It’s fun to be a teenager. You experience romantic relationships and get to know different types of people. But sometimes the decisions we make at that age are not good for us at all, even though we thought we knew what was best for us.
Maybe you should not have rushed into a relationship with the boy who liked you. Or maybe you should have loved yourself more and you wouldn’t be heartbroken.
Regardless of the mistakes that we made, it is always a good thing to learn from them.
The Weekender asked readers what advice they would give their 18-year-old selves if given the chance.
“Never invest your everything in a relationship and always live an expectant life (expect things to go right and wrong),” Bonifasia Siteketa said. Indeed, relationships can be riddled with disappointments and when you wholeheartedly put your all in it, the pain can be unbearable.
“Know and love yourself. Do not fake yourself. Rather be who you are than pretend to be someone you are not just for the boys to love you,” Selma Handome commented.
“Let the boys love you for the real you, and remember you are responsible for your own happiness/life. Do not look for someone to complete you. #AvoidBlessers.”
Ester Namoongo’s advice was pretty much to the point. “Sweetheart, love and respect yourself.”
Rejoice Mboshono had something similar to say as well. “Love and respect yourself first. Know who you are and do not let your partner take advantage of you. Don’t lie. Tell the truth always. Don’t ask for money or luxury items and don’t hesitate to tell him/her that you are not happy with what he/she is doing in your relationship.” No doubt about it, the lessons have been learnt.
“Love yourself fiercely so that you partner will know how you need to be loved,” Asteria Frans said. “Do not accept to be half loved for you are whole.” Sweet words indeed.
Exodus Tobias was pretty frank with his answer. “Value her.” After all, what is a relationship without respect?
“Be yourself and you will find someone who loves the real you,” Thomas Kasita said.
But Mourice Naruseb had something different in mind. “Don’t do it, Mourice. It’s a trap!”
Panduleni Namutenya’s advice was also pretty simple. “Be genuine and straightforward.” We like.
“You have to determine what kind of relationship you want,” Kawoyi Hertz said.
“Be yourself and don’t let them change you into who you aren’t.” Deep, isn’t it?
Although relationships are full of joy, they also have a nasty side and Mike Sangombe knew this well. “Don’t fall too hard for someone and be strong enough to move on if it doesn’t work out. Not everyone who say they love you mean it. Actions speak louder than words!”
Reginald Ndokotola also had something to add to the conversation. “Take time to get to know yourself. You have a lot to learn and right now, you don’t know it all.”
Kalvin Muharukua would have told himself to be strong. “Be responsible for any circumstances that you face and never back down!”
Christa Hange’s advice to herself was short and sweet. “Do your thing, but do it responsibly.”
Frieda Kondjila told herself not to take things so seriously. “Take a chill pill, relax and then all will be well.” Indeed, there’s always something new and interesting to learn in a relationship.
