Dear 20-year old Jen,

(Maggie did this today and I thought it was interesting and started to write a few ideas. Turns out I have a lot to say to my 20-year-old self.)

Hi.

First, that guy you’re dating? You’re not going to marry him. In spite of the fact that you’ll get engaged to him in about a year. I know it’s nice to have something to fall back on while you’re away at college but once you get back to Houston, you won’t be able to date any stoner snowboarding guys so you might as well get it out of your system. (Plus, maybe then you wouldn’t have to wait until you’re watching Gossip Girl in your 30s to figure out what a sock on the doorknob means.)

Stay in college longer. Do the student exchange program and spend a semester in Spain or Nepal or whatever they’re offering. WHO CARES what your boyfriend says because you’re going to leave his ass anyway.

In 2 years, you’ll get your first credit card. Buy the occasional thing and pay off your balance at the end of the month. Every time. NEVER carry a balance.

BTW, waiting until your 20s to have sex is good because at least you’ve educated yourself about it somewhat. Because your insistence on using condoms and getting tested and being intimate with guys who have also been tested will keep you disease-free. (Also, those times that you have sex and bleed like crazy? IT IS THE PILL. CHANGE YOUR PILL!)

When you’re in Europe, don’t take off your money belt even though you’re in a private sleeping car on the train.

Also? You look like a damn model. Enjoy that concave stomach and stop being self-conscious about your body. And you don’t have to worry about bras that don’t fit because you don’t need one. It’s hot, go with it.

Your first boss will be a complete jackass and for years you’ll hate being called into your boss’ office, or even getting an e-mail for fear that you’ll end up crying. Don’t let it get to you. Plus, you’ll make very good friends at that job.

Don’t resent your parents. They’re cool. You CAN stop being Catholic. Your parents, grandparents and family will still love and accept you.

Don’t give that hyperrealism oil painting of a Harley that took you all semester to paint to your boyfriend. Keep it.

Good move buying that Honda Civic when you’re 22.

When you move into the carriage house in the Heights, pay close attention to where you put the box of photos from your childhood (including your entire solo summer trip to Mexico at 16) so it doesn’t get lost.

In 5 or 6 years, when you tube down the Guadalupe, you should know that the waterproof camera case you just bought for your new digital camera does not float. I REPEAT, DOES NOT FLOAT.

Go ahead and vote for Nader, Gore was never going to take Texas.

Good luck!
The Future You