Kind of rant about teenagerhood

Hi,
I'm in my last year of being a teenager and I feel that I haven't "teenagered" properly. Yeah I've done all the awkward stuff, sleepovers and got into uni, but, for example, when listening to Dancing Queen (I know this is cringe), I'm reminded I'll never be 17 again, and when I was, I didn't "go dancing" once. I don't go out because large social situations and loud atmospheres make me panic but that doesn't mean I want to miss out on having a proper social life. Does anyone have some kind of wisdom? Idk what I'm hoping for in response but I would appreciate any reply <3

Reply 1

gswillmissy

11

I have found a proper social life to be one where I'm comfortable and happy with people that love and care for me and be a part of this community for a long time.
My advice is to build a community of good people around you, people with better morals and values than you do . They don't necessarily have to be your age .
Fun is when you feel good and feel alive, find people that do the things you find fun and become apart of them.
Lastly, take care of your body, exercise, drink regulated amounts of water, eat a balanced diet.
Take care of your mind, be very intentional about what you let in through your eyes, ears and mouth.
Most importantly, your spirit/ soul, pray and read the Bible for in Matthew 6:33 Jesus tells us to seek first the Kingdom of God and other things will be added unto us

Reply 2

Anonymous #2

Wow lol I'm the same age as you and I missed out on all that stuff. I took was recently listening to that same song 😭 (with headphones so nobody says I'm cheesy lol) and 1) feeling sad that was never be true for me just once lol and 2) sad because I really miss being a 17-yr old.
Don't have any wise words lol (just a crazy coincidence rlly lol) but I agree with the poster above!

Reply 3

black tea

19

Sounds like the reason you are unhappy is because of some ideal teenagehood that you've created in your head. Stop comparing yourself to what you think you should be doing and just enjoy doing the things you like! If large social gatherings are not your thing, why would you want to force yourself to be involved in them? You do you and stop comparing yourself to others - comparison is the thief of joy.

Reply 4

catchmeify0ucan

3

Original post

by Anonymous

Hi,
I'm in my last year of being a teenager and I feel that I haven't "teenagered" properly. Yeah I've done all the awkward stuff, sleepovers and got into uni, but, for example, when listening to Dancing Queen (I know this is cringe), I'm reminded I'll never be 17 again, and when I was, I didn't "go dancing" once. I don't go out because large social situations and loud atmospheres make me panic but that doesn't mean I want to miss out on having a proper social life. Does anyone have some kind of wisdom? Idk what I'm hoping for in response but I would appreciate any reply <3

Hi!
I'm also 17 :smile:

and I totally understand what you mean!
Everyone's definitions of being a teenager or young adult are different - for some people it's going to parties or going out dancing and for others its doing stupid things with friends... I think what I'm trying to say is just because you don't fit in the typical 'box' of being a teenager doesn't mean you haven't had a fulfilling teenagerhood? And if you feel like that's the case and you want to enjoy it more, here's what I suggest:

1.

Make a bucket list. Doesn't have to be long or extravagant - anything and everything you want to do as a teenager, put it on the list.

2.

Find time to complete the list, and invite some friends along. Even if your plans don't go how you expected them to, you'll still have a great time and make amazing memories - one time, me and my friends tried to go to the museum, but it was so busy, so we went on a really lovely walk instead. The park was flooded and we had to wade through the water and it was horrifically cold but really fun.

3.

Once you've turned 18, that doesn't mean you can't have fun anymore. Keep doing stuff from your bucket list. Add to it. Keep having fun. The looming prospect of the working world and adulthood shouldn't stop you.

I feel like a bit of a hypocrite for saying this because I totally get it - I feel like I've blinked and suddenly I'm not a child anymore? Life is weird. Lockdown certainly didn't do us any favours - but I feel like instead of being sad at time we've lost to scrolling on the internet or to exam stress or lockdown, we should try and utilise what time we have left? I probably sound a bit cringe, but whatever. My point is: don't stress about it.

I also find the idea of parties stressful. I've been to a few and I've always had a good time, but I only go if I know a) where it is in relation to my house, b) I go with a trusted friend and we agree to leave together and stick together, and c) I know at least a few people who are going to be there.
I still find ways to hang out with my friends not in those awkward, sometimes stressful party situations though - games night or going to the movies is always really chill. Or karaoke - it can get rowdy though so maybe not if that kind of thing stresses you out. Even going to the library to study with some friends and going for food after - productive, fun, AND you get fried chicken (or sandwiches, or something. Point being: FOOD).

Sorry, that was a bit chaotic. But I'm here if you wanna talk or just complain and panic a little about being '17 going on 18'.

Reply 5

Riley_GDG

12

Original post

by Anonymous

Hi,
I'm in my last year of being a teenager and I feel that I haven't "teenagered" properly. Yeah I've done all the awkward stuff, sleepovers and got into uni, but, for example, when listening to Dancing Queen (I know this is cringe), I'm reminded I'll never be 17 again, and when I was, I didn't "go dancing" once. I don't go out because large social situations and loud atmospheres make me panic but that doesn't mean I want to miss out on having a proper social life. Does anyone have some kind of wisdom? Idk what I'm hoping for in response but I would appreciate any reply <3

I feel like everyone spends their childhood thinking that being a teenager will be like what the kids in High School Musical or some other Disney show were experiencing (I know I did 😭)
I don't think there's a right way to 'teenager'. Everyone does life their own way, and everyone experiences and has different opinions on different parts of being a teen. I, like you, have never really done all of the 'average teenage experience' things I thought everyone did, but I've realized that doesn't really matter in the end. As long as I have friends, and I'm comfortable when I'm with them, I'm doing the teenage thing the right way. Parties and concerts and big days out aren't all there is, it's all about preference :smile:

.

Kind of rant about teenagerhood

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Articles for you

How The Student Room is moderated