Let’s face it, our lives are busy with classes, homework, work, families, errands, sleeping, children, etc. that most of us probably don’t even realize that Friday the 13th is approaching quickly this month. The number 13 has always been a number to avoid; always a number to be frightened of. In fact, on my street, there’s no house number 13 - it just got skipped because no one would want to live in a cursed house.

The entertainment industry even capitalizes on this horrid day. They use this day to make scary movies. I don’t see any other movies made about, say, Thursday the 12th, because it’s known that Friday the 13th is filled with curses and bad luck. Whether you’re superstitious or not, it’s better to be safe than sorry, right? So, in order to make the rest of the day, week, month of your life easier and not cursed, here are 13 things to avoid on Friday the 13th.

1. Changing your sheets

I don’t change my sheets every day, but I’ll be damned if I change them on Friday the 13th. If you were planning on changing them, I would reconsider. Wash them early, or sleep in those dirty sheets for one more day.

2. Passing a funeral procession

This one is kind of hard to plan since it’s not every day that you pass a funeral procession, but just be on the lookout. Be alert as you drive. If you happen to see what may look like one in the distance, turn that car right back around or take a side street.

3. Cutting your hair

Let that hair flow! Longer hair is cuter anyway.

4. Cutting your nails

Keep that nail clipper tucked away somewhere safe. If your nails really need to be clipped on Friday the 13th, try biting them off instead.

5. Starting a new job

Who starts a new job on a Friday anyway?

6. Traveling

Plan those trips ahead of time! Make sure to look at the calendar to see which days those travel plans fall on. You don’t want to get struck with bad luck when you’re out of town. That just sounds like a recipe for disaster.

7. Moving to a new home

Better wait until Saturday. Do you really want to be starting a new chapter in your life with a new home on a day that could potentially ruin it all?

8. Getting married

Again, do you want to start this new journey with your new partner on a day that may curse it?

9. Vowing your love under the moon

Friday the 13th is not a day for romance. Let’s hold those feelings in until the day has passed.

10. Going on a date

If you want to play it safe, it looks like you’re going to be lonely for one more day.

11. Spilling salt

Hey, just don’t use salt at all on Friday the 13th. That way you never risk spilling it and cursing yourself forever.

12. Getting out of your bed with your left foot first

I know I’m not conscious of which foot I step out of the bed with every morning. I don’t even know if it’s the same foot every time, but I know on Friday, I will be thinking about it.

13. Going outside barefoot

It’s too cold for that anyway this month!

Whether you believe in superstitions or not, why not take the safe route and follow the suggestions above for the day? Be smart and be safe, and don’t make any silly mistakes.