Do you ever feel like the whole world is having a party—and you weren’t invited Maybe you worry about being included in the right groups or invited to the right sleepovers. Maybe you envy the relationships you see at school or youth group or feel jealous of the perfect social media posts showing others making memories together.

If you’re a teen in 2022, you’re probably well acquainted with the fear of missing out. Knowing or wondering what you’re missing or who is getting together without you can leave you feeling lonely. It can leave you lonely and a little blue. Fear of missing out is a thing, all right—it even has its own acronym: FOMO.

FOMO can happen anywhere—at school, at events or gatherings, at the mall, and at work.

Even scrolling online right at home and seeing all the groups and get-togethers you’re not part of can make you sad. According to OptinMonster, 2021, “Among social media networks, Facebook contributes to people’s FOMO the most (72 percent). It is followed by Instagram (14 percent), Twitter (11 percent), and Pinterest (8 percent).”

So what’s a girl to do when fear of missing out threatens to ruin the day? Here are 10 thoughts to help you through FOMO and make the most of your teen years. 

Understand your personality type.

There are extroverts, and there are introverts. Which are you? If you need to be around others most of the time, you’re probably an extrovert. If you prefer to spend time alone or with one or two other people, you’re probably an introvert. Dear girl, know there is absolutely nothing wrong with you if you are not the life of the party. There is nothing wrong with you if you don’t get invited to everything. Introverts make wonderful friends and are gifted with many, many other strengths. Embrace your personality and shine, even if you shine quietly.   

Be wherever you are.

That sounds obvious—of course you’re wherever you are, right? Think about it for a minute though. You can’t be totally present in any situation if you’re wishing you were somewhere else or with someone else. Make sure the people you are with know how important they are to you by giving them your full attention.

RELATED: Dear Teenage Daughter

It’s not all about you.

This truth is hard to hear, yet spot-on. Life isn’t about our happiness. We’re not here for us; we’re here for Him. Turn your eyes on Jesus, and your FOMO may start disappearing as you realize why you’re really here.

Realize just what FOMO actually is.

Could it be that fear of missing out is actually envy or jealousy renamed “FOMO” for today’s generation? Trust your good and caring Father to provide what you need—when you need it. Go to Him and ask for help being content in all situations. Ask again and again if you need to.  

You won’t always have FOMO.

As you collect years and experiences, you may find that fear of missing out isn’t an issue for you anymore. You’ll understand your purpose on earth better and better as time goes on. 

Or maybe you will always have FOMO.

Some of the trials you face, like FOMO, may always be challenges for you. But the good news is that God uses trials and challenges to keep you close to Him. When things are going great, you may forget just how much you need Him. When things feel all wrong, that is the time you’re driven to your knees in prayer because you remember God is truly the best friend you have. FOMO can actually be a good thing if it keeps you close to the Lord.

Alone time is nice now and then!

Solitude allows you to refresh, relax, and gather your thoughts. Be honest with yourself—do you really want to spend every moment with others? Especially if you’re an introvert, enjoy some time alone.

You can’t be everywhere.

The reality is you only have so many hours in your week. It is impossible to take in every event or gathering. Your schedule can’t take it all. 

RELATED: Being a Teen is Hard Enough—Go Ahead and Take the Easy Road Once in Awhile

Set realistic expectations.

When you make plans with others, you can’t include every single person you know every single time. Naturally, you will not be invited to everything either, so adapt your expectations. 

Don’t create FOMO for others.

This might be as simple as not talking about your plans or what you did this weekend while others are around. Even social media posts with pics of exclusive gatherings, no matter how big or small, can cause FOMO for someone else. Be inclusive instead. Make room at the table, extend an invitation, or simply throw a smile at someone you don’t usually acknowledge. Determine not to create cliques.

Fear of missing out may be a challenge right now, but remember, God is bigger than any challenge you’ll ever face. Keep your eyes on Him—and you won’t miss out on a thing.  

So God Made a Mother book by Leslie Means

If you liked this, you'll love our book, SO GOD MADE A MOTHER available now!

Order Now

Check out our new Keepsake Companion Journal that pairs with our So God Made a Mother book!

Order Now
So God Made a Mother's Story Keepsake Journal

Heidi Mosher

Heidi Mosher wishes she knew what an introvert was during her teen years. Now she’s a grown-up writer who kind of likes being an introvert. She has three teens and a tween who fill her time and her heart. She wrote this piece to point all the girls who wonder why they’re sometimes left out in the right direction.     

If Your Teen Questions His Faith, Go There With Him

In: Faith, Motherhood, Teen
Teen and mother talking

My 16-year-old son was home from school with a chest infection. I walked in on him watching a Netflix documentary called The God Delusion. There is a class in school that is challenging his faith.  I had other things planned to do that day, but I plunked myself down to watch with him. RELATED: You Are the Number One Influencer of Your Teen’s Faith “The kids in my class were saying that depending on God must mean a person is weak and they may have a psychological disorder,” my son said and told me how self-conscious he felt as the...

Keep Reading

Sometimes Late Bloomers Just Need Time

In: Kids, Teen, Tween
Teen walking down road

I had a wretched evening. My middle school son and I battled over his schoolwork and I felt completely discouraged. The next morning, I went to a student-of-the-year presentation at the high school where I teach. Each teacher picks a student who has stood out over the year. This award is a big deal. A teacher stood up with a graduating senior I’d had in previous years. She’d both warmed my teacher heart and broken my teacher heart. Incredibly likable, this girl was kind and fun to be around. But she didn’t like homework or goals . . . or...

Keep Reading

Our Teens Need Jesus and We Can Show Him to Them

In: Faith, Teen
Teen girl writing in journal on bed

Being a teenager is hard. I sat at the DMV with my daughter, waiting for her number to be called to take her driver’s permit test. I watched as she nervously looked around. Being here, doing this semi-grown up thing was new to her. I could tell she was feeling the weight of responsibility on her shoulders. It didn’t help that our wait was close to two hours, and gave her plenty of time to second guess if she had studied enough. She kept saying she couldn’t wait to get this over with. And watching her struggle with all this...

Keep Reading