1. Learn to say no. If a request makes you uncomfortable, you can always say no. Even if it's to family or friends. It's healthy to set boundaries — and learn to respect other people's, too.
2. Don't let your emotions dictate your choices.
3. If your parents are good people, you should try talking to them about your problems. Don't let embarassment get in the way.
4. It's OK to take some time to take care of your mental health, nobody will hate you for it.
5. Your parents are flawed people, too. They are trying their best, but will still make mistakes.
6. A lot of people try to glamorize high school and make you think your high school years are the best years of your life. For a lot of people, this just isn't true. It's OK not to like high school or to feel like you don't belong. You are not alone. It gets better.
7. Build good health habits now. If you're not already active, find a simple active hobby you can do. The healthier you are as a teen, the easier it is to stay healthy as an adult.
8. There are lots of paths to a successful happy life, not just the one that involves straight A's and Ivy League or other top colleges.
9. There's nothing wrong with not liking to talk to people, as long as you're friendly. Don't force yourself to be talkative just because others want you to be.
10. You can do the stupid stuff you WANT to do, IF you do the things you HAVE to do first. Wanna smoke joints under the bleachers? Cool, do your homework first.
