Page 2 - The Lotus Jan-Feb 2021

Dear Teenagers…

COVER STORY Sincerely, a teenager

By Vini Desai

Being a teenager isn't embarrassed, often physical as well as
easy. Whether it's the nurturing the emotional.
awkward transition misconception that People are all a little
from childhood to there is something different from one
puberty, or the moment wrong with the feelings another, so it makes
when you finally have that they have. Some sense that they don't
to leave home to find teenagers are of the develop in the exact
your way in the real opinion that articulating same way. No two
world- adolescence is their feelings is a sign people are at precisely
indeed a messy, of weakness. However, the same stage as they
emotionally-fraught the truth absolutely go through adolescence,
business. contradicts this belief.
and everyone changes
While teenage certainly People having the at his or her own pace.
is one unnerving storm, courage to share their The lingering fear of
it moulds one's feelings with their peers being judged by
character- a roller- are likely to have everyone around
coaster ride that healthier, happier, and usually becomes every
probably influences an longer lasting teenager's nightmare.
individual's life the relationships. As a There are chances that
most. From tackling seventeen-year-old, puberty hits your
rather overwhelming someone who is at the appearance harder than
hormonal changes, threshold of adulthood, your best friend. Maybe

physical barriers and I've had my share of a friend's voice has
emotional stress to ups and downs too, and changed, and you feel
coping with societal I have three words for you still sound like a
norms, self-doubt and every adolescent out kid with a high,
endless expectations, a there, squeaky voice. Maybe
teenager handles it all. you're sick of being the
share, share, and
However, in doing so share. No matter how tallest girl in your class
most teens, insignificant or naive or the only boy who has
to shave.
unfortunately, tend to your feelings appear to
forget the importance of be, always remember, However, eventually
listening to their inner your feelings are what everyone catches up,
self, and ignore their control most of your and the differences
needs and feelings. actions and it is between you and your
Adolescents often have absolutely necessary for friends will even out.
feelings of an intense you to empathise with It's important to keep in
nature that are usually yourself and be aware mind that there is no
difficult to handle. of your needs, both right or wrong way to
Individuals may feel look and that looks are

Photograph: Meera Patel