40 Things I Wish I Could Tell My Mother At 18
By Effie Rand
1. Listen to me.
2. Let me breathe.
3. I’ve got everything under control.
4. I know you’ve got your own problems, but help me with mine.
5. I don’t want to go to college.
6. I know what I’m doing.
7. I have no idea what I’m doing.
8. Do you think I’m smart?
9. Do you think I’ll be like you?
10. Am I already like you?
11. I don’t want to be like you.
12. Do you love Dad?
13. Why are you always so angry?
14. Do I really make you that upset?
15. You don’t know what you’re talking about.
16. You’ve never been in my position.
17. It isn’t the same for me today as it was for you when you were eighteen.
18. Stop comparing me to my sisters.
19. Stop comparing me to you.
20. I want you to be supportive.
21. I haven’t called because when I do, you get angry with me.
22. I’m sorry I haven’t called in a while.
23. I don’t care what you think.
24. I’m scared of what you think.
25. I just need your support.
26. Don’t tell me what I’m doing wrong, tell me what I’m doing right.
27. Tell me everything will be okay, even if it isn’t.
28. I don’t like it when you tell me secrets about my sisters.
29. Do you tell my sisters my secrets?
30. I wish you were happier.
31. I want to come home.
32. I’ve made an awful mistake.
33. Is it okay if I don’t want kids?
34. Do you ever wish I turned out differently?
35. I’m sorry you still have to take care of my brother’s and sister’s mistakes.
36. I wish you would take care of mine.
37. I’m sorry I made so many mistakes.
38. I will make so many more.
39. I’m terrified.
40. Listen to me.