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2.1 Early Maturer
According to the text, I was a very early maturer seeing as how my gonadarche period began at or around 7 years old, followed by the menarche on New Year’s Day in 1990. In the 3rd grade, which was 1992, I noticed I was a full head taller than the rest in my class. I also noticed I was growing out of clothes that I had just received several months earlier. In terms of sexual maturation, I was already wearing a size that was atypical for my age but typical for older teenagers in high school. -
Early Maturer cont'd
I cannot recall what age I began developing, but would have to say it was at or around the same age I began sprouting peach fuzz on my legs during the preconscious puberty period and before the gonadarche began. I did not have any issues with my behavior other than the usual frustration attributed to communication inequalities in my family. Lastly, I did not experience peer pressure as much as the typical adolescence did mostly because I was a very obedient daughter. -
1.1 Entering Adolescence
Even though it is general semantics that a person’s birthday does not mark the beginning or end, this is my 12th birthday. I have been raised to believe that the teenager years begin at 13; I feel it started at this age. I had just said my goodbyes to my dad as he went off for 3 months to work in another state. I also noticed that my mother started going through what I know now as menopause. I started wondering what would happen if I was suddenly left to my own devices. -
2.2- Niche-picking
In my adolescence years, I oftentimes chose environments that was neutral and then cozied up on a chair or sofa and buried my nose into books. I wasn’t a social animal so it was easier for me to just go into Grandma’s room since her walls were white and her carpet was brown which rendered the environment neutral. You see, all my friends had pin-ups of teen heart throbs- mostly from the Walbergs when they were involved with the New Kids on the Block. I couldn’t focus on a conversation much less -
3.2 The Fluctuating Self
Looking back to the timeframe where I had mood swings, I recall having more episodes at or about 12 years old. I would be happy and laughing then crying over spilled milk the next minute. This phase did not last long though... I'd say a year or so. I recall Grandma being present and if I veered towards the bad mood swings, she'd redirect my thoughts towards a happier plane. -
3.2 Social Comparison
Entering high school, I was almost always concerned with how I looked and I would constantly check what others my age was wearing to make sure I was not out of style. I would oftentimes feel upset if I didn't have an opportunity to talk with more people and have a quasi-social life. -
Imaginary audience
During high school, I was almost always paranoid about my clothing. For instance a paranoid episode was constantly checking to see whether or not my bra straps were showing at the top of my shirts. I kept thinking if others saw a portion of my bra, it would cause chaotic results. Another example of my paranoid thoughts regarding clothing was that I would constantly check my shirt to see if I accidently dropped food which in turn caused stains. Looking back... I now laugh at the memories.