by Kathy D

Created on: August 15, 2007

As a teen, it can seem enjoyable to be wild and free. You may draw a lot of attention, but this attention, more than likely, is the wrong kind of attention. Sure, you're going to be popular if your behavior is similar to the "Girls Gone Wild" videos. The question is...wouldn't you rather gain positive attention from positive actions, actions that will take you further in life, not possibly destroy you?

Don't be fooled by thinking that drinking, partying and ripping your clothes off will make you that hot boy's new girlfriend. You may be popular for a night and even for a lifetime, but not in a good way. You may get labeled as "wild" and feel that is a good thing, but many think of "wild" as being easy. You have more worth than giving yourself that reputation.

Wild partying has a price. Alcohol, drugs and sex are often involved. There are consequences to each. Alcohol can lead to making bad decisions, such as getting behind the wheel of a car and possibly killing yourself or someone else. Drugs can become addictive. The use of drugs and/or alcohol combined with sex can blank out common sense to use birth control. How sad it would be to have a baby born from sex, drugs and alcohol. You may be putting yourself at risk, not only for an unplanned pregnancy, but the decision of whether to have an abortion, the emotional effects of an abortion, not to mention...who would raise the baby should you decide to keep it? You may contract one or more of the numerous STD's and a lifetime of regret.

There's a difference in having fun as a teen and developing dangerous lifestyle patterns. Positive fun develops you as a positive and productive person. A dangerous lifestyle develops a possible lasting path to destruction.

If you are a wild teen, ask yourself "why". Maybe you feel the need to escape. If so, talk to someone and figure out what you are trying to escape. Maybe you crave attention. If so, ask yourself why you crave attention in this way...in what area are you missing the right kind of attention, so much, that you do anything to get even negative attention.

A dangerous and wild lifestyle will not build you up. It will knock you to the ground at some point. If you are living a wild and dangerous lifestyle give great thought to changing. You will feel immensely better about yourself in the end. Don't destroy your life when it's just barely started!

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