I was an awkward teen in the 80s. No money for anything but crap clothes. Bad teeth. No social life. Nothing. My sister, 1 yr older, was very pretty and popular, cheerleader, that route. She was able to borrow nice clothes from friends, lots of boyfriends, etc. I thought she must have the best life ever and that she would certainly have the most amazing future.
As I grew up, I took the time to develop my personality. Then I blossomed as I entered my twenties . Got my teeth fixed. I traveled, put myself through college, had some of the most fun love affairs I still remember with delight. Married a man that still brings me joy 20 yrs later. When I showed up for my 10 yr high school reunion, some of my classmates still couldn’t believe it was me. I was hot, successful, confident, and happy. I looked around and saw classmates that had gotten married out of high school, or had gotten stale and old before their time, too many kids, bad marriage, whatever , and it was sad. Same thing at my 20th reunion. I’m not trying to brag, but I have a point. You canNOT think that if you don’t have it going only an early age you are doomed. Even my mom said she had little hope I would become anything and was surprised by how I turned out. ESP since my sister ended up being a bitter adult for various reasons and gripes how she didn’t enjoy her childhood. I would never have guessed it. My husband says you don’t want to be ALL that in high school because where do you go from there? You can always be a comeback story. Always. No matter what age.
