"There's nothing fun about turning 20," said literally every single person to you on your 20th birthday. But another year, another year wiser, right? I mean we get it, we can't hit the bar scene legally, but I think there's something special when we reach this special age. Hooray, you're finally a grownup. Kind of. It's like overnight you have this pressure to know what you want to do for a living or how to file for taxes. But the truth is, there are a lot of mountains before having the glory to grow past your teen years. These are just a few of the lessons to be learned.
1. Save your money.
We all remember that one Abercrombie & Fitch shirt that we were literally dying to have in the fifth grade.
2. Love yourself.
Who cares about what those girls said to you in middle school or what the "it" girls of high school thought. When you're 20, you finally realize that you need to act for yourself, love yourself and treat yo' self.
3. The real world kind of sucks.
Does anyone remember when we learned about taxes or credit cards in high school? Yeah, me neither.
4. It’s OK to be stressed.
No one said growing up was going to be easy. Everyone has those weeks when it seems like everyone is out to get you or when it seems like all your professors met up to make every exam and assignment due on the same day.
5. Talk about yourself less.
Listen to what other people have to say. Just try it every once in a while.
6. Live.
It's never too late to start experiencing life. Put down your phone—no one on Snapchat actually cares about your 200-second long story—and experience things for the memories.
7. Travel more.
Go on a road trip, buy an expensive plane ticket or try to study abroad. Not only is traveling an adventure, but it's truly life-changing. Take a second to admire the world in places you can't call home.
8. College is about way more than receiving an education.
Remember the days when your alarm didn't go off but it was OK because your mom, dad or sibling would have woken you up anyways? Or when you would have a home-cooked meal as often as you would have liked? Or when your only homework assignment for the week was a piece of paper? You'll quickly adapt to the crazy new lifestyle in some ways better than others.
9. People make mistakes; forgive them.
People aren't as perfect as we would imagine them to be. Holding grudges are just a waste of energy.
10. Always tell the truth.
What good did lying ever do anyways?
11. Always ask for help.
Stop wondering how something is supposed to be done or things you're unsure of. Always ask for guidance or help when it comes to a homework or life.
12. Crying is OK.
You're not supposed to have a smile on your face every single day.
13. Look at people in the eye.
Be able to hold a conversation without awkwardly looking around the room or suddenly becoming extremely interested with your nail beds. People will take you more seriously and it will make you come off as more confident.
14. Keep your friends close.
No relationship is worth putting a friendship on the line. Friends are the ones that will be with you through the good, bad and ugly, so treat them like it.
15. Always catch up with family and friends.
Spending 15 minutes on the phone every once in a while with the people you love will make their day, I promise you.
16. Be level-headed.
Be proud of your accomplishments that you've had, but don't brag about them. Your successes aren't to please anyone but yourself. Remember that.
17. Belt your heart out to every song.
I think this one explains itself.
18. Smile on your birthday.
It's the one day a year that's yours.
19. Now is the time to make a positive change in your life.
A new year's resolution doesn't need to happen on January 1 of whatever year has passed. Start your goal on a Monday or even the next day. Procrastinating positive change is just wasting your time.
20. Eating dessert first is always a good idea.
Because no one actually cares about the main course.
