so I don\’t miss the next post!
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June 7th, 2009 @ 2:25 pm
I’m 18 right now!
Yay
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June 15th, 2009 @ 10:39 pm
The only thing I’d say to myself would have to come when I’m 17.
DON’T GO SKIING! If you want your knees to continue to work efficiently…DON’T GO SKIING!
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June 16th, 2009 @ 12:54 pm
Dear 18-year-old Supthsis,
Look…By now you’ve made the worst mistake of your life. Yeah, I know it sucks but guess what? Mom and Dad are great and they’re trying to help you forget it all. It’ll only come back to bite you once and that’s not for MANY years later and don’t worry, you didn’t want that job anyway.
And I know this sounds strange but…forget about the church. I know those people say they love you but they’re going to drop you the first chance they get. Stick with Scotti and Rachel. They care. They always will.
Forget all about Sarah. She’s a bitch and is turning you into one too. But before you completely let her go, make sure to learn one thing: you don’t have to put up with crap from anyone.
I know it’s hard to be the only gay guy around. That doesn’t go away until you go to college and even then it’s still hard. (This is Texas after all.) Don’t be embarrassed about the college you get into. Yeah it’s a state school but you’re going to love it. Don’t go work for Express, it’s a waste of your time and a risk you don’t want to take.
Soon, you’re going to find an old friend and you’re going to hook up with him and you’re going to end up rooming with him your first semester….Look…I don’t know how else to tell you this but….punch him in the face (seriously. actually punch him twice; once for me) and then run like hell. He’s bigger and stronger but not faster. You’ve got legs that run like the wind; use them.
Some people would tell you to not drink as much and to not try pot. I say fuck that. It’s a lot more fun to be irresponsible now when your parents can still protect you.
Okay, I’m done with all the things NOT to do. Now get excited because I have good news. You’re going to write a book! Yeah! A whole novel! And when you do, it’s going to seem like it’s the greatest thing ever and when you’re done, you’ll think it’s shit. But it’s not! It’s really funny and chronicles a big part of your life. There’s a reason why you write it so be proud and tell everyone. (Especially Mom…she loves the way you write.)
You’re going to change majors. But that’s alright because when you do, you’re going to wonder why you didn’t think of starting out this way. You’re going to come across four guys. They’re going to shatter you. Let them. It needs to happen. (And really, only one of them is really a douche bag. The other three just don’t know how to handle your awesomeness.)
And for God’s sake, read a god-damn book. Remember how much you love reading? Read all of the books you own, then read all of mom’s books, and then go to the library and read all of those books. Trust me, when you’re sitting in your American Fiction class owning everyone because you’ve already read these books three times, you’ll thank me.
Also, remember that you’re loved. You’ve found your best friends for life already. Soon, you’re going to find the man of your dreams. Mom and Dad love us sooo much and our brothers will always be there to protect us. You. Are. Loved. Know it. Believe it. Because it’s true. And don’t worry about me. I’m fantastic. More fabulous than you can ever imagine. So smile, kid. You’re fabulous too.
- Older Supthsis
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June 16th, 2009 @ 1:03 pm
ps….I’m sorry that I wrote such a long letter….and I’m sorry if anyone had to read that. lol
Thanks for this idea. I’m totally making a video of me reading this out loud. Be on the look out. I feel this could become viral on youtube.
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