Hi Megan,
First, let me say this: where you are, who you are, how you feel, it will all get so much better. I’ve come out on the other side and I swear that not only will the bad be over, but you will have learned so much and come so far as a woman because of it.
Know that you are special and that you deserve to be confident and to like yourself. I know that it’s hard sometimes, especially when there are so many girls to compare yourself to, but you are wonderful. I hope you learn to stop obsessing about what you eat and about your body. You are beautiful. Living healthy is all that matters!
When it comes to partying and drinking, trust me, go slowly. Drinking yourself sick does not lead to having more fun, only embarrassment and tears. I know that you aren’t the classic “partier,” one of the girls that gets caught by the school or gets an MIP. But I do know that you’re running with an older crowd and doing your very best to keep up; just make sure you don’t run yourself out, my dear. I know because I’ve come close. Listen to your gut. Do you really want to take that last shot, take that hit? I remember not wanting to, but being scared to say no. Say no! It makes you that cool confident girl who can stand her own ground 😉 And everyone likes her.
Now, let’s address that boy. Yes, THAT one. The one you’d rather forget. Believe me when I say that you deserve better than him. Think your decisions over with him and don’t feel the need to be someone that you know you aren’t. When you say no, he should respect that and not guilt you into it. When you’re stumbling drunk, he should respect that. When he says he doesn’t know if he wants a girlfriend right now, believe him and run the other way. I know your heart is hurting and I won’t lie to you, it will take some time to heal. But know that you deserve someone who is proud to be with you and who makes you feel beautiful and special every day. The man that deserves you will come into your life out of the unexpected, I promise!
I want to tell you about your future, I want you to know how good things will be! You will graduate high school feeling more confident than you knew was possible. You will go to college and make friends and you will learn what it truly means to respect yourself. This won’t be easy; it will be trial and error, tears, and embarrassment. But it will also be the best thing to ever happen to you, because you will finally realize how much you are worth. You will learn who you are and what you want, and be able to push your limits and accomplish things you never dreamed of. You will be happy. I promise you!
Good luck right now, sweet girl, and keep your head up because the world should see your eyes and see your smile! I’ll be here if you ever need me.
Always,
Megan
