an open letter to Justin Bieber

Dear Justin <3

2013 hasn’t been the brightest year for you, bud.  Seriously, get it together.  I used to be somewhat (aka completely) obsessed with you, but that was so three months ago.  I’ve matured a lot since then.  Of course I’ll always remember the good times we’ve had, and because of that, I’ll always support you.  But you’re making it awfully hard. 

Okay, I get it.  You’re only nineteen years old and the whole world is watching you.  To top it all off, you have girls constantly throwing themselves at you (I may or may not have been one of those girls, but that’s a different story) and because of this, a good handful of the male population despises you and your “swag”.  It must be hard being constantly in the public eye, especially when you’re just trying to be nineteen.  You’ve learned that every decision you make has it consequences.  It’s hard to maintain that good-guy façade when everyone else can do whatever they want and not be judged for it.  Like clubbing in London, for example- you’re seen as going “crazy” when all you want to do is have fun and do the things that people your age are doing.  I know if I were in the public eye, people would find the littlest things about me and condemn me for them too.  I would love to be a perfect role model for others, but that’s not possible.  And I realize it’s not possible for you either; just do the best you can and at least act like you’ve got it in the bag.

This year has been tough.  You’ve tried to establish yourself as an adult rather than the cute teen heartthrob, which can be a hard transition.  Take Miley Cyrus, for example.  You and Selena Gomez broke up…and you wrote that heart-wrenching song on your Believe Acoustic album called “Nothing Like Us” to prove your sorrows.  You didn’t get nominated for any Grammy awards, or even get invited for that matter.  You got caught smoking weed and your friend Lil’ Twist seemed to have caused you a lot of trouble so far- especially with your cars.  You said you had the “worst birthday” ever this year in London when your friends got kicked out of your party.  You got booed for being two hours late to your show in London.  Oh, and then there’s the time you lashed out at the paparazzi and had to be restrained.  People also worry your tattoo craze is getting out of control.  And are concerned with your unique fashion.  But most of the time that’s not applicable because you aren’t wearing a shirt anyway, which by the way is a good look for you.   

What happened to the little, innocent boy from Canada who was discovered on YouTube?  Who built an intimate relationship with his fans, and was always thanking them for everything?  Or the humble boy who would constantly give back to charity?  And who would encourage his fans that anything is possible?  I think you've still got it in you.  People just choose to focus on the things you’re doing wrong rather than the things you’re doing right.  You've got a huge target on your back because you found success at an early age.  Don’t lose yourself in the fame.  Obviously be proud of your accomplishments but never take anything for granted. 

I think I've finally realized that I never actually was in love with you, (I know, I know you must be heartbroken), but rather I was in love with the thought of you.  Your story was really inspirational and uplifting.  I loved the fact that you were so humble no matter what.  And that you were always thankful for everything.  On top of that you never stopped working hard, and always strived to accomplish something more.  I really admired everything about you.  Okay, and you might have been extremely attractive and a complete sweetheart, but again that’s beside the point. 

Basically, I just want you to know that no matter what this year brings, you can get through it.  Think of all the setbacks you’ve overcome so far.  There’s a reason people fell in love with you (or the thought of you) in the first place.  Don’t forget that.  Sometimes the fame and the fortune can blur your vision, but be careful it doesn’t blind you.  There’re more important things in life than money and success.  Even though the press rips you apart for everything that you do, stay true to yourself and never say never. ;)

Yours truly forever and ever,

Tricia