10 Things I Wish I Knew In My Teens
I spend a lot of time thinking about my teen years thanks to my job as Editor of Missy.ie. I take a lot of inspo from my own experiences and channel them into the content for Missy. I’ve mentioned this before, but teen magazines were like a lifeline to me growing up. Of course, there was a lot that they didn’t cover, so I take that gap and fill it in with Missy too.
Because of this, I’ve become very reflective about what I went through as a teen. Like a lot of people, I wish I could go back and do a few things differently. So, here’s 10 things I wish I knew (and fully understood) when I was a teen…
1. Everyone Has Sh!t Going On
I honestly used to think I was the only person struggling—whether it was feeling self-conscious about my skin or dealing with stuff at home. But looking back, I now know that everyone around me had their own issues, and some were dealing with things far worse than what I was facing.
When you’re a teen, everything can feel like the end of the world—whether it’s a fight with a friend or a breakout before a big event—and that’s okay. But I wish I’d realised sooner that I wasn’t alone in feeling that way. If I had opened up more, I wouldn’t have felt so isolated.
2. Not Everyone Will Like You (And That’s Ok)
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you’re not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s perfectly fine. The flip side? You’re not going to like everyone either, and that’s okay too. What matters most is that you stay kind and true to yourself. I spent way too long trying to make people like me, only to realise that those people weren’t worth the energy.
3. You Need to Get Over The Fear of Rejection
This one cuts deep. My fear of rejection held me back, not just in my teens but well into my twenties. Whether it was applying for opportunities or putting myself out there, the fear of hearing “no” kept me stuck. If I could go back, I’d tell my younger self: rejection isn’t the end of the world. In fact, it’s often a redirection to something better.
4. You Should Talk About How You’re Feeling More
I had so much swirling around in my head during 5th and 6th year. Looking back now, I’m genuinely shocked that I didn’t talk to anyone about it. I bottled it all up because I was afraid of being judged or misunderstood. But I had good friends around me, and I know now they would have listened. If I had just spoken up, I wouldn’t have carried such a heavy load on my own.
5. Don’t Be Afraid To Go It Alone
It’s easy to get caught up in the group mentality as a teen, but I quickly learned that sometimes, you have to walk your own path. Being comfortable in your own company is a game-changer. You don’t always need a group to validate your decisions or experiences. Trust me, going it alone can open doors you never even considered.
6. Your Weight Does Not Equal Your Self-Worth
I’ve struggled with my weight ever since a family member thought it was okay to start commenting on it when I was just 7. That insecurity followed me through my teen years, and I let it define so much of my self-worth. Spoiler alert: it shouldn’t have. Your value is not tied to the number on the scale. I wish I had realised that sooner.
7. There’s Plenty of Time For Relationships Later On
In 6th year, I felt like I was the only one who hadn’t kissed anyone, let alone had a boyfriend. All my friends were in relationships, and I felt so much pressure. But here’s the truth: there’s no rush. The first kiss eventually happened in college, and spoiler—it wasn’t life-changing. The pressure I felt was mostly in my head. Take your time, focus on yourself, and know that relationships will come when you’re ready.
8. Put Yourself Out There More
If I could give my teen self a pep talk, I’d say: stop holding back! Whether it’s trying out for something new, pursuing a hobby, or meeting new people—don’t let fear keep you on the sidelines. Some of the best things in life happen when you take a risk, even if it’s scary.
9. It Goes By In The Blink of An Eye
It’s a total cliché, but it’s true: time flies. I recently visited my old school, and walking through the halls felt like I was stepping back in time. It’s shocking how quickly those years pass. So, if things feel tough right now, just remember that this is only a short chapter in your life. Things will move on, and time really does help heal most things.
10. Make Some Mistakes—You Learn More From Them
I used to be terrified of failure. If I couldn’t see a clear path to success, I wouldn’t even try. But the thing is, you learn way more from your mistakes than your wins. Failure teaches you resilience, and every time you pick yourself up, you grow. So, don’t be afraid to mess up—just learn from it and keep going.
Your teen years are filled with ups and downs, but they’re also a time to figure things out. Embrace the highs, learn from the lows, and remember—you’ve got this!