Here's a counterpoint. As a teen I transitioned from avoiding bullies to just doing the things that I enjoyed - mostly by myself. I got horrible advice from my dad that "women would come to me" if I was myself, to take my time, etc.

I'm now in my mid-40's and a big part of my depression is spending hours wondering what could have been in high school or college if I'd done it different.

Mind you, I'm not sure sure I could. But it causes me a ton of grief right now...even that girl who rejected me to the prom - it hurts 25 years later!