Until I was in the 8th grade, I had a fairly large space in my two front teeth.  I thought it was okay as such a young kid, but needless to say once I reached the first awkward years of puberty, I was a self-conscious, glasses-wearing nerd who knew her teeth did not help with the looks.  I wasn’t adorable, I wasn’t average.  In fact, I was unique and I knew it.

I got braces in 8th grade.  I look back now and cringe at how much more awkward that made me.  Yet, I also look back and bittersweetly say goodbye to that space.  The space which let me stick pretzels in between my teeth, or my favorite, spit water across the room while smiling.  As an adult I can appreciate what cuteness came from the space.  I’m glad I no longer have it (although the water trick was pretty cool), but I’m glad I got to be awkward with a unique look.  I like to believe it made me stronger, sorta.  At least it made me realize I need to floss every day.