What would you tell a teen. . .?

Question

What would you tell a teen, or anyone, to encourage them to be themselves & not to be like everyone else?

Answer 1

Well, I'd say something like when someone looks at a group of people and they all look and act the same, then they just get over-looked as individuals. If everyone thinks that you are just like all of them, then they won't be able to see all the talents and uniqueness about you. You're a really special person and if you want everyone to see you as you are, then just be yourself! Good luck :)

Answer 2

you were born an original so don't let yourself die a copy  

Answer 3

what purple girl said.

Answer 4

That you were made an individual for a reason. Why waste that by trying to be like somebody else? You'll be much happier if you be yourself and go after the things you want to in life than if you spend your life trying to be something youre not. No true happiness can be achieved by trying to be like somebody else and not yourself. You'll find that its way better to be an individual than to be a copy of sombody else. After all, which admirable person in history and even now accomplished what they did by trying to be like others?

Answer 5

You're a human being, not a robot programmed to be like everyone else.

Answer 6

"Be unique, be your own self, do not follow the crowd."

"Except when answering a question on Yahoo! Answers.  Then you'd better answer the exact same way as everyone else, or you'll get thumbs down and your account will be suspended."

Answer 7

It's probably lame, but I know it's a Taylor Swift quote..

"If you're lucky enough to be different, why would you want to be like everyone else?"

something like that. :)

Answer 8

remember, "you can have s*x with out having baby's. The only way to get out, and get what you want is with a good education".

Answer 9

That would be rather difficult to come up with a couple of sentences that would inspire a teen to go against the crowd.  It's usually something they learn on their own.  It would almost be like trying to tell a robin that he doesn't need to chirp like the others to find a mate.  You wouldn't have much luck.

I do believe that you can experience some success in encouraging them to pursue a hobby or job that they are good at.  If they feel the thrill of success in their efforts it often results in the confidence the need to feel like an individual, and a leader, not a follower.

Just my thoughts.

Answer 10

My friend used to (and sometimes still does) impress people to make friends. It would drive me crazy because she'd lie and say she had a car, and she'd describe her mother's car.

She's shop where these certain girls shopped, and would blow her two best friends off for these people, who've only invited her to go somewhere once.

I finally just told her:

"YOU'RE NOT THEM. YOU CAN'T BE. YOU WON'T BE. GET OVER IT. IF THEY WERE YOUR TRUE FRIENDS THEY'D ACCEPT YOU FOR WHO YOU ARE, AND THEY DON'T BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO IMPRESS THEM. THEY DON'T NEED A MINI (of themselves) WALKING AROUND SCHOOL. YOU NEED TO GROW UP!"

so something along those lines.

Answer 11

You can tell them anything you want, and most of the above are good examples, but what it really comes down to is how strong the teen his or herself is. All the preppy girls with side bangs and all the emo kids are just the ones too weak to establish their own identities. The nerds, the true outcasts (not the self-made ones), they're the ones who are the strong ones.

Answer 12

be better than them.. have more respect for yourself.. youll need it for your future.. think about what you do for the longrun... decisions u make now, effect you forever.

Answer 13

Be leader not a follower and try not be like anyone be yourself because your not going to get nowhere in life. Be unique and stand out in a crowd than blend with them.

Answer 14

uhmmm...... just say anyone can be like all the others. but no one can be you.