#DearMe

If I could now speak with who I was as Martina in high school, what would I tell her? Here's my #DearMe story. I'd love to hear yours!
Subscribe for more Videos!
☞ www.youtube.com...
Read more about it on our blog:
☞ www.eatyourkimc...
Download our new app!
☞ itunes.apple.co...
Check it out on Facebook:
☞ / eykpage
Chat with us on Twitter
☞ / eatyourkimchi

[@RachelandJun]

Were we the same teenager?

[@Wulfslove]

I think many of us were, just separated by distance and time. I'm nearly thirty-five, but I was obsessed with Sailor Moon in high school, and no one else around me had any interest. I also love/d kimchi, which did not gain me any friends at the lunch table.

[@xchemicalXladybugx]

Stealing my comment I see XD

[@eatyourkimchi]

SoManyModsSoLittleTime I also think we might have gone to high school with people that had similar interests (like Sailor Moon) but we just had no way of finding that out due to never crossing paths. But the internet has brought us all together! ^^

[@IzzieHayashi]

I can relate to both of you guys Rachel and Martina XD. I'm on my way to japan and maybe korea someday Just wanted to say thank you for all the education and laughs. Your a inspiration to keep chasing my goals.

[@BrendaKatz]

Rachel, you should do a #DearMe. It would be awesome!

[@eatyourkimchi]

If I could now speak with who I was as Martina in high school, what would I tell her? Here's my #DearMe story. I'd love to hear yours!

[@ScreamPhynex]

That the things that happened between 12 and 15 was never your fault and that you may lose a lot of friends after high school but out of the friends you lost you still have one amazing friend. And don't try and be cool by talking about kissing a guy with a piercing. Everyone saw through that. Oh and don't worry about the bullies that poked you with pins in hopes you'd deflate. They're stuck in life with their kids while you are free to do whatever you want.

[@soratsukino8781]

That'd you get married with an awesome man named Simon and you'd be called Ducky :3 Also you'd be under the control of the sexy music of Kpop \(//∇//)\

[@monstergurame]

I write this kind of letter to my 16 year-old self every year.

[@annikanin]

I'm only 11 so I can't really do a dear me

[@arikam2869]

Dear 16 year old me, I know that you're in pain right now and it's getting harder and harder to find a reason to keep going, but it really does get better! :) You will find comfort in people just like you who suffers from anxiety and depression and all of you will eventually heal together. And a few more years down the line, you will regain your confidence and you will be a great role model to teens that are feeling the same way you are right now. Also, get ready to be introduced into the beautiful world filled with endless K Pop and K Dramas! So now at 20 going on 21, you're enjoying life day by day and doing whatever makes you happy. :D

[@thefriendlysenpai]

"This is about real life advice." SIMON YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND BUFFY IS SERIOUS BUSINESS.

[@eatyourkimchi]

I KNOW! I CRIED AND CRIED WHEN SHE DIED! It was a really traumatic day.

[@gorfette]

OMG she dies? Ruined. Just kidding, Martina. 😊

[@TheChaoticLoser]

TRUTH

[@girlpink0124]

I have officially found my people! *_____* Buffy left a hole in my heart that, no matter what Joss Whedon does, just can't be filled up again.

[@aiedalel3250]

Doom Babe Yasss

[@CheerUp2]

MARTINA STOP! YOU ARE ACTUALLY TOO ADORABLE! IM GONNA DIE YOU LOOK SO CUTE IN THIS VIDEO ; W ;

[@eatyourkimchi]

*sticks out tongue*

[@CheerUp2]

Eat Your Kimchi Oh my god you responded ; u ;

[@EliStewartBananaDog]

That whole "don't be afraid to seek help". You touched my feels in a good way. Go Martina! (And Simon).

[@dlazn]

"you hanging on people just becuase ou've known each other for so long" describes it all. i know a lot of these people. but somehow memories and experiences make really strong bonds.

[@Slendergirl89]

I needed to hear this. I beat myself up daily for falling out with my old best friend from school, we were best friends since we were little kids until the end of secondary school (or high school). I know it was a stupid thing to fall out over, to end so many years of friendship, and we spoke again like years later and everything is civil but... we're not friends anymore. She has her own friends, is not interested in being my friend as we were again which is fine but... I can't help but think 'what if' things were different, what if she was my best friend still. I've never found anyone to fill that void she's left, this is 8 years ago. It still hurts :(

[@zainabd380]

I know exactly how you feel. I had a best friend since we were little for 8 years and we ended our friendship because our parent fought (won't say why). She moved somewhere far and I never saw her again. Eventually I've moved on and made new friends in high school, but they didn't understand me as much as my best friend did. Years later I found her on Facebook with her new life and friends. I messaged her a few times but she seems to have no interest in being friends with me and i am no longer important to her, which makes me really sad..

[@cathazmilisawesome]

zainab D Woiye which is the Swahili (African language) of aigoo

[@notevines]

I know how you feel. My best friend and I had a major falling out after her second child was born (a few years after graduation). To be honest I think it was a misunderstanding on both our parts (accusing each other of things that weren't true), but the damage was done. I actually emailed her a few months back, I wasn't expecting a reply, I don't even know if she still uses that email, but I actually felt better afterwards. For me, I reached out, now that I know she really doesn't want to be friends I can put that to rest, its one thing being angry at her over an argument that happened 6 years ago, its quite another thing that I an say I tried.

[@Slendergirl89]

Dani A zainab D I'm sorry for you guys, but it is oddly comforting to know that you're not alone. It's hard when you've been friends with someone for so long, so comfortable with them, and shared so many memories with them only to have it gone like it never happened. When you're friends with someone from since you were a kid and grown up with them it's hard to get that same bond with someone else starting when you're in your twenties/later. It sucks. It hurts less each year, I've accepted that she's moved on, we 'get on' we're facebook friends, but I have to accept that we'll never have what we had before... It's strange how so much time can pass and it's still painful.

[@kepophd3821]

This is why we love about you, Martina. Being awesome and honest at the same time. Not all people can do that. #respect #motivated

[@KairuLeana]

Forget about my past self, you just spoke to my present self. Despite being 24 and done with college, I still have a real issue with 'fitting in' in some sort of group. Or even finding peeps with the same interests. I still haven't found anyone who seems to really connect with me (other than my husband, whom is my best-est friend evvaaar). Or, well, I find people but then we never really get to chat or hang out. Anyway, this really inspired me to really go out there and get to know more people! There's bound to be others like me! Thanks for lifting my spirit, Martina!

[@KairuLeana]

I think I might have had a crisis if it weren't for my husband. He's very supportive and wants me to accomplish my dreams. I do feel I haven't accomplished as much as I wanted by this time; however, that hasn't stopped me from trying to accomplish them now. It's just a little harder to go out and do it. Being positive and talking it out with him really kept me from being too down in the dumps. I still get depressed, but it's nothing we can't handle together.

[@samanthawoo4813]

What do you mean real advice is in the blog post? This is real good advice!

[@eatyourkimchi]

Yaaaaaaay!!! And I hope it can help all age groups and genders.

[@e_paige]

I related to this alot, as opposed to the other #dearme's in which I didn't at all. I get you, Martina. I get you. I'm 21 and I had similar situations to you at High School and at the moment I'm dealing with the whole old friends changing and broadening my social circles and whatnot.

[@e_paige]

P.S. I'd also tell myself to invest in said stocks and maybe invent google.

[@nm2do]

Same. I am 21 as well and dealing with old friends. Im trying to adventure out of my bubble and meet new people.

[@MyKoreanHusband]

Yes! You will meet awesome new people! I wish I knew that back then...

[@reglayass2516]

This is the video I discovered you guys with. I would later come back to this video hundreds of times when I needed to be cheered up during a really low time in my life, thank you Martina for that :)

[@williamchen6105]

My advice for my high school self is don't be afraid to change, some change can be good, and some of your best experiences come from changing.

[@Laazyeyedbimbo]

Dear me, boys AREN'T worth it in high school. Stay focused on school and bettering yourself as a person!

[@eatyourkimchi]

Thank you to whoever did Italian subtitles!

[@handonald]

Note to my highschool self: don't worry about pleasing other people (parents, friends, etc). Just be yourself and follow your dreams

[@KatarinaHar]

I completely agree about high school being a small world. I also thought that no one was interested in the same things as I was but when I entered university I found so many people who shared my interests and so many people who became great friends

[@abeehabatool4019]

Dear me, do not let the epilepsy rule your life. It does not define you. Be thankful that your on only 1-2 medications. Joking about it makes it better. Don't keep it in and stew over it. You are surrounded by amazing people who love and care for you. And remember, you get do have your childhood dream career of being a teacher and working with very young children. The best is yet to come.

[@starzzzy22]

That thing you said about friends Martina is not just for high school, it's for the rest of our lives! Losing friendships is forever going to be hard. I'm convinced that Facebook has us thinking we need to keep up with a lot of people we should have forgot about after we left high school, only to be seen again at 10 year class reunions! In the past, you lost contact with people and it was normal. Not to mention HEALTHY! Now, I have people giving me grief if I don't add them on Facebook.

[@NotAnotherKuromi]

This was the best Dear me I have seen so far. :) I would also warn myself (& others) that in S6 when Tara dies & you assume she will be resurrected, she wont. Dear younger me: 1- you are not weak, you are ill, get your doc to refer you & get you diagnosed asap. 2- tell teachers you are struggling & find good dyslexic help now, don't wait until university. 3- more people fancy you than you think, make a move, the worst that could happen is they rebuff your advances, and they probably wont. 4- Save money, your ISA is there for a reason, use it!

[@AlleyBetwixt]

I definitely relate to the lack of interest in 'fitting in'. Nice to finally see one of these #DearMe videos expressing that. I understand and feel compassion for folks that were/are struggling with a desire to 'fit in'. It seems quite common. That's just nothing at all like what I wanted for myself. I had a large diverse group of friends. We were like a catch-all group of people who were generally funny and pleasant without putting any clique-like expectations on each other. I had a miserable time in high school, but that was for personal health reasons. Most everyone I spent time with then was super chill and supportive.

[@Nissaerith]

Can I just thank you, Martina? I've been out of high school for only two years yet everything you mentioned resonated to me. I've always marched to the beat of my own drum, made friends no matter what "clique" [yay for small private schools where everyone knows everyone lol], and I had very specific interests where not a lot of people shared the same interest. Between graduation and now I've found that it is okay to cut out friendships that are only there because I've known them for o long & that there are people who share/fangirl over the same things I fangirl over. It's crazy how you can get all caught up with high school where you forget that there's a whole big world once you graduate. I'm probably rambling but again I just want to thank you & keep being your awesome self.

[@michellek4543]

I learn so much from my 8 year old daughter, that I think she should make one of these videos. One kid called her "weird" (because she thinks spinach is the best pizza topping ever) and she said thank you. Apparently, normal is boring and she doesn't want to be boring. I hope she grows up to have your confidence!

[@andrewb138]

The relationship I've been in for the last two years just ended recently.. The advice you gave about making room for other people in your life and taking the separation from friends (and in this case relationships) gently and not taking it too personally was kind of inspiring and motivating. Thank you,

[@gwagner007]

I think the part that spoke to me the most is the "there are people out there who are interested in the things you are interested in" Almost none of my friends and family (even now as I'm 9 years out of high school) gets my interest in Asian culture, or why I want to live and work abroad not in Europe. But with Simon and Martina and a handful of IRL friends, I've realized 1- some of my peeps gets it, and 2- it's okay that the other peeps don't get it and we can still be friends/family. Well I suppose you can't stop being family anyway... But! Derailing here! There are people out there that share in your wonder and awe. And you will meet them

[@Minto15]

One advice I would give to myself is that "it is okay to fail and life is not a race" right after high school I was bummed when my life didn't go the way I wanted and I took it way too seriously and thought everything is over because this or that didn't happen. At the end all those things helped me grow and pushed me different directions and it's okay. Also not everybody will treat you the way you treat them but don't be depressed about it, move on and find new people to talk to

[@nm2do]

Thank you for posting this Martina. It's been 3 years since I've gotten out of high school and I shy away from making friends around university because I don't want to leave my high school friends, but you are right. I need to meet new people in my life especially like you said in your video, those friends are starting to put me down and make snarky comments and it definitely seems like we only hang around each other now cuz we've been friends throughout high school. I'm definitely taking your advice into consideration and I'm gonna open up more to new people because I honestly need new people in my life.

[@lovewillconquer]

Thank you very much Martina. I thought this was gonna be a complete cry fest but your video was real, refreshing, and very very awesome.

[@bluecookiez504]

Dear High school self,I know you that you think that you're a failure and you feel like giving up 90% of the time but I'm telling you you're not a failure and you are so much stronger, so much more liked, and so much more beautiful than you feel. You always march on and pick yourself up that en itself is awesome! You will move on from some people but trust m it was best to let them go even though you won't feel like it at the time. All in all you are going to make yourself very proud despite what your family said.Love, a very proud youP.S. It's going to be okay I promise you get through it

[@auditoryeden]

my favorite thing about this channel (and there are so many things) is the omnipresence of non piu andrai. i just love it. it makes me really happy.

[@cupcake32009]

The part about friends I can really relate to that. I'm going through it now. When I left for Japan a couple of years ago my friends that I had in middle and high school were no longer my friends when I came back. I felt dissed and tossed to the side. But hearing you give that advice really helped me cause I have been holding on to anger for them for some time now. I think I can actually let it go and try to make new friends and move on. Thanks Martina!!!!!!!

[@minimalisticjoy628]

Dear 13-16 year old me, just be yourself and be happy. Don't care about what others think;it doesn't matter cos they won't be in your life after you finish school. Have fun, be happy, have courage and stay kind.

[@beatlefan22]

Martina, thank you for this. I mean it, really. I've been thinking about high school recently and it has bummed me out big time. (Even though it was 6 years ago.) Knowing you had a similar story is so helpful! You've made me realize that I shouldn't let my past drag me down or stop me from moving on with my life. Things have, frankly, sucked in my life as of late, but at least knowing that my past relationships shouldn't define my future ones really gives me hope...for everything. 😊

[@lishaohlisha]

One of the best and realistic and relatable dear me I've seen on KZbin! You're awesome Martina :D

[@amberward7272]

i cant even begin to thank you for this. i just graduated this past janurary and the not having the friends i had in school hit me hard. thank you.

[@nboul957]

Dear past me, remember this one thing, love yourself! You are beautiful and loved. Don't let your mistakes define you and learn from them. And most importantly, you rock!!!!!

[@beautyhai]

I saw this video right when I needed it. I've been feeling this strange, at times nostalgic, feeling about my high school friendships, too. (Graduating this semester.) I didn't think anyone else could relate, and then you made a video about going through what sounds to be a similar situation as mine. I feel a lot more stronger knowing this phase in life after high school will fade. (Although I'm a bit nervous restarting the process of making new friends/letting go of old ones (ones that are just obligated after years of knowing each other! exactly right!)) Thank you for your honesty, Martina ~ it's really helping me navigate through this time

[@Thatsprettiemuchit]

I just wanted to fit in because I didn't have a single friend in middle school. Do you know how hard it is to have NO FRIENDS? To not have anywhere to go? Honeslty, I don't know how I survived middle school, and although I'm in a better place now, there's no advice I could give to myself that would've made those miserable years any better.

[@delaineyjohnson8238]

Yah, walking around campus alone is the worst. But, it truly makes a person independent and stronger after high school. I have no issue being alone while people have crazy co-dependent relationships.

[@Scuro1000]

The last time I can say I had friends was elementary school. I'm 22, I've never had anyone I would consider an actual "friend" since then, and I'm happy. So who gives a damn?

[@delaineyjohnson8238]

So true Scuro1000!

[@mimisshi5355]

In middle school I had a bunch of friends cuz I was brillant in studies ... In high school my interest in studies dropped but I kept them cuz my allowance was bigger than theirs ... Now I am lonely tbh It's bitter to live alone but if I can return the time I would prefer to be alone from the start

[@mjavchika]

Yup

[@brocolitta]

I completely agree with your thoughts on "high school friends". Once I let mine go, it felt way too good to be true! Don't ever let people drag you back to your past. Be with people who pushes you foward :)

[@amberchambers9390]

Dear high school me, Don't become friends with idiots. They stay idiots even after high school. Don't major in Nursing its not for you and you can't stand it!!! Trust me. Don't worry about not having a bunch of friends in highschool. You're not that big into crazy people to begin with. As a matter a fact they suck and your awesome. You become really good friends with ***** and she becomes your twin. Y'all fight sometimes but remember holding a grudge is stupid even though you know how to do it well... Never hide your love for anime. It actually helps you discover kpop. Remember anime awesome, kpop awesome! Don't be afraid to try new foods you'll thank me in the end. Also work out more. Its better for you than just sitting around and watching Jersey Shore. MTV gets really lame around the time you finish highschool. DONT WATCH JERSEY SHORE. IT TURNS YOUR BRAIN INTO MUSH!!!! And when its time to go to college major in Physical Therapy. It will be the best decision of your life. You may have days were you don't think you can go on and Sleepless Nights. (SHINee reference) but you will find it more rewarding and satisfactory. Invest in two or three external hard drives. Trust me your gonna need them. And remember SHINee is your all time favorite boy group. Don't fight the power of the Kim Jonghyun it will save you a lot of time and tear filled fita of feels in the future!!!! Stay awesome, stay chill and everything will be okay.

[@chantileelulala]

( T^T) You had a grudge on me san???

[@amberchambers9390]

For a little while. Yeah

[@chantileelulala]

About wat???

[@amberchambers9390]

It doesn't matte now. I forgot what it was anyway!

[@chantileelulala]

Yeah right... Okay sis... ( ^~^) I'll leave it alone...

[@Lavenderbrat]

This was actually helpful b/c I've had this friend that i've known for over a decade now and I've just come to realize over the last year that I don't like being around her anymore and she's the type of person I want nothing to do with but people keep telling me i can't just go breaking that friendship off b/c we've known each other so long. So this was really helpful and made me feel less guilty about leaving behind someone who isn't good for me. Thanks!!!!!

[@KaiKarina]

I haven't watched Eat Your Kimchi for awhile but I'm so glad to have come back to this video! It was so amazing to come to college and find people with similar interests. At first I would freak out when I found out someone liked KPOP or learning Japanese, but now it's a common thing to meet people with those interests. Thank you for inspiring me to reflect!

[@MysticMakeovers]

Wheel of Time is awesome. I cried, literally cried in the end.

[@tealcoconut]

i'm glad someone is posting about not caring what other people think. i was like that too. still am. i must admit i get weary of the incredibly similar videos on these youtube video themes that go around. very refreshing, martina!! i really enjoyed this

[@Zalaneax]

I totally feel you on the not needing to fit in thing. I was a (still kind of am) smart(ass) punk who was rather quiet, loved anime/ manga, was into sports and art and played violin. I fit into a lot of "cliques". If I could give my younger self advice, I would be like "Yo, slow down. You'll be able to drive, you'll go to college, you'll get to drink, you'll have other meaningful relationships besides the ones you have now. You'll change, and that's okay. It's actually pretty awesome. Enjoy what you have while you have it."

[@hollyaintjolly]

Thank you for this Martina! When I graduated high school, I took one semester at a community college and had NO idea what I wanted to do with my life. I had nobody to talk to about and didn't really have any friends. Five years later, I have finally decided that I want to be a Japanese translator and am going back to school - doing online classes right now. This video gives me hope that when I enter university in the fall, I will find people, FRIENDS, who love Sailor Moon and Asian related things like I do. Dear High School Me, Decide what you want to do before high school ends! Don't worry about where your friends/boyfriend are going and what they're doing with their life. YOU are important too and you should follow your dream and do what you want with your life!

[@xMooM00x]

MY FIRST TIME WATCHING EYK IN KOREA. -SCREAMING- let me see you. o.o

[@eatyourkimchi]

Come to our cafe tomorrow and you'll see us for our LiveChat!

[@FatimaKhan-hs5cw]

Eat Your Kimchi

[@achanwahn]

I was pretty much the same, except where I would give advice to younger me was the long depression after breaking up with my 2 best friends that I had grown up with. "Don't be scared, go see a counselor/ therapist/ whatever. & don't be discouraged, it may take several tries before you find the one that is right for you!"

[@Ayume626]

It's official, Martina is my spirit animal.

[@orsikocs]

My high school years were actually pretty awesome. I was the kid that got along with everyone and didn't belong to any particular group. Had a couple of best friends to hang out with but nothing major. I would just give no advice really. Actually there is one thing. A guy in HS told me that he wouldn't even touch me with a stick but dear high school me. He's an AH and he is not worth a single tear, not even one. Having a boyfriend is not everything and if you have a relationship just because everyone else has, happiness doesn't result from it. Just heartache. You have to know yourself first, be a confident you first and then you are ready to look for your other half. You're not into animes yet but give them a try when you have free time from all that studying. Or mangas or manhwas... Peace and Love

[@cowboywithnonose]

Thanks so much for this video, Martina! I'm high school age, but not in "high school" (I'm in sixth form) and all of the advice you gave yourself really relates to what I'm going through now. In the space of only 3 months, lots of people I know changed for the better and the worse. I think I will find your advice really useful. :)

[@ellock1998]

I would say this is probably the best Dear Me I have seen. I can relate to it really well, for different reasons, but still. I also liked how you just didn't care about what people thought of you. I would say I am vaguely like that, but I still want people to like me, I am not going to change for someone, but I will not tell them things (my love of heavy metal music, science, I am an art nerd etc.) because I don't want them to leave me; if they ask I will tell them, but I won't be open about it.

[@emma8237]

Preach it, Martina! Its like you were reading my mind and seeing all my worries and stuff, this actually helped me feel better. Thank you

[@Lolee56]

the same circle of high school friends dragging each other down, totally can relate. i ended it yesterday and i feel so much better.

[@IwuvJapan714]

Wow, that thing that you said about being convinced that there was no one out there that had similar interests to me hit me hard. When I was younger, I really felt alone when it came to interests since I was the only person I knew that liked anime and manga. And when I realized this, I thought that it was kind of strange. I felt like I was weird/the odd man out since I was the only one who liked this particular thing. But I had nothing to worry about since a few years later, I found an amazing group of friends (that I'm still close to till today) that I can share all my fandoms to (we even became friends through our favorite anime at the time). So I'm glad I'm not the only one who experienced this. So yeah, some advice I would leave for my younger self would be: You don't have to do what everyone else is doing, be what you want to be and do what you want to do. Express every side of yourself, even the weird ones, there will be people who like it and those are the ones that matter. And lastly, you will get obsessed with amazing animes and adorable ships that will ruin your life but make you immensely happy on a daily basis, so brace yourself for that :D

[@tinashineeful]

Martina and Simon, I've been watching your videos since i was in grade seven. Now i am in first year university, and i am also attending UofT. I really love your videos, and how much i can relate to both of you. You guys are awesome, keep doing what your doing!

[@maxcarberry8531]

The sticking with the high school friends got me. I need to remember that people will come and go .

[@minhtuhuynh2]

thank you so so so much about that friendship advice because sometimes I worry about what would happen to my friends in the next couple of years and i wonder should I make more effort on my friendships or should i just let it go. im 15 right now and I think i'm at that phase where I wanna keep all my friends throughout the whole high school years but when I know it's not gonna happen. I know i'm gonna meet new people but I can't help it to think about my friends right now and wanting to keep them close to my life. But I gotta think realistically where life moves on and friends comes and goes. So i'm going to hang with my friends as much as I can before i realize they're out of my life. So thank you so much with the advice about friends! it's been really helpful for me to make me aware that couple of my good friends are going stay with me with the next couple years and the ones i sometimes talk to will be likely be a memory of my life. Thanks again and Have nice day :) - A Nastie

[@eatyourkimchi]

Also, you might be surprised to find some friends exit your life and then pop back in again at different ages! I had a friend that I talked to in middle school and then in high school we didn't really talk until our last year of school we suddenly crossed paths again and just clicked. It was like we needed time apart to get closer! :D

[@minhtuhuynh2]

Eat Your Kimchi you made my night by replying to me. me cried of joy XD YESH

[@crystalm1637]

I can relate to this 100%. I wore all black until 12th grade when I started adding color to my wardrobe and I wore heavy dark colored sweaters all the time even in the summer. Towards the end of high school I lost close friends, people who thought were close to me but found out that they actually hated me. Gained good friends in people that I thought would never be my friend. I even cut ties with a lot of people recently because I realized that I was only friends with them because of some sort of high school nostalgia. They were bad for me, constantly put me down and my relationships, to the point that they were spreading rumors about me. What I wish I had told a younger me is be yourself. Don't worry about trying to do what other people want and love myself. It's good to be weird. Don't let something some guy told you make you want to change and be someone else. Also stop being lazy and draw! You can do it and never give up!

[@pocketfuloften]

Dear High School Self, Even though you're only in 10th grade, therefore not even halfway through high school, just know you learn a lot about yourself. You never needed to self harm. You never needed to talk down on yourself. You never needed thoughts of suicide as an option. You never needed to attempt suicide. Social anxiety will get the best of you but don't let that bring you down either. You can get through life. You know you could have changed life differently by making different choices but always be the kind and funny person that you are. Don't be as lazy. Life goal still needed: have EYK reply to you. -Me

[@delaineyjohnson8238]

In high school my best friend turned into my bully and made my life a living hell. It's okay to trust people, and not live in isolation. There are great people in this world.

[@theedgeofreason1206]

This really means a lot to me right now. Coming to terms with the end of highschool has be a much bigger ordeal than I ever would have thought, especially in terms of all this friendship stuff. It's reassuring to hear that there's life on the other side :)

[@isabellegrady4324]

I've finished high school last year but I, too, have some piece of advice. Dear first-year-of-high-school me: 1. Go find help. Stop thinking that your life sucks and that's it. Your past experiences don't need to define who you will be forever. 2. You know those guys you'll start to like? They're assholes, and thanks god one of them is out of your league and the other one is too stupid to realize who's out of ones league . You'll be hurt, but you will learn your lesson - and in two years, you'll be laughing your ass off. 3. Cherish the few friends you have. You'll still not fit in, but you have that three adorable girls. Stick to them. But don't forget one of them can and will hurt you, even though (you'll later find out) it's not your fault - the problem is her. Dear second-year-of-high-school me: 1. Study. Just... do it. 2. When you find out what your passion is, things will get easier. It will be tough to follow your dream, I'm still figuring it out, anyways, but I'm sure it will be worth it. 3. Dedicate yourself to the drama classes. They'll be important. 4. DON'T FALL FOR THE CUTE LITTLE GUY. DON'T DO IT. DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT. 5. Oh, and by now it's been two years since you realized you liked girls too. That cute blonde girl? She will disappoint you at some point of this year. It's not her neither your fault, so forget her. Dear third-year-of-high-school me: 1. Hold your horses. Your life will not become magically perfect once you leave high school. 2. You know that girl you will fight in the middle of the year? It will be better if you don't do it - she's one of your greatest friends (well, she still is, up until now). 3. People tell you to relax. And you will, indeed. But don't forget that having fun doesn't mean relaxing too much. 4. I know it's not in your plans not going to college, but GUESS WHAT? You won't pass the exams. Crazy, right? You know you weren't ready, so please, stop whining about it. 5. You will do something that may sound completely stupid and crazy after not going to college - and I still don't have the results of it -, but everything is an experience and you got nothing to lose.

[@kevinjanghj]

Even as a guy, I liked your video because it raises the point about friends whom you know from high school. I seriously moved on ever since high school graduation and have barely talked to them anymore. Seriously, if people still keep you as "friends" on Facebook or elsewhere, but talk snide remarks to you every occasion that you meet and talk, then there is something wrong and the friendship has either changed in quality, or you were really all frenemies to begin with then (with time revealing it all). I agree with you that the friends you make in the particular moment are probably more relevant if they especially share common points with you in that point of time other than high school.

[@stripes616]

Oh my god. Fantasy novels, LOTR, Sailor Moon, Japan? We would've been great friends if we had gone to the same school!

[@Nerdseag112]

I'm in the 11th grade and all of the things you said are already beginning to come true. Omg this is insane.

[@amipop1108]

Dear me: Ten years ago, five years ago, anytime, really; no matter how much people tell you how quiet and "shy' (that one makes me laugh) that I am, they truly, TRULY don't understand how weird, quirky, and absolutely loud I can actually get when surrounded by people I actually like and am not obligated to put a front in front of judgmental people. I'm not really obligated, I just don't like them, therefore: Why should I waste my time talking to them??? In addition: THANK you at my love for jpop/rock and anime for allowing me to discover kpop. It's been quite rewarding discovering my love for SHINee and wishing upon Taemin and Kai when trying to win a tennis match. (it actually worked ~ except once - stupid Taemin ;P) P.S. to the present and future self, think TWICE about majoring in Psychology. Listen to your weird and awesome English teacher and major in Creative Writing and English. You've been writing since a fetus, don't feel obligated to choose a major that is too long in life to handle and do something that you love instead of something that is more appropriate for society. Even though you do love studying the human mind: THINK WRITING. How cool will it me to have your own book made into a movie?? Sincerely, Don't take shit so sersously

[@vernons_lap_cat]

Thank you martina ;w; this is the stuff i wanna hear. Fitting in isnt a big issue for me, its just losing the people and becoming apart from them that hurts. I needed this >

[@MoniMeows]

#dearme, here's a fun fact: you suffer from anxiety and panic attacks. Sometimes you don't want to get out of bed, or see your friends or do anything other than cry. Some days will be really hard and you won't understand what's going on in your head and you'll over think everything and believe that the whole world is against you. Most days you'll feel amazing, you'll laugh and be your normal crazy self! (but this will make the bad days even worse because people will say 'what is WRONG with you'...) I just want to let you know high school me... it gets better! You talk to people about your problems and you make amazing friends that see your pain and help you deal with it straight away! They don't question you or judge you... they just love you! Many meows, Moni >^..^

[@brittanihendriksen6759]

Dear high school me.. You should stay and graduate, you know its what our mom would of wanted. And to get better help with your depression and anxiety. Don't stress over the little things Love you mom

[@eatyourkimchi]

Turkish subtitles are now up, thanks to a lovely, intelligent, and awesome person :D

[@hjc4289]

Martina, you are beautiful. Both inside and out. I'm glad I invested in you guys :)

[@sunanotemari]

Dear high school me, Don't give up on the things you really love. Chase those things and become the best at what you love. People will understand eventually.

[@cahewett7]

Buffy? What? So glad to hear you love Buffy too! Yay Buffy! Love you guys! Happy Easter/Resurrection Sunday everybody! Jesus loves you!

[@blackrose013]

i love this dear me because i was thinking something really emotional when i saw the youtube tag and what it was about but this is just light and really some advice that can be helpful towards a younger person

[@Skystarry75]

Dear 13 year old me... Don't be so stressed out, work hard at your studies, and don't be afraid to try things you've never done before...Except drugs and smoking and stuff. Don't do that. That stuffs bad for you. But I'm sure you know that already. The world has already told you this. Also, don't be afraid of changes in your life. One day, you're gonna have to leave your comfort zone and head out for another life. Don't be afraid of this. On the other side of the journey is a bunch of new friends to be made. And, thanks to the internet, you're gonna be able to keep in contact with your old friends too! You will find a new place where you feel comfortable! Also, please remember that people change. We all learn and grow, and, even if we don't admit our mistakes, if we do know we made them, we will not repeat them. So forgive people okay? And don't expect them to be there forever. They won't be. And don't be so afraid of showing off your amazing skills either! If you wait until the last minute, you'll regret never taking the spotlight earlier. You don't have to be there all the time. Also, get a KZbin account. There are many people you will come to adore, especially among the gaming community. There are people who share your odd interests out there! Even if you feel like an outcast now, you will find you're not that strange in time. In fact, there are people stranger than you! From- 18 year old you Note: I just copied this across from the first "Dear Me" video I saw... However, there's even more I'd like to add... So uh... Dear Me (part 2) You will change... A lot... Sometimes in a super short period of time! There's gonna be a long time when people are gonna be telling you to remove the hair on your legs. I can tell you now, it's not that bad. Shaving is actually the best option for you. However, the reason you won't shave for years after people start telling you to? Because people are telling you that you HAVE to, and you don't like that. I still don't like that. You've got to want to do something! And you know that messy room you've got? I'm now a lot neater. Cleaning was another thing I wanted to do, rather than be told. And, get help... Right now, the seeds of anxiety will be planted in your brain, and if you don't go out to get help, it will take over your life. 5 years is a long time to suffer in silence. And, just remember, you're amazing. I know you'll try to be indifferent to the whims of society, and I know you won't succeed. I know you'll keep pretending, and then hate yourself for it. I know you're not happy with the way you look. I know how much pain you will suffer. But, remember, it's totally worth it for the amazing things that will come down the line. Like your education beyond high school! Where, suddenly, your entire class will talk about the latest games and anime. Because you will choose something geeky. Because that is who you are. And, because, when you finally get a grip on what you want to do for a living, you'll know it's the right path for you.

[@izzyjohniston3268]

I love this campagin!!! This is exactly what everyone should still do today! Everyone is soo inspiring!

[@rachelsnow8448]

I think this was probably the best dearme video there was because you take such a light realistic approach to it, not the whole *realise you're beautiful and you were perfect the way you were* approach (which not saying is bad, but also lets be real, everyone's early highschool puberty phase was the worst)

[@kevinthomasfuentebella3829]

wow martina! that "friends limiting thing" really got to me.. You are so right! Stay awesome!

[@MsJavaWolf]

I relate to your advice about highschool friends, but even though there are many difficulties, I could never let them go.

[@sweetbarries]

i completely agree martina!!! dear high school me i want to tell you that its ok to cry and its ok to ask for help remember you are you also dont be so forceful but dont be a push over also remember you where born to stand out not to fade away

[@charmedvenuss]

I think one of my biggest pieces of advice for my younger high school self is very similar to yours, which is how small of a part high school is in your life, and even though you think you keep losing best friends you'll meet some girls who will end up being the best friends of your life, and you'll find that you have so much more in common with older people, and most importantly is that it does actually get better. You eventually get help for your depression and anxiety and people finally respect the way you feel. (also you get a boyfriend and he's p hot tbh)

[@MangaDevilCat]

I'm in my third year of high school right now. My first year of high school was very very difficult. I couldn't fit in. I had people to sit with during lunch cuz they went to the same middle school as me(but I didn't really know them that well). They already had a group of their own. I was just the one outside of their circle that's just sitting there by myself. I never really talked to them, nor did they talk to me. I decided to leave the group during the first few weeks of Junior year. I just left and ate lunch by myself in a classroom. After that, I just do homework cuz there's nothing else to do with the 30mins I have left. Because of the past 2 years of kind of being isolated, it's so difficult for me these days to communicate with others. I always stumble on my words and feel so nervous and embarrassed when talking to people. I just hope everything gets better when I'm off to college. I hope I'll be able to find friends that I can talk to and have the same interests as me. And hopefully my fear of talking to others go away soon too. Well I'm basically speaking to my future self: Good luck.

[@BiDance]

Martina!!! The part about your high school friendship ending.... that happened to me ;;A;; , I fell out with 2 of my best friends and I was on my own. I was devastated.... it felt like the end of the world. However I met and hung out with someone else who understood me and was really good to me .. Im so thankful for them! It makes me feel better that you had a similar experience with friends. Even now, I always take friendship break ups so seriously and I get soooo emotional and lonely. (one of the reasons I hate making new friends, Im always scared things wont work out after Iv gotten attached) Even though i sort of new the part about people changing and growing.... Im glad you said it because I didn't consider it enough.... thank you for saying it!

[@annavk7672]

This is some seriously awesome advice. Thank you Martina! And yeah, I can relate to pretty much all of it. I'm also not so concerned about popularity or fitting in (I'm very strange and I like it!) so I ended up liking this # Dear Me video best. Something I would tell myself is "it gets better" and "you are strong". These are two very important things that I've learned in these past 17 years that I've been alive. However, knowing me, I probably wouldn't take the advice and instead think something like "so cliche". In any case, though I had to go down some truly bumpy roads to learn these things, I'm pretty dang glad I know them now. :))

[@bmgreenleaf1]

Wow I really appreciate/totally relate to the comments about high school friends. I just graduated last year and it feels like the petty remarks are already aplenty and this gives me hope :D

[@missxlittlexawesome]

Yay! I relate to this a lot Martina, particularly having to take lost friendships gracefully. (My situation with friends wasn't the best so when I lost them I took it pretty hard,) and I even went into college thinking "well I don't need friends," and "I don't want friends, they'll just think I'm weird or they'll pretend to like me because they feel bad and when I become too annoying it'll all explode and I'll be alone again." So I didn't try to make friends. But I joined this club, stupidly thinking I could just kinda be in the club and not make friends. Lol that's not how clubs work. And now I've got a whole posse of really awesome people who tell me all the time they think I'm great and they understand my insecurities and want me to feel comfortable. These are the friends that I found who told me- even when they were sloppy drunk and barely put together- to text them when I got home, so they would knew I was ok. They exist. I'm gonna go see them right now~ Love you Eat Your Kimchi!

[@theprettypurplepony]

I think this is my favorite Dear Me video I've seen :) I can really relate to the stuff about not hanging on to old friendships "just because we've known each other x amount of time" and it's something I wish I had learned sooner.

[@kristenmcinnis528]

MARTINA!!!! We are the same kid! I was a goth kid that hated pink and pop music and all things girly. I was also totally obsessed with sailor moon and had no one to share it with. I also have chronic illnesses and you inspirer so much with how you remain a positive and amazing person even when your body wants to be a douchebag. You and Simon (and Spudgy, Meems, Leigh and SooZee) bring me so many smiles and belly laughs. I hope one day to have a Dothraki Man warrior of my own and the means to travel to Korea and meet you guise!!

[@Coryanderwolf]

Thanks for the share, especially about the old high school friends. I recently discovered that bit about not needing to stick with them out of obligation maybe a few weeks ago (and it's been some time since high school). Letting go is tough after all this time, but I'm starting to see and enjoy the freedom in not wedding myself to one group of people. Your experience really lines up with mine right now, so I'm hopeful for the future. Yay growing up! BTW love your videos!

[@MrMirka77]

If I could give myself any advice back when I was in high school I would tell myself not to be afraid to express yourself and put yourself out there. Now that I look back I had so many opportunities took so many things and to travel but I was always to scared and thought I couldn't do it, but now I realize that I can do it I can do anything I want and it's awesome. also make plans set goal I n ow I said that I should just go with the flow but dont actually go out there and make a list and start checking them of.

[@Chantatatal]

This is the best, most relatable #dearme. Thank you.

[@Wulfslove]

In 1995 (sophomore year of high school for me) I signed a petition to keep Sailor Moon running in the US, and I circulated the info around to as many people as I could. Only a couple of people signed it, and they had no idea what Sailor Moon was until I told them. I feel your pain and triumph, Martina.

[@marium9]

I love the new sailor moon toooooo!!! Love you Martina, you're a beautiful soul!

[@HallyuHeavenUS]

Be yourself!!!! One of the most important things! I am so much happier since I have openly been my true nerdy self!

[@ashieez24]

what you said about friends was my high school experience, i ended up dropping out as a result. but looking back now as a 21 year old, i realise that high school is just a chapter you close and the next part of your life is something new and different. it wasn't the end of my life either, although i struggle with confidence now as a result, i wouldn't have it any other way.

[@catherinez1217]

Martina this was so helpful! My best friend and I just basically cut ties and I was feeling like totally crap because of it, but now I feel a lot better because of what you said. Thank you so much! You're the best!!

[@orchidmsc]

This is a great form of therapy without calling it that. Nicely done!

[@foodngems]

I can relate to the friendship one. You just gotta learn to let go and understand that not all friendships last. Sometimes, when we grow as individuals, we outgrow the people around us too, but that's okay cause then you can let new experiences and people into your life.