WATCH: What would you tell your closeted self?

Hindsight is 20/20, and it’s very easy to look back and think about what we would do differently. Unfortunately, we can’t defy space and time, yet, and change the past. But that doesn’t mean we can’t fantasize about it. I often think about if I had taken some sewing or dancing classes as a child. Or if I begged my mom to let me take harp lessons.

But if I could go back in time and talk to 15-year-old, totally in the closet, long haired, Ryan (this guy –>), I would tell him a slew of things that would make his life a lot better.

• First of all, cut that atrocious hair
• Your family is not going to care that you’re gay
• Your family is going to be the best support system for the rest of your life
• Stop wasting so much time on Myspace, it’s gonna die in a few short years
• Your secret boyfriend only wants to fuck you, he doesn’t care about your feelings. Laugh in his face when he tells you, “we’re not gay. We’re just bored”
• Quit stressing about your weight
• You’re locker room fantasies are never going to come true
• Start doing squats now, you’re tiny butt will be your biggest insecurity as an adult

The queers over at Buzzfeed gave us another great, thought-provoking video in which they offer advice to their closeted selves. Check it out, and let us know what you would tell yourself before opening up that closet door.