letters To Your Younger Self.

[BENDERBOY]

This topic has probably been done before, but then what hasn't.

What advice would you give to your younger self if you could from the age you are now. my advice to my younger self, even though i'm only 21 now would have been don't waste the beginning of your teenage years anguishing over what peoples reactions to you being gay would be, because your true friends stay your true friends and your parents, always suspected and were ultimately happy that you were happy with who you were. now what about you guys.

[TheOscar]

I guess I am a bit too young, too (20), but I guess I would tell myself to never let what others think of me affect me. Just be who I want to be. Cheesy, but true and I think I have worried a bit too much of what others think about me.

[reone]

Really tough question. I don't know how much of the pain I would spare my younger self from. As cliche as it sounds it has helped make me who I am. Not necessarily the pain itself, but how I eventually handled and overcame it. It's hard to give a definite on what I would do because the choice hasn't really been given.

Had I known how my family was actually going to react in comparison with what my imagination had developed over so many years, it would have been much easier to come out to them. I wouldn't have had that opportunity to recognize that I love who I am...and to face that fear.

If not that, then maybe it would have been something else? I'm not sure. I guess it's a good thing that letters can't go back in time. I won't have the chance to mess anything up lol.

[TheFallenAsexual]

Leave Philadelphia ASAP.

Don't worry about going to college if it's not what you want to do.

You're queer. Accept it. Don't over-analyze it.

[AWP82]

Dear Alex,

Don't let your uncle Dwight borrow Syphon Filter. You'll never get it back.

Alex

[Solid Gold]

Dear Dean,
Smoking is not cool and hard to quit. Some regular size dicks are fun too. Do not hook up with that Loser Dennis...he's going to turn out to be a pedophile.
Love You guy,
Dean

[Taz]

Oi dickhead!
Do what you love, not what other people tell you you love.
Love, future dickhead.

[paatreides]

I would advise my younger self to tell my father to "fuck off" and I would've gone to college and majored in what I wanted to major in... If I'd done that, I'd probably still have a job today...

[MoufOfKhaos]

Come out at 13, wear your glasses no matter how "nerdy" they make you look, fuck trying to fit in with people that will forget about you once you come out, and for hells' sake, stop trying to be liked and just be yourself, do your coursework, ignore anyone that tries to belittle you - including your parents - and just get the fuck out of Riverdale. You can figure life out later, just get through high school and college first.

[theReckless]

I'd tell myself to be more hopeful, and to really believe that I would eventually stop being so sad

[shainski]

I'd say:

Don't be so serious. Everything doesn't have to be perfect before you proceed with things. Don't overthink it.

But as an amendment to your idea. Since you can't write a letter to your old self. One thing you can do...write an actual letter to your future self - say 20 years down the road. Tell yourself what you hope you became - what bothers you of people that age - and hope that you didn't become. What you enjoy about someone that age. Address and send it to yourself (with a postmark). Then write on it - Don't open until after 5-Aug-2031. (I'll bet it will be fascinating)

[ForgottenOne]

Don't be shy and use any opportunity to take over da motherf***ing world ^^

[rawTOP]

[I had a conservative fundamentalist upbringing - so there was a lot of stuff to get past...]

• You're gay - accept it.
• 6', 180# isn't fat.
• You're body will respond really nicely to weight training - get someone to teach you how and don't be afraid of going to the gym.
• Experiment sexually - don't take it all so seriously. Think of sex as a sport.
• Go to sleazy sex clubs and enjoy yourself.

[SLOPPYSECONDS]

you got mail
' Kool '
not fa eatin
' Kool '

[The White Stripe]

Dear #$%%,

Stop being such an asshole, stop letting people use you and walk all over you. Don't be afraid to cut ties with people who don't appreciate you and don't feel so caught up in the "am I gay or straight" thing. It doesn't matter what you are. Just enjoy life and figure it out later.

[meagain]

Dear me,
you don't need tons of friends to be happy, stick to the few ones you have.
Turn your deffects into qualities.
You can't figure what you're going to live and which decisions will you take in the next years
And you are right: suicide is a bad idea!

[notseb]

I would tell myself to ignore my doctors advice and go to college. Being terminally I'll sucks. Can't afford anything. Can't have sex. All I can be is a hermit.

I much rather six months of college fun, meet someone possibly and never had that last heart surgery. I think being dead by now is better then having no life, sometimes. Wish I could've been normal... Had a boyfriend. But, I've always been so sick.

[80KGold]

Dear Younger Self,

Dude! You're so gay! I know you're starting to realize this by now, but let me simplify: You love cock... and ass, too!

Don't panic. It's cool (sometimes).

Love,
Me (You)

P.S. Congratulations!

[Hard-up1]

Dear Jason,

Please don't go into the teaching field. You'll hate the bureaucracy, the lazy kids, and the parents defending mediocrity.

And leave your home. Sure, Grandmother did a lot helping you out of that shitty hellhole that Mother called a home, but you have a life out there, and you don't have to stay nearby to help out. Grandmother is a survivor -- she'll do fine without you.

Don't make friends with the Fundamentalists. That stuff is contagious, and you'll lose serious time that you could be living.

Figure out a way to go back and get your PhD. You just need to find a direction, and I think something in the sciences would fulfill you most. If not that, choose the humanities.

Oh, and sell the damned class ring. You're never going to a class reunion anyway, so stop kidding yourself. You didn't HAVE any good friends in school. You couldn't know that at your age, but time will prove it.

You probably can't come out in your day, but DO come out before you're 30. There's still going to be lots of life ahead of you, and it will be much better if you make that transition sooner.

Finally, don't go to Alaska. Just don't.

See you hereafter.

All love, Baby, all love.

[borg69unimatrix]

Borg Past-

You're going to meet someone on line, who's going to fly you to San Fran to meet him for the weekend...

... although it's going to be one of the best weekends of your life, don't be so uptight, relax, and enjoy it MORE.

Borg Future.

[birddog7]

I guess I am a bit too young, too (20), but I guess I would tell myself to never let what others think of me affect me. Just be who I want to be. Cheesy, but true and I think I have worried a bit too much of what others think about me.

Oi dickhead!
Do what you love, not what other people tell you you love.
Love, future dickhead.

I'd tell myself to be more hopeful, and to really believe that I would eventually stop being so sad

Dear me,
you don't need tons of friends to be happy, stick to the few ones you have.
Turn your deffects into qualities.
You can't figure what you're going to live and which decisions will you take in the next years
And you are right: suicide is a bad idea!

All these hit home for me. I see so much of myself, in so many others on here. Is this just a gay guy thing? Are gay guys more likely to go through these kind of things, or are they just more honest, and open about admitting these feelings?

[ShavedBare87]

Dear Alex,

Don't let your uncle Dwight borrow Syphon Filter. You'll never get it back.

Alex

That made me laugh way too hard.

[ShavedBare87]

Dear younger self,

Go to college you stupid f---! The whole "self-enlightened, mind expansion" trip you're on right now is a side affect of the massive amount of pot you're smoking. You're not going to grow up to be a rebel of society, living on the fringes and going wherever the wind takes you. Again, that's the weed talking.

Which leads me to my next statement. When asked if you want to be part owner, say NO! Unless you like the thought of owing the IRS a ton of money and being in debt up to your bloodshot eyeballs.

And stop smoking so much god damn pot! For Christ's sake, the stuff isn't even that good. How much did you pay for that quarter? Fifty dollars?? You got ripped off dude.

Signed,
Future You

[Knucklehead]

Just say no..

[ChickenGuy]

The sad thing is, there'd be no point. He WOULD NOT listen to me. I know he wouldn't.

There is nothing I could tell my 18-year-old self that he would ever listen to or take onboard or comprehend. He was blinkered and stubborn beyond belief. Perhaps he deserved all those wasted years.

[Jordan_White]

Hey Idiot,

Despite what you think, Pep Boys is NOT a fast food restaurant.

And that little bump right above your Adam's Apple is an ingrown whisker. Yank it out now, before it grows to three inches in length and leaves a permanent hole when you finally figure it out and go nuts with the tweezers.

[BostonPirate]

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q29YR5-t3gg[/ame]

[Joshua_me]

Dear Josh,

1) Stop obsessing over what people think about you in High School and trying to amass as many "friends" as possible. The popularity thing means nothing, and you'll never see any of those people again, anyway.

2) I know you sucked dick for money when you were way too young, but given your fucked up childhood it was kind of understandable you did what you had to do to get the hell out of that situation. Don't let it define you, it's in the past, and you WILL move on to better and brighter things.

3) Don't give your heart and your love to a bisexual man. (You know who I'm talking about) Yes, it feels wonderful now, but it's going to end badly and in this case the ride is NOT worth "the fall"

4) And in general: STOP putting other people's opinions above your own. NO one has any more or less validity on this planet and in this life than you do. I know those are just words, but accept them. Actualize them, and stop thinking that you are some how some kind of second class person. NO amount of drugs or alcohol will help that situation, either. In the end, in fact, that will only make things worse. Stop this horseshit about, "I'd never belong to a club that would have me for a member." It's self-serving nonsense, and frankly - a bore.

5) "You better let somebody love you, before it's too late."



See you on the other side.....

[SLOPPYSECONDS]

there shit get worse
' is already know '
bugga!
' no learn ta read '
which version?
' yeah dat a thang '
give up?
' methink a somthang '
is already know
' BUGGA! '
still got ma feet?
' yeah all 4 still workin '
Kool
' ooh they invent internet 2 '
what about internet 1?
' repeats '
ooh there ya go
' BUGGA '

-

no forget !
' wot? '
Kool!

[birddog7]

Dear Josh,

1) Stop obsessing over what people think about you in High School and trying to amass as many "friends" as possible. The popularity thing means nothing, and you'll never see any of those people again, anyway.

2) I know you sucked dick for money when you were way too young, but given your fucked up childhood it was kind of understandable you did what you had to do to get the hell out of that situation. Don't let it define you, it's in the past, and you WILL move on to better and brighter things.

3) Don't give your heart and your love to a bisexual man. (You know who I'm talking about) Yes, it feels wonderful now, but it's going to end badly and in this case the ride is NOT worth "the fall"

4) And in general: STOP putting other people's opinions above your own. NO one has any more or less validity on this planet and in this life than you do. I know those are just words, but accept them. Actualize them, and stop thinking that you are some how some kind of second class person. NO amount of drugs or alcohol will help that situation, either. In the end, in fact, that will only make things worse. Stop this horseshit about, "I'd never belong to a club that would have me for a member." It's self-serving nonsense, and frankly - a bore.

5) "You better let somebody love you, before it's too late."



See you on the other side.....

One of the best ones here. Number 4, and especially 5, are right on the money...

[Travisevian]

Dear me,
you don't need tons of friends to be happy, stick to the few ones you have.
Turn your deffects into qualities.
You can't figure what you're going to live and which decisions will you take in the next years
And you are right: suicide is a bad idea!

Just say no..

[Ram]

Dear Young Ram,

Life? You are gonna fuck it up.

Love,
Old Ram

[Kester]

Good luck.

You're gonna need it....

[Puff]

Dead Young me,

Don't eat junk food so much,
get outside more,
exercise.

[Wuvable Oaf]

I would tell my younger self not to rush to move out and jump into college right away. Pretty much wasted a year of school and wished I would've taken some time off to find out what I want. Also tell my younger self to be more responsible with finances and not abuse credit cards so much.

[Efrackalecki]

Dear Younger me,

First of all, they're cookies, not love.
Second, video games are great fun, but for the love of God, get off your ass and get some exercise once in a while.
Third, it's not your responsibility to please everyone. Get some confrontation skills. You'll need them.
Also, talk to our parents about the uncomfortable stuff. They're too chicken to bring it up themselves, so you have to be the brave one. If you wait, believe me, it will just get more and more uncomfortable.
Finally, come out now. Tell everyone. Mom, Dad, your brothers, your friends at school (or what passes for friends right now), Father Marty... or Tony... whoever! Just tell everyone. Granted, I still haven't told them myself, but hey, if you do it then I won't have to!

Yours (and mine) truly,
I

PS: Oh, and about the Harry Potter thing. GET OUT NOW!! It will devour the next decade of your life!
FOR CHRIST'S SAKE
GET
OUT
NOW!!!!

[glasvegas]

dear vince,

tell your mum that you love her so much and you couldn't live without her, also, tell her that she is the most awesome mum ever in the world, tell her that you'll be one fine man and she can finally stop worrying about you. Do not afraid to take bigger steps, take risk, you'll be rewarded. Don't be a shy guy, you're one fucking awesome kid, people do love you for what you're. Leave those fuckers who has been treating like a shit rather than a friend.

[Spiff]

Dear me at 24,

Don't quit your job. You are going to have a very bad week at work. But rather than letting the frustration pressure you into quitting, talk about your problems with other people. You have a secure job that most workers in the state envy, with excellent pay and benefits. Many people would give their right nut to work here. You have made friends here who you would miss. Remember the effort you made to get this job. You have always been so proud of this job; people are so jealous of you. So please do not make any rash decisions because of one bad week. Jobs like this do not grow on trees. Talk to someone before deciding to leap, PLEASE!

Sincerely,

Older and wiser me.

[star-warrior]

Dear ***,

Get it on video as it will save you a shit load of bother later.

Yours,
Future ***.

[JayHawk]

I would tell my high school self that although gay isnt allowed to be out or you get your ass stomped that you should take some chances.... the one you think are cute and gay.... Are cute and gay... go get some.

I would tell my 20's self to take that job in New York vice Hawaii cuz the party scene was amazing when you finally got to New York.

I would tell my 30's self to give it time and you will find that guy. Don't rush it or you will not get the best results.

I would tell my 40's self your the hottest fucking forty year old to exist.... go get some..... wait wait that is now....

[ShihTzuTylenol]

Dearest Younger Gus;

The Olive Garden and vaginas are the Devil's spawn--don't go there! Oh, and take Pepto-Bismol with you that time we went to Cancun, cause~DAMN!

you truly,
Older Gus

[Blatino]

Dear Younger self,

I know you keep having these spouts of depression, but have faith and listen to people when they say that things will get better.

I know its hard but try to enjoy those precious moments in marching band or at cross country meets whenever you do feel down.

middle school: I know you have feelings for this guy but dont pursue them. It will not turn out well.

Don't go into the library with that guy.

Don't open up to one of the members of the church because they can't keep their mouth shut

Do NOT ask your friend if she thinks our band teacher has a hot name because it will only get you in unnecessary trouble.

Yes, you had unprotected sex. Yes, you wanted to get tested so you asked your grandma and aunt for help. Yes, your parents freaked out and made you feel like shit for doing the right but know that YOU DID THE RIGHT THING. Be proud of yourself.

You may not know why you have such a fascination with doing a back-handspring or tuck but listen to you instinct. You will need these skills in college

[comeagain]

I would tell myself to be more daring. Looking back, I am sorry only for the men I didn't sleep with, only for the hints I was too innocent or too stupid to pursue. For the love I could have had, had I only been more fearless.

[Thynight]

The worse has yet to come.

[Zack911]

Dear Jose,

Don't be afraid to not be the best. Just be the best you can be at what you do and at the end of the day know that you did your best. Wake up each and every morning knowing that you WILL do your best and NEVER let anyone tell you that you will never go anywhere in life....THEIR SERIOUSLY WRONG!!!.....OH YEAH!!! don't let johnny borrow you martin acoustic to learn how to play guitar cause someone's gonna break into his car and steal it let him borrow the crappy ibanez one you have you'll thank yourself later =)

[Joshua_me]

Dearest Younger Gus;

The Olive Garden and vagina's are the Devil's spawn--don't go there!

Yeah...

But, everytime she sneezes and one of those free breadsticks shoots out....

I mean,

We're only human...

[Puddle]

My younger self would prefer reading something in point form.

• Eat right and exercise. A lot of bad things can be avoided with just that.
  
• Find something you're good at and stick with it. Embrace your talents. Don't pursue someone else's dream or you'll end up wasting a lot of time.
  
• When someone says something nice, don't always question it. There are some nice people out there, and you won't make friends with unwarranted cynicism.
  
• Lay off the coffee and get some sleep. Lots of it.
  
• For fuck's sake, don't pop your pimples. See a dermatologist.
  
• You like boys, not girls. No offence, but you're stupid to think otherwise. Accept it and maybe you can start enjoying it.

[Joshua_me]

.

• You like boys, not girls. No offence, but you're stupid to think otherwise. Accept it and maybe you can start enjoying it.

^ Words to live by, folks.......

[ravenstar]

My advice to my younger self if I could

Throw the punch you're afraid to throw, the risk out weighs the fear. The bullies today will mean nothing in a decade or two but their voices will haunt the quiet moments so fix it now, don't carry the guilt and fear through you life. Spend less time trying to drown yourself in a bottle of wine, you're better than you give yourself credit for. And most importantly, live the life you want, not someone else's desires for you, it will get you nowhere. And remember, you're stronger than you think you are.

[Keljuki]

I'd probably give my younger self some winning lottery numbers