I was seventeen in these photos, taken by Tien Bui. Seventeen is different from eighteen, and nineteen and even sixteen and a half. I knew people who deserve to be around, to forget, to ignore and to love. Nineteen, I realised what I have been doing then decided to stop or to continue, or, just started a new track. I didn't have to look gracious in what mum bought, I knew how to make myself look gracious in my own way. Seventeen, I was still a nerd finding 'x' in a math class, looking terrifying in glasses and writing shitty poems on rainy days in high school. Eighteen, all of a sudden, more people called me pretty, something I had only heard from my mum, my sister or besties. Did my eyes get deeper, my mouth get wider and my teeth suddenly get brighter, than when I was seventeen? All of a sudden, people listened to me, paid attention to what I said and asked me for my opinions. Mum would go home and tell me about her friends, her day at work or anything she just gossiped, which she used to only tell my sister and dad. Dad would talk to me about politics that he hardly knows that I don't agree with most of his opinions. Did my words become either sweeter or sassier? I am still wondering why people wouldn't do this to me earlier. Like, is it really true that our minds work maturely or our believes become valuable once we hit our eighteenth birthday? Nineteen, I had to listen to what it is like to be in the adulthood - scary as fuck.
I still enjoy doing weird shit when I'm home although I look like a 5 year old kid trying to tease a monkey at the zoo. I guess I haven't changed much. Nonetheless, I started caring about social movements and human rights. I pay attention to how I look in public. Am I old enough to tolerate socialisation alone? (thanks mum and other adults for helping me out previously!). Socialising is still a nightmare but I guess I have to do it sometimes. I'm still unsure if people like me or not. Or if they are genuinely nice to me. So I think I'm old enough to take a deep look about things that I'm interested, for example, fast fashion. So I have done a project called Fast Fashion & Identities as an exploration of Asian popular culture. If you're interested enough feel free to read it :).

xo
Tam
Ah, the young adult angst. I agree that growing up is absolutely terrifying - so remember to have fun in the process, and worry less! : ).
ReplyDeleteAlso, I think people ask for and pay attention to your opinions because you are a very smart individual. You are fascinating to listen to, and be around. The fact that you're pretty also helps, of course. But it's a lot about your brain.
-QT (who probably works this time)
I love your opinions ;)
DeleteSuch a cute post! It's always hard to see how quickly we're growing up and that we're just around the corner to be an adult. 20 is so young and you don't need to take life seriously too early, there is a time for everything :)
ReplyDeletehttp://violettedaily.com
I can really feel you. Sometimes I also want to be a 5 years old kid, and maybe my life would be easier. :D
ReplyDeletewww.alittledropofstyle.blogspot.com
I can totally understand you. For me it's and has been so hard to socialise and I always felt alone. I really envied the kids and group of friends.
ReplyDeleteMireia
www.thelittlesecretsblog.com
What a lot of common thoughts. Well, my one and only escape from the reality may be funny, but for me, it´s the actually way how to survive. Anime and manga help me a lot together with drawing. It´s something like my own imaginary world where I can go anytime I feel sad, disgusted, broken or anything. Outside, I may look like an extrovert to my surroundings but the fact is that I´m something like an extroverted introvert, haha. ❀
ReplyDelete❀ Blog de la Licorne ❀
Enjoy your 20s :)
ReplyDeleteLaura
Pink Frenzy
Being an adult isn't as difficult as it seems :) I'm 23 and I can feel how different I am from age to age. Life is a lovely thing, and I make a point to enjoy every second. Yes, there are more responsibilities, but there is also a lot of benefits like starting a career, getting married, and having your own place. Looking forward to reading more of your posts! Moving to Asia soon! xx courtneylivin.com
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos! Don't dwell too much about wanting to garner other people's validation - as long as you are doing right by other people you are going in the right direction~
ReplyDeleteVivian | LIVE . IN . LOVE
IG | @VIVIYUNN_
~
Wow, you are so young and still have so much ahead of you. I love your thoughtful and reflective post. I am in my 30's and I will have to say that these are the best years. You are established in life, but still have many opportunities ahead, financially stable, married perhaps or have a great partner, and you are confident and sure of your choices and really have grown into who you want to become. The best is yet to come, yet enjoy these years to the fullest as well! xoxo, Christine
ReplyDeletehttp://dailykongfidence.com/
Such an insightful young woman. This was written with great depth and reflection which will serve you well as you enter your twenties. There is sooo much ahead of you in terms of career, relationships and new discoveries about yourself and the world around you! I genuinely enjoyed this post xx
ReplyDeletehttp://sydney-styleblogger.blogspot.com.au/2017/05/unique-luxe-gifts-for-kids.html
Just be yourself and do what you love to do. Life at 20 is so much more exciting! There's so much more to look forward to :)
ReplyDeletexoxo,
SHAIRA
www.missdream-girl.blogspot.com
I love your Post :)
ReplyDeletexoxo
I can certainly relate to having felt the way you do now, once upon a time, lol. I'm now in my late 20s, but I did notice a shift in my mindset, interests, and even personal style when I was closer to 20. I felt more connected with reality and the things that effect every day life, my life. So, I began to educate myself more in politics and other topics that were considered boring to me and my peers before. It's amazing how we change as we get older, isn't it?! Thanks for sharing, girlie, and I hope you have a great week ahead!
ReplyDeleteXO,
Jalisa
www.thestylecontour.com
nice post
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Mrs. Aa
www.bymrsaa.com
You are so cute.
ReplyDeletex
Charlotte
http://charlottesjusdal.com
Great post dear!
ReplyDeletehttp://iameleine.blogspot.com/
http://www.instagram.com/iameleineblog/
I'm following you now to get updates from your blog, hope you would like to follow back. Thanks much.
ReplyDeleteYour 20s are such a coming of age time. Enjoy the years and take lots of risks. You will thank yourself!
ReplyDeleteX
Samantha
www.thenewyorkblonde.com
This post was the definition of extraordinary!! I loved reading and you're an amazing writer babe! Unfortunately I have no tips for turning 20, as I'm still only 19! But I believe despite the expectation to no longer act like a child, our 20s are seen as the age(s) where we have to be mature. However there is no guide book that can tell you right from wrong, and what you're supposed to have at a certain point in life! So my advice is to be yourself, enjoy your time and keep 'teasing the monkeys at the zoo'! Great post babe and thanks for sharing x
ReplyDeleteMillie x
http://queenmillie.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/interior-no3.html
Thanks for sharing your thoughts =) I tell myself that each year just gets better. You know more about yourself, people, loved ones and the world.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.nobasisinreality.com/spring-florals-low-key-accessories/
You were beautiful at 17!
ReplyDeletexo
Siffat
http://icingandglitter.com
Very great post Liz!
ReplyDeleteAnd it's really well written!!!
Jey xxx
aboutjey.com
very beautifully written! I wish I was as insightful as you when I was your age!
ReplyDeletewww.prettyinleather.net
So cute!
ReplyDeletehttp://iameleine.blogspot.com/
http://www.instagram.com/iameleineblog/
Your pictures are amazing!!!
ReplyDeletewww.lacaleya.com
What an interesting read. Things change so much in a year :)
ReplyDeleteLA VEINE