If you could write a letter to your past self (say 10 years ago), what would you say?

Well this is what happens when I’m left to my own devices. Anyway, this is what I’d say….

Hey you,

• Over the years, you will be tempted several times to say hurtful things to those who have hurt you, or those who have as little as irritated/annoyed you, even unintentionally. You’ll say hurtful things to retaliate or say it out of spite. And my god are your words like venom! So don’t. You'll never know who you might need help from in the future.
• A bad relationship is like a drug addiction. You think you need it, but it really is bad for you. At a hunch that it's gonna go bad, leave. Second chances are a waste of time.
• Throughout your teenage years, you'll find a certain fascination for the 'bad boys'. I don't know what it is. But I could tell you now that it is a complete waste of time. Sometimes, the geeks and the shy guys have more to say and more to show for themselves. But you’ll hear people say that you have to kiss a few toads before you score with a prince charming. But even that is a waste of time. Because the toads will fudge you up and screw you over. That by the time you meet your prince charming, you're damaged goods.
• Stop blaming others for your circumstances. Your parents tried their best to make the best out of a bad situation. They’re humans too.
• Stop acting so cold to people - just because some girls appear different from you, or do the things you won’t normally do, doesn't mean they're not good people. They're more similar to you than you think.
• Smoking, drugs and alcohol are so not cool - no matter how cool other people look doing 'em.
• Good guys don't always finish last.
• Love is friendship set on fire. Friendship comes first, and romance follows suit. It never works the other way around. At least not for you.
• Have little expectations of others, but high expectations of yourself.
• Give more, take less.
• There is going to be this monster called Facebook - which is going to take over the world by storm, and take over your life. Just so you know.
• Also, let me tell you, that there will be times when you get thrown into a ditch and you wonder if you can ever get out – get out alive that is. As surprising as it seems, you will come out just fine. You will come out better than fine.

Happy sweet 16!