I've been following you for a bit and I just have to tell you that you are everything I want to be when I'm 23 and not 19 and pretending I've got it all figured out. And if I can eventually have the kind of self-assurance that you do, the self-love and understanding, I'll know I'm doing it right. So thank you, for being honest and real, and for the posts that make me push harder for my own sake (and you're a fantastic writer so there's that). /fangirling-lameness
omg omg omg 19 was The Best/Worst Year and have you heard that song by the Long Blondes, "you only have to do it once, and never again?" Anyhow, thank you insanely, I consider self-assurance/self-love to be my weakest points so I need your validation. Being friends with Caroline (nogreatillusion) has helped me a lot in that regard, because she has this deep reserve of calm and self-respect and a strong moral compass that I have tried in many ways to emulate, and I think she's taught me a lot about examining your feelings, and about the things you're allowed to expect from the world and the consideration you're entitled to. I'm saying this here, for me and you and anyone else who needs it: You are entitled to have feelings and thoughts and theories and loves, and you are entitled to have people around you who wonder and care and inquire about your thoughts and theories. You are entitled to expect that people will care about you as much as you care about them. Remember that, because it’s taken me 23 years, and a concentrated two with Caroline, to pick up.
(she's also the one who Spotify-ed me 'Once and Never Again', probably not coincidentally)
The Long Blondes have better advice than me: "19, you're only 19 for God's Sake, oh you don't need a boyfriend." etc etc. Kiss a lot of boys! Love the hell out of the world and yourself! Cry a bunch! Write it all down! Don't let anyone make you feel that your thoughts and feelings aren't valuable! Fuck up now while it doesn't really matter and nobody can hold it against you except for life-threatening things like drugs and shit because those are boring and lame at any age. Start knowing right now that you're a babe, and that it has very little to do with how you look. Find amazing gorgeous smart hilarious wise talented kind sweet friends who make you smile at the very thought of them. Come hang out with me, I'm a terrible influence!