My 20th birthday is right around the corner, and as I look back on the last 20 years, I can think of many important lessons I've learned. Some things might've been learned the hard way, but here are 20 things I learned in 20 years of life.

1. Learn to laugh at yourself.

It'll only lighten up the mood.

2. Get involved in things.

Clubs, internships, jobs...whatever it is, it lets you find people with similar interests and you'll make some of your closest friends that way.

3. The number of friends you have doesn't matter.

Quality over quantity.

4. Be kind.

It'll get you much further than being mean.

5. Take school seriously.

School may be hard sometimes, but you can't just joke around with it.

6. People make mistakes.

Learn to forgive them.

7. You can never have too many candles.

They can make any room feel more cozy.

8. Home might not be a place; it might just be a specific person or group of people.

Someone can feel just as much like home as some place can.

9. Be accepting of all people.

Gender, race, and sexuality shouldn't matter.

10. It's okay to say no.

And you shouldn't feel bad about doing so.

11. Do not settle for a guy.

The right one will come around, but do not settle just so you can have a guy by your side.

12. Having a designated driver or an Uber is so important.

Don't drink and drive. Enough said.

13. Friends will come and friends will go.

If they leave your life, it's okay; you didn't need them anyways.

14. Naps are good.

If you have the opportunity to nap, do it.

15. Studying actually works.

You'd be surprised that sitting down and taking the time to study actually pays off.

16. Make a list before going grocery shopping.

You'll save yourself lots of money.

17. Let people vent to you, and find people to vent to.

Everyone needs some time to just get their feelings out.

18. You might have your heart broken, but you'll be okay.

Heartbreak hurts, but in the long run, you will survive.

19. Find your passion and never let go of it.

Learn what you're passionate for, and never let anybody convince you it's not important.

20. Don't spend all your money on food.

You don't always have to go out to eat.