Everybody's doing it.

Things to tell myself at 14:

For a first serious relationship, you do pretty well. Try encouraging Melissa to be more of her own person, and for crying out loud (very loud!) do *not* break up with her over the phone. Don't even hint at it,
even when you're sure.

You've got a bunch of good friends now, though you don't really realize it. Spend more time with them: when it's time to go to college, you'll all be going different ways.

You haven't got a clue about how to be diplomatic. Try it *before* you complain, next time.

You haven't got a chance with two of the three girls you'll develop crushes on. One will eventually decide she doesn't like boys; one really likes Jesus. The third, unfortunately, is a psycho. Don't give her your phone number in college. Really. Tell your parents not to do so either.

It's possible that you are the smartest person in that high school. Note that you aren't the hardest worker. Fix that sometime in the next few years and it will be to your advantage. But you won't, until...

You'll change completely sometime during your 20th year. Stock up on philosophy books. The Tao is a pretty good influence.

Be generous to your friends, and when you have excess money, invest it.

Learning to drive would probably change your life. Can't say whether it would be better or not, though.

Everybody's doing it.

Things to tell myself at 14:

For a first serious relationship, you do pretty well. Try encouraging Melissa to be more of her own person, and for crying out loud (very loud!) do *not* break up with her over the phone. Don't even hint at it,
even when you're sure.

You've got a bunch of good friends now, though you don't really realize it. Spend more time with them: when it's time to go to college, you'll all be going different ways.

You haven't got a clue about how to be diplomatic. Try it *before* you complain, next time.

You haven't got a chance with two of the three girls you'll develop crushes on. One will eventually decide she doesn't like boys; one really likes Jesus. The third, unfortunately, is a psycho. Don't give her your phone number in college. Really. Tell your parents not to do so either.

It's possible that you are the smartest person in that high school. Note that you aren't the hardest worker. Fix that sometime in the next few years and it will be to your advantage. But you won't, until...

You'll change completely sometime during your 20th year. Stock up on philosophy books. The Tao is a pretty good influence.

Be generous to your friends, and when you have excess money, invest it.

Learning to drive would probably change your life. Can't say whether it would be better or not, though.