ADVERTISEMENT

There’s nothing quite as powerful as getting some brutally honest advice that can greatly improve your quality of life. Redditor NotViperX asked the adults using the site to share something that every teenager needs to know. And you know what? Some of us might not be teenagers anymore (even though we act like them), but these pieces of advice are still useful to hear from time to time.

Upvote your favorite tips for teenagers as you scroll down and add any advice you’d give teenagers (or your past selves) in the comment section below, dear Pandas. However, there’s a small snag with great advice.

Bored Panda reached out to the author of the viral thread, NotViperX. They said that teenagers tend to ignore adults' advice because of puberty: it's a time when they explore and try out new things which leads to them having different opinions than their parents. Read on for the rest of our interview with the redditor.

This post may include affiliate links.

#1

Apologizing is a sign of strength, not weakness. We all screw up, when you own up to it, you grow from it.

Birkin07 Report

Final score:
167points
Add photo comments
POST
View more commentsArrow down menu
RELATED:
    #2

    Learn to trust your gut when in strange situations. If something feels off / wrong, it probably is.

    Don't go along with something if it feels wrong.

    holydumpsterfire451 Report

    Final score:
    154points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    kasaalex avatar
    kasa alex
    kasa alex
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oooh how many times in the past I wish I'd trusted my gut...still learning this one

    Vote comment up
    32
    32points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    #3

    It's ok to say no to anyone. Don't let anyone in your life guilt trip you into doing something you don't want to do or are uncomfortable with

    Purpleraven01 Report

    Final score:
    131points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    kevin-donegan avatar
    Kevin Donegan
    Kevin Donegan
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What's worse, saying "no" and maybe losing a friend (who wasn't one to begin with) or going along with something and then regretting it for the rest of your life? You'll soon forget "the friend" but you'll never forget that feeling of regret and remorse.

    Vote comment up
    28
    28points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu

    NotViperX told Bored Panda about what drew them to create the thread in the first place: "I was thinking about a question that would be helpful and entertaining at once. When I came up with this one, I just posted, never expecting it to get so much attention! I posted it because I was interested in people's opinions and advice from all over the world," they said.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    The redditor also had some advice for teenagers regarding health. According to them, it's incredibly important to keep an eye on what teenagers eat.

    "The teenage body needs lots of minerals and vitamins to stay healthy and develop the body! And afterwards, always brush your teeth! You will thank yourself later," NotViperX said, adding that they're very grateful for all of the helpful comments, upvotes and awards their thread got.
    #4

    30 Adults Share Advice That Every Teenager Should Know I’ve said this before but it’s important. When someone says you can’t do something in life, it means they can’t do it, not that you can’t.

    throbbingliberal , Glasgow Rocks Wheelchair Basketball Report

    Final score:
    127points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    #5

    If you are assaulted on campus, notify the police, not campus security.

    cannibal87 Report

    Final score:
    123points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    moconnell avatar
    M O'Connell
    M O'Connell
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    At most universities, campus security has no authority to arrest anyone. They do not conduct criminal prosecutions. They are essentially security guards.

    Vote comment up
    34
    34points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    #6

    30 Adults Share Advice That Every Teenager Should Know Most of your friends are the product of geographic convenience. Just because you grew up being friends with a neighbour or a fellow student, doesn't mean you owe them your undying loyalty when they start treating you like sh*t.

    221 , Riza Nugraha Report

    Final score:
    113points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    everclearshovel21 avatar
    Hello it Smee
    Hello it Smee
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It important to know it is ok to out grow relationships. People change and grow apart.

    Vote comment up
    34
    34points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT

    No matter how great your advice is, teenagers might not want to follow it. A lot of things can get in their way, from angst and hormones to wanting to rebel or feeling ‘weak’ if they listen to an adult. Fortunately, there are some ways around these obstacles that can help teenagers maintain their spirit of independence while helping them absorb useful info.

    Teenagers are prone to ignoring their parents’ advice, writes Andy Earle, founder of the ‘Talking to Teens’ blog and podcast. According to Earle, teenagers tend to rebel against their parents because they want to be in charge of their own decisions, so parents ought to consider removing themselves from the equation.

    Getting a mentor-figure or a friend to talk to your teenage kids about important life advice might just be the secret workaround that won’t make them feel like they’re being ‘told’ to do something. The more the teens trust the person, the more they’ll be willing to listen and think about what they have to say.
    #7

    30 Adults Share Advice That Every Teenager Should Know Start trying to save money now. You will definitely thank yourself later on.

    Lastnight97 , Eden, Janine and Jim Report

    Final score:
    108points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #8

    30 Adults Share Advice That Every Teenager Should Know Learn how to cook. It’s way cheaper and usually faster than takeout.

    ten-million , Michael Pollak Report

    Final score:
    106points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #9

    30 Adults Share Advice That Every Teenager Should Know People (employers, etc) will take advantage of your naivete. In many cases this will be illegal.

    TheTrooperNate , Mustafa Khayat Report

    Final score:
    103points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    drummerkramer avatar
    Bob Belcher
    Bob Belcher
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    HR is only there to protect the company, no matter how much they smile at you.

    Vote comment up
    86
    86points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu

    Another way to subtly dodge your teens’ willingness to run away from sound advice is to embrace their independence: help them discover the solution to their problems all by themselves.

    Give them a few tips on where to find the info they might need. Then sit back and watch as they research everything for themselves. This way, they’ll feel self-reliant and won’t be prone to throwing advice in the bin just because it was said by their parents. While this hands-off approach might not make some parents happy, at least consider giving this a try if everything else keeps backfiring.
    #10

    Learn the signs and signals of toxic relationships. All too often these can start as early as high school and before you know it you've wasted years of your life being someone's victim.

    Theearthhasnoedges Report

    Final score:
    101points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    kevin-donegan avatar
    Kevin Donegan
    Kevin Donegan
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If a friend or boyfriend/girlfriend doesn't treat you with respect, cut your loses early because five years from now you'll still be treated poorly by them ...

    Vote comment up
    28
    28points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #11

    30 Adults Share Advice That Every Teenager Should Know Failing is okay.

    2Graves1Ashe , Fachdozent Report

    Final score:
    100points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    #12

    30 Adults Share Advice That Every Teenager Should Know Everyone is smart, just at different things. People can be book smart or people smart or machine smart etc.

    But the difference between successful people and not so much is the application and dedication you give.

    (My nephew is 9 and his dad is already calling him dumb, which is insane because that kid is sooooo quick. He understands things rapidly. But he doesn't like school right now. This is something I just told him)

    Feralbritches1 , NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Report

    Final score:
    100points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    dariab_1 avatar
    Daria B
    Daria B
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Kids really do believe it when they're told they're dumb. When I was part timing as a teacher at a small private facility, there was a kid who displayed low self-confidence when it comes to studying. I once "proved him wrong" by showing him how well he was actually doing. That really encouraged him to do even better, and next day he happily told me he passed that one exam he was so worried about. Such a sweet kid.

    Vote comment up
    42
    42points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu

    Lastly, if your teenagers keep making the same mistakes over and over again (and keep pestering you about the same problems over and over again, too), it’s time to have an honest chat.

    Tell them upfront that they’re ignoring the advice you’ve already given them and it’s time to change something, otherwise, they’ll keep making the same painful mistakes. This way, they might be more willing to actually solve their problems instead of just talking about them and relying on others to do the thinking while they ignore potential solutions.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #13

    It really doesn’t matter what others think of you. It only matters what you think of yourself. Live your life such that you can look at yourself in the mirror at the end of the day and be proud of what you’ve done.

    Also, “likes” from social media don’t mean a thing. If you post something that gets zero likes or upvotes, you will still wake up tomorrow ready to go.

    Cannonballbmx Report

    Final score:
    97points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    magnadar avatar
    magnadar
    magnadar
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is it bad if i give this one a like? Likes are not important after all...

    Vote comment up
    30
    30points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    #14

    30 Adults Share Advice That Every Teenager Should Know If you don't have a passion, learn new skills. You might find your passion or something you're good at.

    checkmatelocked , Richard Elzey Report

    Final score:
    90points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    dariab_1 avatar
    Daria B
    Daria B
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This one is not only for teenagers, really. And that fact alone is also encouraging, I mean, it would be to me, if I heard it as a teen. Anyway, it's a generally good and practical advice.

    Vote comment up
    25
    25points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    #15

    You're responsible for your own education and have absolutely no one to blame if you don't take school seriously. And be nice to your teachers. They're trying to gift you a future.

    Hypochlorite_Tank_2 Report

    Final score:
    88points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    kevin-donegan avatar
    Kevin Donegan
    Kevin Donegan
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Practically every person that has ever dropped out of high school has said that if they had to do it over again, they would want to complete their HS education. As a 16 or 17 year old, what else do you have to do? Focus on your education ... you'll never regret that decision.

    Vote comment up
    10
    10points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #16

    30 Adults Share Advice That Every Teenager Should Know Cashiers don't care if you buy condoms.

    induceddaftfan , Adam Report

    Final score:
    87points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    everclearshovel21 avatar
    Hello it Smee
    Hello it Smee
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I had to go buy a condom when I was in high school as part of my sex ed class. It was weird we had to bring them to school to prove we bought them. Nothing embarrassing about a bunch of teens pulling condoms from their backpacks to show we did the assessment.

    Vote comment up
    34
    34points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    #17

    30 Adults Share Advice That Every Teenager Should Know When you get to driving you need to realize that the laws of physics apply to you. They aren't out to get you, they're just indifferent. Slow the [heck] down and don't horse around, you're driving a very heavy machine at speeds we did not evolve to deal with. Be safe.

    faceeatingleopard , Brian Burger Report

    Final score:
    84points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    moconnell avatar
    M O'Connell
    M O'Connell
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Also all-wheel drive does not improve braking or handling overall. I have seen far too many winter accidents involving people driving recklessly in all-wheel drive and 4x4 vehicles. If you end up driving a larger vehicle, a truck or an SUV, please remember that you are much heavier than a typical car. You are piloting a much deadlier weapon than they are. Drive conservatively.

    Vote comment up
    30
    30points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    #18

    You're allowed to question authority. If an authority does/says something you think is wrong, you're allowed to question that.

    lustified Report

    Final score:
    83points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    robindjw avatar
    Robin DJW
    Robin DJW
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Question authority all you like, but screaming "You're a liar" into their faces is not the way to do it. Get your facts straight and document them.

    Vote comment up
    33
    33points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    #19

    Don't put off dealing with mental health issues. Developing unhealthy coping mechanisms for emotional issues will [screw] you up big time down the road. If you have issues, deal with it head on, right away. It can take time, but start the work now.

    EmbarrassedCalendar1 Report

    Final score:
    78points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    kevin-donegan avatar
    Kevin Donegan
    Kevin Donegan
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Easier said than done. Usually, if you have a mental health issue ... you don't know you have a mental health issue.

    Vote comment up
    39
    39points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #20

    Enjoy the small stuff like your back not hurting.

    Stokbakko Report

    Final score:
    73points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    #21

    When you make a mistake, own up to it. People are more willing to help you when you admit you did a dumb thing. This goes for school, work, and personal life. Forget to make a payment on a loan? Call and talk to the finance company. Mess something up on a school project? Tell your teacher and ask for a bit of leeway. Etc. People will be more likely to help you if you communicate.

    Start your retirement fund as early as possible. Doesn’t matter if you can only afford $5 a week, it’s still $5 more than you would have had otherwise. It WILL add up and you’ll thank yourself later.

    GreenOnionCrusader Report

    Final score:
    71points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    drummerkramer avatar
    Bob Belcher
    Bob Belcher
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As someone who works in a financial institution now, yes! If you think you can't make a payment on time, call us! It's ok, a lot of times we'll see if we can help out. If you call and they're rude, take your business elsewhere. Credit Unions are far more friendlier than banks.

    Vote comment up
    22
    22points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    #22

    30 Adults Share Advice That Every Teenager Should Know While you shoudn't believe those who say these gonna be the best years of your life, try to make the most of it, to enjoy the ride. Don't be ashamed of your hobbies and passions ; those who make fun of that can go f**k themselves. Every feeling you have deserves to be expressed in any constructive manner. Don't fear rejection from those you like/love. Tell them and come what may.

    drDjausdr , woodleywonderworks Report

    Final score:
    70points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    janna-nym avatar
    No you didn't
    No you didn't
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The best years of your life are anywhere between your birth and your death.

    Vote comment up
    36
    36points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #23

    The things your parents are trying to keep you from doing are more than likely the mistakes of their youth that they wish they could do differently.

    ForlornedLastDino Report

    Final score:
    70points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    markus_holstein90 avatar
    Markus Holstein
    Markus Holstein
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Unless, of course, your parents are anti-vaxxers, fundamentalist christians, conspiracy theorists, Trumpies, ...

    Vote comment up
    38
    38points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    #24

    After high school, life gets a whole lot better.

    bonster85 Report

    Final score:
    69points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    patriciaross avatar
    tuzdayschild
    tuzdayschild
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Soooo true. High school stops being important almost immediately after you graduate.

    Vote comment up
    36
    36points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    #25

    Don’t compare your life to influencers, or anyone else for that matter. Even with the “#nofilter,” it’s normally a façade. Live your life for you, not for the likes.

    baxthatassup Report

    Final score:
    60points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    robindjw avatar
    Robin DJW
    Robin DJW
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have long believed that the real influencers aren't what they are because they want to be influencers. Mostly they are influencers because they believe in what they are doing and want to do it well.

    Vote comment up
    9
    9points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #26

    30 Adults Share Advice That Every Teenager Should Know Learn a second language. It's good for your brain, and it's a lot easier when you're young.

    Get active and fit; make it a habit. This is one of the most important ways to stave off cognitive decline as you get older. Plus, it's great for managing mental health during the transition to adulthood.

    HappyHappyKidney , Kara Report

    Final score:
    56points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    kevin-donegan avatar
    Kevin Donegan
    Kevin Donegan
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    YES!!!!!! As an adult I have been trying to learn Spanish for the past 30 years ... it's much easier when you're exposed to a new language in childhood. Parents ... take note ... encourage your children to take a foreign language in school.

    Vote comment up
    18
    18points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #27

    Avoid debt if possible.

    cnblure Report

    Final score:
    56points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    drummerkramer avatar
    Bob Belcher
    Bob Belcher
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is easier said than done especially when college cost 50k+. You start adulthood with a huge amount of debt and not everyone can work and go to school at the same time. If you can, get a government job and apply for PSLF. You'll find government jobs are easier to break into than private sector and most have good benefits too. Plus, after working there for a while, it's easier to get into private sector. Find jobs at USAJOBS.gov. also look at your local government jobs.

    Vote comment up
    10
    10points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    #28

    It's exactly as lame to not do something you want to do because it's too mainstream or popular as it is to do something only because it's cool and the cool kids are doing it

    itsacalamity Report

    Final score:
    51points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    drummerkramer avatar
    Bob Belcher
    Bob Belcher
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What's popular isn't always right and what's right isn't always popular.

    Vote comment up
    21
    21points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #29

    30 Adults Share Advice That Every Teenager Should Know Advice is free, and if you respond to it with "I know" then you're probably not gonna figure your problem out.

    papawam , Brendan Riley Report

    Final score:
    44points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    janna-nym avatar
    No you didn't
    No you didn't
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Advice is free, but it's best received when asked for and not volunteered.

    Vote comment up
    35
    35points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    #30

    30 Adults Share Advice That Every Teenager Should Know The measure of whether someone has the potential to be a new friend of yours is NOT whether they like a bunch of things you like. It is entirely possible to become friends with people who like a ton of things you’ve never heard of, or even already decided you dislike. You are at a spot in life where a lot of your likes and dislikes are subject to change anyway.

    Biggest thing: making a new friend often takes time. Lots of time. Much longer than movies and shows make it look like. Find things to do, groups to join, city league sports to play (pandemic permitting, or after) and keep learning about the people you see repeatedly. Far too many early twenties people who report having no friends made a premature judgment that one or more prospective friends were off the list, when it just needed a lot more time.

    helicopterpurple , rhiannonmckinley Report

    Final score:
    44points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    joeymarlin avatar
    Joey Marlin
    Joey Marlin
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Also, don't become so busy with your family that you neglect your friends so much that when you raise your head at the other end you suddenly find they've gone.

    Vote comment up
    7
    7points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium
    Unlimited content
    Ad-free browsing
    Dark mode
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #31

    The first step to being good at something is being bad at something.

    WildBilll33t Report

    Final score:
    17points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    everclearshovel21 avatar
    Hello it Smee
    Hello it Smee
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Too many people expect perfection on 1st try. This comes back to the lesson failure is ok.

    Vote comment up
    4
    4points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #32

    How to deescalate difficult situations.

    And how to disagree with a teacher/someone in authority without sounding like a know-it-all or in a condescending manner. For example, if a teacher says X and you are certain you learned differently, recognize that there may be certain circumstances that you may not realize that changes something. Lead the disagreement with a saying like: excuse me, I may be wrong, but I thought/learned Y. This kind of phrasing does not cause the other person to be on the defensive, which can allow gentle new instruction for you, or a graceful/face saving correction for the teacher.

    A situation with differing opinions doesn't have to be confrontational.

    NicNoletree Report

    Final score:
    15points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    rayjen0402 avatar
    Jennifer Crompton
    Jennifer Crompton
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This should be higher. It's cliché but true: "It's often not what you're saying that's the problem, it's how you're saying it"

    Vote comment up
    0
    0points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    #33

    We know all the tricks, we were teenagers once before aswell

    -dipshit- Report

    Final score:
    14points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #34

    If you don’t brush your teeth: big regrets. Don’t talk too much about yourself and your private life and ideas: it will be used against you. Emotionally you are going to feel better and survive the struggles you are into. Don’t breed anger, it will consume your time and energies. Time flies: I’m 38 years old, it seems yesterday I was in my twenties... enjoy the ride, take care of your body, don’t listen too much to the wired stuff coming from your mind.

    DonnieDixon Report

    Final score:
    14points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    drummerkramer avatar
    Bob Belcher
    Bob Belcher
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yup. Brush and floss. It sucks when your 36 and eating anything sweet hurts because the sugars in the candy stings your gums.

    Vote comment up
    6
    6points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #35

    Resentment is like swallowing poison and hoping the other person dies.

    And, don’t waste time trying to love someone who doesn’t love you back.

    And, just because you spent years on something(a job, a relationship, a place, etc) doesn’t mean you’re stuck there if you’re miserable. If you can, do the hard thing and leave. You’ll be so much happier.

    itsonlyfear Report

    Final score:
    14points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #36

    No one owes you a thing. Live your life well by working for what you want. Make good decisions. Not based on fleeting emotions but reason and common sense. Good financial decisions are a must! Know what it costs.

    Don't be afraid to separate yourself from so called friends if those friends are not moving forward. Don't allow their defeatist attitude to hold you back.

    broadsharp Report

    Final score:
    14points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    #37

    The person you love at 17 may not be the person you love at 30. You change. They change.

    PosNegTy Report

    Final score:
    13points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    christian-crisetig avatar
    ADHORTATOR
    ADHORTATOR
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In my case, it is the same person. Same girlfriend/fiancé/wife since 1987. 'I know that I am a lucky man :-)

    Vote comment up
    12
    12points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #38

    Hold yourself to your own standards.

    If you wouldn't let anyone treat your friends/family like trash, then don't do it yourself.

    If you feel learning is a positive thing, then learn on the daily.

    If you value work and security, then give yourself security through work.

    If you expect others to be intelligent and to care, then you should be intelligent and caring.

    Hold yourself accountable for how you want the world to be. Be a part of the world you want to live in.

    K--Will Report

    Final score:
    13points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #39

    If you don't want to go to college, learn a trade. Learn several trades throughout your life. You will always be able to find work. Even during a pandemic homeowners still need their plumbing to work. They need their HVAC to operate properly. They will run into electrical issues that need repaired.

    ac1dre1gn77 Report

    Final score:
    13points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    drummerkramer avatar
    Bob Belcher
    Bob Belcher
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Learn a trade even if you do go to college and don't be afraid of doing basic home repairs. You'll be surprised how easy it is to do and how little it cost compared to hiring a plumber that charges $100/HR and triples the price of parts you can buy yourself from Home Depot or Lowe's.

    Vote comment up
    5
    5points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    #40

    Everything ends. The good stuff and the bad stuff.

    ajcdj1012 Report

    Final score:
    13points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    #41

    If you have an emotional reaction to everything that’s said to you, you’re going to have a bad time.

    Rae-O-Sunshinee Report

    Final score:
    12points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    #42

    There’s always more to it. Right now isn’t the be all and end all. I will also say that by no means as a teen should your feelings be downplayed and this is not suggesting that your current issues are minimal. It’s important to recognise how you’re feeling but also don’t let it consume or dictate how you look towards your future. There is always going to be a better time.

    suck-ulent Report

    Final score:
    11points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #43

    You aren’t nearly as smart or worldly as you think you are. Every teenager, without fail, thinks they know it all or have seen or done a lot. I know this because I used to be one. I’m 29 now and let me tell you the wealth of knowledge I have compared to a year ago alone is staggering. Compared to when I was 19 or 16? Doesn’t even f***ing compare.

    My advice around this is to just stay humble. You aren’t done learning and you really ain’t seen nothing yet. Don’t ever think you know it all or you’ve seen and done it all, because you haven’t even scratched the absolute edge of the surface of what you don’t know.

    And for the love of punch drunk f**k, don’t learn about sex from porn.

    ReaverRogue Report

    Final score:
    11points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    manusal avatar
    El muerto
    El muerto
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    the same apply when you are 29 or 39 or 49. is called growing

    Vote comment up
    3
    3points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #44

    The world is not gonna be easy or kind. Everything you think you know and even some of your closest beliefs will be challenged and you will run into people who will disagree with you or who don't like you. Therefore, have a good foundation, be it a faith, be it family, be it a good group of friends, or a combination of the above and other good sources I haven't thought to list.

    georgia_moose Report

    Final score:
    11points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #45

    I graduated 10 years ago from high school and none of those people are in my life now. So take your time being you and grow your self esteem and talents now over wasting time trying to impress those pricks you won't even remember in a few months after graduation.

    Edit: It seems like there is some confusion as to my advice. I am not saying drop your friends. Those are a very important aspect of life (especially in high school). What I am saying is drop the politics and drama of your school. I know it feels like it is the whole world now, but if you let those who try to bring you down, who mock you, who try and pressure you will not be around forever. Worry about building yourself to being the best you that you can become. I still have contact with a few childhood friends to this day (just not really any I made in high school). But all those negative, drama craving, bullies, and those down beats in general will not follow you.

    Ehwearehere Report

    Final score:
    10points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #46

    Understand how much more you will understand in the future and don’t be ashamed to admit that you may not understand things.

    Imawildedible Report

    Final score:
    9points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    #47

    Adulthood is both an age and a mindset. Though you are legally responsible for yourself at 18, most people don’t really get it until about 5+ years later. That said, some adults never mentally leave high school. Gossip still happens, bragging still happens, self-righteousness still happens. Some people grow up, some don’t.

    ASOIAFGymCoach73 Report

    Final score:
    9points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    #48

    You can’t be friends with everyone, but you can be polite to them. And if someone’s being rude to you, it might not even be because of you—you don’t have to light a fire you didn’t build. Specifically, if they’re calling you names or spreading rumors about you, embrace it because taking offense and escalating to a physical confrontation just makes everyone’s lives harder, including people not even involved.

    Being confident about who you are will change your life.

    RedDignIt Report

    Final score:
    9points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #49

    If you're feeling bad about something (like hs drama), remember: EVERYTHING that's going on now will be irrelevant within 5 years.

    thebalance32 Report

    Final score:
    9points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    #50

    Your parents/gaurdians coping mechanisms and communication skills may be flawed. Try to recognize different ways people communicate and cope with hardship and what does and doesn't work so that you can change your own skills early.

    chess-taylor Report

    Final score:
    9points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    #51

    Life moves very quickly after leaving school - years go by so quickly

    A lot of people have been saying this scares them. Please don't be scared, adult life is great but you just have to keep yourself active and doing different things. Just make sure to appreciate everything you have and try not to have regrets.

    ImplodingPeach Report

    Final score:
    8points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    #52

    Honestly, your teens are the perfect time to begin small on creating good habits that pay off big in the long run.

    Save and/or invest 10% of any money you receive.

    Create a habit of exercising (even just small exercises) every day.

    Someone else said it, but it is worth repeating: brush your teeth.

    Figure out what you enjoy. Read & try a lot of different things. Go to camps, or shadow any jobs you think you might be interested in. Sometimes the job you think you’d enjoy, you find out you have no interest in at all. This will save you a lot of money (like studying pre-med and learning you hate healthcare).

    This is a difficult one as a teen, but try to establish a decent sleeping habit. Preferably one we’re you wake up early. I feel like I slept my teen years away.

    Your_Worship Report

    Final score:
    8points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    orders_4 avatar
    Liam Walsh
    Liam Walsh
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's been proven that teens actually do need more sleep than adults, so let them sleep. We can all develop good sleeping habits as adults but I'm here to say that they can go straight out the window if you hurt.

    Vote comment up
    4
    4points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #53

    Take a personal finance class

    Twitter (or any social media) is a loaded gun. It's there forever, even if you delete it.

    There are people in bad situations. This is sad. But: not all of them want to be saved from it.

    We (your parents) are harsh because we want you to make better choices than we did. The wisest of us, though, will let you make mistakes and fail to a smaller degree. Cuz we know you don't listen. :)

    YourOldManJoe Report

    Final score:
    7points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    #54

    Take up an instrument. As a teenager you have far more time on your hands than you ever will again, plus your brain is still plastic enough to learn things easily and quickly (relative to a fully-formed brain, you still need to put the hours in). Being able to play music is such a joy that you will carry with you your whole life. And you can often form relationships off the back of it (jamming sessions, for eg, or just bonding over your love of guitars).

    G01ngDutch Report

    Final score:
    7points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    jasminherde avatar
    Jess-a-men
    Jess-a-men
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Unless you're not interested in music. Taking up a hobby because someone told you to do it even though you don't care for it at all is no good. It's true that joy can be found in playing music and relationships can be formed with it, but that applies to every hobby. I know that because I made that mistake - taking up a hobby because somebody told me to do it, even though I wasn't interested in the slightest and had several other hobbies I would have preferred. It's no good.

    Vote comment up
    2
    2points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #55

    It's better to be quiet and let people think you're a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.

    Mvrd3rCrow Report

    Final score:
    7points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    orders_4 avatar
    Liam Walsh
    Liam Walsh
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes and no. It's very sad to not have the confidence to share ideas and opinions - people should be more receptive and less mocking.

    Vote comment up
    4
    4points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    #56

    Do not be afraid to ask out that girl/guy that you like. If you suffer from anxiety like myself, then at least try to work on it. I personally went through all my teenage years without even trying to talk to girls much at all and now that I'm 19 and have the chance to look back, I 100% regret it.

    PlatinumSavage1 Report

    Final score:
    4points
    Add photo comments
    POST
    daniellerux avatar
    Kathrine Rux
    Kathrine Rux
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    lmao i already know she doesn't like me back though besides her fam is homophobic.

    Vote comment up
    2
    2points
    Vote comment down
    reply
    View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu

    Anyone can write on Bored Panda. Start writing!

    Follow Bored Panda on Google News!