Growing older brings its fair share of reflections on what could have been done better.
For women, growing older can make us reminisce on patterns we could have avoided or improved upon whilst in our teens.
In our latest listicle, Urban Woman Magazine asked some women to share what they would advise the 16 year old versions of themselves.
Read their responses below.
PA
I’d tell 16 yr old me to never listen to anyone else but myself.
To be my own safe place and support. To trust myself more even when everyone says I’m wasting time. To always follow the path that gives me more options even tho it’s scary.
I made a lot of decisions I regret deeply because I kept taking the advice of people that should have been listening to me instead.
Now, all I hear is, “oh you were right, I didn’t know then.”
MA
If I could speak to 16-year-old me, I’d tell her she’s not too much. I’d tell her to slow down, read more, and enjoy life at her own pace. I’d remind her that not every place she wants to escape from is a prison; sometimes, she just needs patience.
I’d tell her to learn money terms early, understand how the world works, and stop fighting to be understood by people committed to misunderstanding her. She grows beautifully. She just doesn’t know it yet.
BO
Lock in my dia, shege very plenty for your front 💀💀💀💀
JE
I would actually tell her to avoid men and try to focus on building relationships with women specifically as friends.
I would tell her being bullied by them doesn’t make them the enemy because men have already been pitching women against each other.
I’d tell her to understand I wasn’t special to any man and not waste my time on that.
I’d tell her that just because everyone tells you you’re not enough doesn’t mean you should believe it because it will cut your wings off before you can even know you can fly.
EN
I’m not sure, really. 16 year old me did the best she could, given the circumstances. She was such a baby. I’d ask her to cultivate a study group for school. To try to learn how best she learns and lean into it. Then I’d hug her long and tight.
NA
There’s no reason to be shy. Go after what you really want. Remember you don’t even rate these people. Avoid a certain Edo man when you turn 18.
PN
Do not date till you are 23.🙂
OT
Everything your mum said is true.
Listen to her and extend some grace towards her because she’s just a girl.
KM
Sometimes, sex is not just sex.
On business; just do it! execute all the ideas you have God will fund it. Don’t wait for any elaborate plan.
Learn to say NO!
Angel Nduka-Nwosu is a writer, journalist and editor. She moonlights occasionally as a podcaster on As Angel Was Sayin’. Catch her on all socials @asangelwassayin.