Dear Teenage Sister—Social Media Doesn’t Show How Much You Are Loved

More Stories like:

“Dear teenage sister,

I tried commenting on this picture you posted, but noticed you deleted it 2 minutes later.

Maybe because it didn’t have enough likes? I hear that’s a thing these days.

But can I tell you something? I liked it.

Actually, I loved it.

I see you here, and it makes me smile. Because you’re happy.

Well, at least you look happy.

It’s not a Snapchat ‘selfie’ with cat ears or sparkly filtered perfection.

It’s you. The real you.

The one who doesn’t need a filter at all.

I see your spunk, your silliness, your great sense of humor.

The outfit you chose and wore solely because you liked it.

And the coat you decided you didn’t need, because I know you don’t think coats are cool.

When I see this photo, I hear your laugh — the sound of it not quite a woman’s, and yet not quite a child’s.

Just somewhere in between.

The one that makes me painfully miss that sweet little girl you were, squealing around the playground with what felt like yesterday.

I write this with a lump in my throat, tears in my eyes.

Because I get this feeling you don’t know how amazing you are.

I feel sick at the thought kids your age might not truly understand how loved you all are.

Not just ‘liked’ on Instagram, but insurmountably loved.

Here. In real life. Just as you are.

I promise no app, no social media platform, or amount of internet followers will ever scratch the surface of your worth to your family and your true friends.

You are worthy. You’re more than enough.

And I’ll always be here for this reminder whenever you need it.”

teenage girl jumping outside in snow
Courtesy of Brittany Bacinski

This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Brittany Bacinski of Detroit. You can follow her journey on Instagram and Facebook. Be sure to subscribe to our free email newsletter for our best stories.

Read more stories like this:

‘A meek, ‘it’s me’ came from the kitchen. It wasn’t my kid. A teenager appeared at my bedroom door.’: Mom has ‘open door policy’ for daughter’s friends after husband’s death, says they’re ‘family’

‘I never thought I would have to say, ‘Now, kids, don’t go jumping in the attic because, well you know, you might fall through the ceiling one day.’: Mom hilariously recalls the joys of parenting teenagers

Do you know someone who could benefit from reading this? SHARE this story on Facebook with family and friends.

 Share  Tweet