I know you're only three months old; all you really understand right now is that you like milk and crying gets you cuddles and this may be extremely premature but you're growing faster than I could ever have imagined. Before I know it you're gonna be walking and talking and then I'll blink and you'll be at school. Terrifying. I don't know what you're gonna look like, sound like or be like but I can only hope that you grow up polite, patient and most importantly happy. Me and your dad will do anything we can for you but I wanted to write you this letter for you to read when you're sixteen which, you will learn, is one of the most fun times of your life. I hope it helps give you some guidance.
I know being a teenager feels like the hardest thing in the world when you are one. You've probably fallen out with your best friend at least three times in the last week, you probably can't decide what you want to do for a living and school is more than likely getting you down but you will look back on it and think of it as being the best years of your life so do your best to enjoy it.
Do not be mislead into believing that popularity is important. Being best mates with 50% of the school might seem like the most important thing in the world right now but I guarantee those people who promise you that you'll be friends forever will not still be around when you go to uni, or move out, or have children. You will find a handful of amazing friends who will be there for you for the long run, treat them well. Buy them coffee and cake when they're sad and send them flowers on their birthday (everyone likes flowers). Don't dwell on arguments with friends and apologize when you're wrong.
Please do not buy cheap makeup (foundation specifically) and always make sure you get colour matched. I can't stand looking at pictures of myself as a teenager because I was day glow orange, if you ask, I'll show you them. Cheap makeup more often than not will clog your pores, won't match your skin tone and won't last. I'm probably gonna regret promising this but ask me, I will happily invest in decent makeup for you so you don't have to endure the orange patchy mess I did. If you don't want to wear makeup, perfect, you're beautiful without it, you'll save me a fortune and you won't have to spend 15 minutes before bed trying to get waterproof mascara off (avoid that too, not worth the hassle). If I ever see you with foundation on your lips, pack your bags. I'll stand by you if you get pregnant at 15, become a drug addict or an arsonist but if you come downstairs with ivory lips, you're gone.
It's very unlikely that your first love will be your only love. I don't care if you bring home a boyfriend, girlfriend or 27 cats (please don't actually bring cats, I'm allergic). If they make you happy, I will welcome them. If I tell you that your partner is an arsehole, you should trust me because they probably are, even though you'll hate me for saying so. Anyone who makes you cry because of anything other than laughter is not worth your time. Never let a partner belittle you or beat you, you are worth more than that. Don't feel like you need someone to be happy, being with someone should bring out the best in you, they should treat you like a princess and know how to pick you up when you're down, don't settle for anything less. Please don't bring anyone home who isn't shit scared of your dad, it'll ruin his ego. Despite what your dads been telling you since you were 3 days old, you don't have to be a nun. Unless you want to be, in which case, go for it.
You do not have to decide what you want to do for the rest of your life right now. Please get a job, try a career out, see what you think and if you don't like it, get a new job. You have endless possibilities. Go to uni if you want to, have a gap year if you want to (definitely will not be able to fund this for you after years of buying you makeup, sorry), you can be anything you want, you might know what that is now; you may not decide till you're 30 but all you can do is try different things till you find it.
Do not waste your time with crash diets or starving yourself, you will not achieve anything. If you ever decide to lose weight please do it for yourself and the only way you'll succeed is by eating healthy and exercising, sorry there's no easier way. If you're not naturally slim, I'm really sorry, that is 100% mine and your dad's fault, I also apologise for you having my wide nose but at least you have your dads eyes.
Travel. See the world. You can go anywhere if you want to. Learn to drive, it'll give you your independence. I know cars are expensive to buy and insure and fuel but they're worth it. Go on road trips with your friends, drive around by yourself and sing your heart out to whatever music you kids listen to nowadays. Always drive carefully and legally and please don't ever sit in the middle lane on the motorway.
Always believe in yourself. I hope you keep the enthusiasm you have right this second, you're currently laid on the sofa next to me trying to chew your own foot; well at least you're determined. You can do anything you want to if you believe you can. Don't ever let anyone tell you you're not good enough and always try to prove people wrong. Ignore negative comments and thrive on positive ones. Always remain humble and remember that if you ever become a millionaire, me and your dad would like at least 25%. Each.
A few things to always remember:
- Drink loads of water, it may not taste great but you'll notice a difference
- There is nothing a tub of ice cream or cup of tea can't solve
- Take photographs, loads of them, you'll never regret taking too many
- Dance as much and as often as possible
- Shots are not tasty and they will make you sick
- I know you don't mean it when you tell me you hate me
- Cheap face masks may not do anything but they will make you feel better
- Acne won't last forever
- Confidence is more attractive than massive boobs
- Always buy jeans and bras that fit properly
- No, you can't have a tattoo till you're 18.
There's obviously loads more things you're gonna need to know but you need to find some of it out for yourself. Learn from your mistakes and remember although you may not always like milk, crying will always get you cuddles.
Love always,
Mum