High school is wild — no matter how you try to package it. You’re growing up in real time, figuring out who you are while constantly being told who to be. 

There’s pressure to be smart but not “too nerdy,” pretty but not “doing too much,” confident but not “too loud,” chill but still ambitious, nice but not naive. 

And the worst part? Half the people giving advice don’t even remember what it felt like to be a teenage girl just trying to survive Monday.

So this isn’t the fake kind of advice. It’s not the “you’ll miss this one day” talk, and it’s not about being perfect. 

This is for the girls who are tired of pretending it’s easy. 

High School Advice for Girls That No One Talks About (But Should)

1. Have snacks, pads, deodorant & gum in your bag — always

This is needed because you don’t want to be caught off guard. It's not about being "high-maintenance" — it's survival. Also, you can give it to someone who might need it. 

2. Your grades don’t define you, but they do open doors

You’re more than your GPA, but don’t act like it doesn’t matter. Try, even when no one else is watching.

3. Stop trying to be chill if it means ignoring what hurts you

Being calm doesn’t mean silent. If something bothers you, speak up. You don’t get points for pretending nothing hurts.

4. Not everyone needs to know your business — protect your peace

Oversharing isn’t the same as being open. Keep some things for yourself. It’s not fake — it’s smart.

5. Being loud isn’t “too much” — just know when to pull back

Your voice matters. Don’t shrink. But know when to listen too — not everyone deserves your full energy.

6. If you're constantly exhausted, it’s not laziness — it’s burnout.

Sometimes you're not lazy — you're overwhelmed, under-supported, and running on empty. Please listen to your body. Rest isn’t a reward, it’s a requirement.

7. Don’t do things just to keep a friend or relationship

If you’re constantly bending just to keep someone around, they’re not really for you. Choose people who choose you back.

8. Liking someone is normal — losing yourself over them isn’t

It’s okay to have crushes. But don’t lose sleep, self-respect, or sanity for someone who barely texts back.

9. “Cool” now doesn’t mean “successful” later — choose wisely

Don’t waste your time trying to impress people who won’t matter in two years. Build your own version of cool.

10. Sit in front if it helps you focus, not just to impress

Don’t perform intelligence. Do what actually helps you understand. Impress yourself first.

11. Some teachers will change your life — don’t ignore them

One good teacher can open your mind. So, if someone believes in you, don’t take that for granted.

12. Study for you, not just for your parents

Your parents want the best, sure. But when it’s late and hard, remind yourself why you care too.

13. It’s okay to want A’s — it’s not “doing too much”

Don’t dim yourself for people who make fun of effort. Hustling doesn’t make you a try-hard — it makes you unstoppable.

14. Take breaks without guilt — rest is part of success

Burnout isn’t impressive. Know when to step back. Resting isn’t quitting.

15. Just because they’re popular doesn’t mean they’re happy

Sometimes, pretty Instagram stories lie. Don’t envy a life you don’t actually know. Focus on yours.

16. You don’t have to gossip just to fit in

Gossip feels like connection until it turns on you. Be kind, even if it makes you an outsider.

17. If a friendship feels hard every day, it’s not friendship

Real friends don’t drain you. You shouldn’t have to earn peace.

18. Dressing cute doesn’t mean you’re asking for attention

You don’t owe modesty to anyone. Dress for yourself. Respect starts with how they behave, not how you dress.

19. If they only text late at night, they don’t really like you

Be careful here, if they only text at night, then it may be that they don't prioritise. Everyone is busy. If someone likes you enough, they'll make time. 

20. Protect your energy like it’s your phone battery

Don’t give 100% to people who drain you. Charge yourself first.

21. Don’t compare your body to girls on your feed

Most of what's online is filtered or posed. You’re real, and real is beautiful. Stay in your lane.

22. Keep one outfit in your bag for days when you just can’t

Because bad days happen. It could simply be a cardigan or hoodie.

23. Avoid people who only like you when you're struggling

Some people feel better when you’re down. Notice that. Choose people who love your shine too.

24. It’s okay to want love and a future — you don’t have to choose

Romantic or ambitious — you can be both. You don’t have to pick a lane when you’re driving your own life.

25. Stop apologizing for being smart, emotional, ambitious, tired

You’re allowed to feel everything. You’re allowed to want everything. Don’t shrink just to be “easier” to be around.

26. Drama isn’t avoidable — but your reaction is your power

There will always be drama. Don’t let it own your mood or your decisions. Step back, stay grounded.

27. Being misunderstood sucks, but don’t shrink to fit

You won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. That’s okay. Be your own.

28. Speak up when it matters, even if your voice shakes

Fear doesn’t mean silence. Use your voice, especially when it’s hardest.

29. Learn how to study your way — not just how others do it

Not everyone learns the same. Figure out what actually helps you remember and focus — and own it.

30. Protect your future more than you protect your image

Looks fade. Reputations shift. What you build lasts longer than what people think.

31. You don’t have to fix everyone — especially not your crush

You’re not a rehab center. Loving someone doesn’t mean saving them. Let them grow on their own.

32. Crushes will come and go — keep your goals steady

You can like someone without losing yourself. Keep your priorities close.

33. Take pictures, but don’t forget to live in the moment too

Photos are great, but the memory in your body is better. Don’t miss the moment trying to capture it.

34. You’re allowed to outgrow anyone — even your best friend

Growth means change. Sometimes that means walking away. It hurts, but it’s real.

35. Don’t do “nice girl” things that hurt you later

You can be kind and still have boundaries. Saying “no” doesn’t make you mean.

36. Not everyone will like you — stay kind anyway

Don’t twist yourself for approval. Be you, fully. Let kindness be your choice, not a reaction.

37. Being “low maintenance” shouldn’t mean neglecting yourself.

Don’t shrink just to seem chill. Moisturize your skin, do your hair how you like, wear what feels good. Taking care of yourself doesn’t make you high maintenance — it makes you present.

38. It’s okay if your friend group falls apart.

People change fast in high school. If someone grows in a direction that hurts you, you’re allowed to step back. Loyalty doesn’t mean staying in a friendship that no longer feels safe or kind.

39. You don’t have to be the strong one all the time.

If you’re the one who always gives advice or keeps everyone else grounded, it’s easy to forget that you’re also human. You deserve softness too. Let people be there for you.

40. Don’t waste your energy trying to “clear your name.”

If people are determined to misunderstand you, let them. Proving your innocence in every rumor will leave you drained. Protect your peace — the truth will outlive the gossip.

41. Your body is not a problem to be fixed.

Whether you’re tall, short, curvy, skinny, flat, or somewhere in between, none of it makes you less valuable. Stop waiting to like yourself “once you change.” You deserve to take up space now.

42. Romantic validation won’t fix insecurity.

It feels amazing to be liked, but no relationship — no matter how sweet — can replace doing the internal work. You’ll still feel empty if you don’t start liking who you are outside of who likes you.

43. Being loud, bold, or different doesn’t make you annoying.

People love to shame girls for having personalities. If you’re expressive, don’t let the world dim you. There’s nothing embarrassing about being passionate, excited, or opinionated.

44. Stop romanticizing the “perfect high school experience.”

You’re not doing it wrong if you don’t go to prom, don’t have a crush, or don’t feel like you’re living in a movie. Real life is messier — and that’s okay.

45. It’s okay to say no without explaining yourself.

No to plans, no to favors, no to people. “No” is a full sentence, even in high school. Protecting your peace shouldn’t require a backstory.

46. Your worth isn’t tied to your grades, but they still matter.

Don’t let school stress define your self-esteem — but don’t throw it all away either. You don’t need perfect grades, but try your best. It’s about giving future you more options.

47. You don’t have to pick between “girly” and “smart.”

You can care about your outfit and your essay. You can be soft, stylish, feminine and academically strong. You don’t have to water yourself down to be taken seriously.

48. Some teachers will treat you unfairly. Don’t let it break your spirit.

It sucks, but it happens. Document everything, advocate for yourself, and find allies — whether it’s a counselor or a trusted teacher. You’re not overreacting if something feels off.

49. Friendship breakups hurt more than romantic ones sometimes.

No one prepares you for it — but losing a close friend can shatter you. Mourn it like you would any breakup. Don’t pretend it didn’t matter just because it wasn’t romantic.

50. You won’t remember half the drama in a few years — but you will remember how you treated yourself.

Don’t let temporary chaos make you forget your long-term peace. Build a version of you that you’ll still be proud of, even after high school ends.