I hope by including “former” in my greeting, I’m being optimistic about your growth and kindness over the years.
Anyone who grew up in our small town would likely agree on one thing: you were the most notorious mean girl in our class. From elementary school through high school and even into college, your reign of unkindness was hard to escape. Thankfully, I wasn’t your only target—many others bore the brunt of your cruelty alongside me.
Your ability to manipulate was astonishing, especially at such a young age. You drew girls into your circle only to quickly isolate them, making them crave your approval. Your harsh words affected the self-esteem of so many girls who should have been enjoying their childhood without a care. Need a reminder?
You sang “Baby Beluga” loudly after a neighborhood girl got off the bus, and you cruelly dubbed a 10-year-old girl “pizza face,” right as she began a tough journey with acne. You even spread false rumors about two girls simply enjoying a dance in the fourth grade.
I managed to navigate middle school without too much interaction with you, but you turned it into a torment for many who were already struggling. You targeted those who were different—the girl with short hair, the boy still carrying baby fat.
Then came high school, where you set your sights on me after I dated your friend’s ex-boyfriend. The harassment was relentless: nasty comments in the hallways, egging my car, and hateful messages flooding my phone. Ironically, you were far more vicious than the girl who had reason to be upset; perhaps you simply needed a new target.
Even in college, I occasionally received harassing messages from people tied to your circle. A quick look revealed they were from your school, appearing in your friend list.
I wish I could say you don’t cross my mind, but thanks to social media and hometown chatter, your name pops up now and then. Everyone seems to have a story about your cruelty, indelibly marked in their memories.
Recently, I heard you’ve gotten married and welcomed a baby. My first thought? “I hope you teach that child to be kind.”
You see, I’m a mother now too. I’ve learned that children aren’t born mean; they become that way due to their environment or the lack of love and acceptance. What drove your cruelty all those years? Did you miss out on love or attention? Part of me feels pity for you.
But I also worry for my child, who will inevitably encounter someone like you in their life. So, from one mother to another, I implore you: don’t repeat the past. Nurture kindness and innocence in your child, and I promise to do the same.
If you’re curious about more parenting insights, check out this blog post for additional perspectives on raising kind children. Also, if you’re considering at-home insemination, reputable resources like this link offer quality kits for your journey. For more information on pregnancy and home insemination, visit this excellent resource.
In summary, it’s essential to break the cycle of meanness and foster kindness in our children. We have the power to shape the next generation, so let’s choose compassion over cruelty.
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