This past Labor Day weekend, along with spending some quality family time, we celebrated my cousin, Presley’s thirteenth birthday. Thirteen really is a big year, because you’re officially a teenager, so along with that, came the first boy and girl party. At this party, I learned many things that made me feel too incredibly old, but overall the party was a success.

We really wanted to make her thirteenth party memorable, I mean honestly I don’t remember mine, it was probably held at the skating rink…regardless, times have changed and I guess that’s not the ideal setting for a party anymore. We made a scavenger hunt for all her friends attending, and I decided to use a hashtag for them to use when posting photos so we could go back and look through all of them and because, I mean I know that is still trendy. However, I learned that posting more than 5 photos to Instagram daily is “overkill” and borderline, “embarrassing” so that idea went out the window…fast. Ouch.

The party was going really smoothly and the boys and girls were still separating themselves from each other which I found awkward and yet amusing and innocent. It wasn’t until they were all eating and I decided to eavesdrop. I knew the girls were talking about boys, but the details were concerning. Hearing some of the details through the conversation made me realize how different times are today than when I was only 13. When I was 13, I remember being unbelievably shy and completely awkward and just starting to “like” boys. I want to think that these conversations stemmed from their naivety, but I’m not sure that was the case.

If I could go back in time, I wouldn’t, but here are a few things I tell Presley, because I do wish I would have realized some things sooner than I did. Becoming a teenager is such an impressionable time because there are so many new experiences and new sense of maturity. I learned this at her party too.

1. Answer that question in class
I was always so nervous in class that even if I knew I had the right answer, I would sink in my chair or avoid eye contact with my teacher at all costs to prevent being called on. I read a quote the other day too that is pretty true. “Beauty fades, but stupid is forever.” School is so important, way more important than sitting next to the cute boy in class you won’t even care about in 2 weeks.

2. Ditch the Labels
I have always felt different, but like most, I really wanted to fit in with everyone feel the sense of entitlement from being popular. Trust me, it doesn’t matter and won’t matter at any point. I didn’t stop wearing the “popular” brands until high school, but I wish I would have embraced my personal style earlier than I did.

3. Be kind, to everyone. This will ALWAYS matter.
My mother always told me that no one would remember what I did in school, but they would always remember how I made them feel. She is the best person I know, and I am so grateful I had her guidance growing up, and even still today. This still remains true, and I try my best to be as kind as possible to everyone, because you never know someone’s story, or what they battle each day. Honestly, what do you get from being nasty to anyone anyways? Nothing.

So no, I would not turn back time if I could, because I am quite happy with my life currently. I realize that times are different and teenagers seem to be maturing more quickly, but I hope this makes them want to slow things down and just embrace everything one day at a time.

Steal my look today: Charlotte Russe top: Charlotte Russe, PINK jean shorts: Victoria’s Secret