How to Just Be a Normal Teenager

The internet is flooded with advice on how to be “extraordinary,” how to become an influencer, or how to start a business at 15. The pressure on modern teenagers is immense. However, there is incredible beauty and peace in just being a completely “normal” functioning teenager.

1. Lowering the Cinematic Expectations

Teen movies portray adolescence as a non-stop rollercoaster of epic parties, deep romances, and massive betrayals. Normal teenage life is actually mostly going to school, eating cereal, watching YouTube, and doing mild amounts of homework. Accept that “boring” is actually safe and healthy.

2. The Core Tenets of Normalcy

• Go to school and try to maintain C or B averages. You do not have to be valedictorian.
• Have 2 or 3 good friends. You do not need a massive entourage.
• Find a hobby you actually like (video games, drawing, reading) that no one pays you for.
• Respect your parents and do your basic chores.

If you can do those four things, you are successfully navigating being a normal teenager, and that is more than enough.