14 things you will only know if you were considered a ‘late developer’

May 30, 2017

If you were a so-called 'late developer' in your teens, the term alone is still enough to make your toes curl today.

While it was used by parents and teachers as a vague way of explaining your puppy fat, flat chest and lack of menstrual cycle in secondary school, it sounded like little more than a grave insult to you.

And while you eventually caught up with your friends and peers, there's no denying that being dubbed a 'late developer' can cast a long shadow.

And here are just 14 things you will know if you were…ahem…one of them.

1. You gave the stink-eye to your row of cami-tops drying on the clothes line at every opportunity.

"Who do I think I'm fooling with that glorified cut-off vest?"

2. You longed for your period so you could bend over double at the lockers with the rest of them.

"It's my time of the month, guys. Just in case you're wondering why I'm totally cramping so hard right now."

3. You researched the menstrual cycle so often, you were certain you could qualify as a gynae.

"I'm looking for signs it might be on its way. Maybe I'm someone who gets her period, but doesn't actually bleed?"

4. You longed to emulate the sashay of the other girls in your school, but mostly tripped over the feet you were still growing into.

"I wish my boobs grew as quickly as my feet do."

5. You wished you had the same confidence as everyone else your age.

"They're all out on the green having sex with each other right now, I'm sure of it."

6. You longed to take part in at least one conversation with the opposite sex which ended without incident.

"Why did my tache get sweaty when he said my name? Is this just how I am?"

7. You stuffed your cami-top more than once and got a secret thrill out of it.

"And I'll take that to my grave with me."

8. Your relatives often made ill-advised comments about your appearance

"Aren't you lovely? You've the exact same build as your father."

9. You feared PE because you'd have to change in front of other people.

"They'll know that my belly is bigger than my boobs."

10. You felt a distinct sense of anxiety when conversation turned to sex.

"Of course I know what it means. You're only asking me because YOU don't know what it means."

11. You often examined your mother's razor and wondered if you'd ever need one yourself.

"I want to be just like those girls on the advert."

12. And you then did some experimenting with the razor and needed blood transfusions as a result.

"I thought the blood was my period! I swear!"

13. You longed for the day you'd have to hide a tampon up the sleeve of your school jumper and scoot out the classroom door with special permission from the teacher.

"She's so lucky! Yeah, enjoy your period, you b*tch!"