Things I Wish I had been Told when I was 17

I have a semi-recurring dream when I go back in time and talk to my younger self but I always end up trying to convince myself that it's really me instead of giving myself advice. If that were possible, this is what I would tell myself:

1) There is no "perfect" man that will sweep me off my feet and we'll live happily ever after. In fact, you'll probably date quite a few more "perfect" guys until you realize there is no perfect person, just a person that's perfect for you. The person who finally gets you in a way that not even your parents or your best friend ever did. And there's no way you can predict who that will be until it happens.

2) You have a really great body. You're not fat.

3) Go to a career counsellor. Before you choose your career path, before you start taking useless classes, talk to someone who can help you figure out what you want to do with your life. Or at least someone who can make different suggestions. I didn't know half of these careers existed until after I'd finished college.

4) Don't start drinking.

5) High School really doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is the close friends you make who will stand by you when you are 80. The greatest thing about high school is finding out what really happened while you were worried what people thought of you. It's sitting at a bar a few years later, running into an old friend and they tell you who was a drug addict, who had major problems, and who got really hot.

6) The people who look like they have it all figured out, never really do.

7) The problems you think you have now are nothing compared to the problems you're going to have later.

8) Study; just a little bit harder. Yes, it's hard. There's a party tonight, but trust me when I say there will be many more parties. Grades Do matter. While you're at it, tell your mom you want to take guitar lessons instead of piano lessons.

9) Don't be in such a hurry to grow up. These are the best years of your life, you look great. Enjoy the time you have while you don't have to work to pay your rent or mortgage -- it's a beautiful feeling. Growing up is good because you finally get to do what you want to do without having to listen to your mom and what she wants you do do. But in the end, after endless fights and phone calls, you may do what you want to do but you'll still want to make her proud.

10) And my last few tips: stop eating so much goddamn junkfood; Instant Ramen, burgers, pizzas and Cokes are not part of a well balanced diet; if someone gives you a Mountain Dew just chug it before you can actually taste it; eat a good meal before you go out drinking (trust me on this one); save some money...but buy the suede jacket at Guess, I'll always regret not buying it; and you know that guy you have a crush on (you know who I'm talking about) talk to him and ask him out.