Being 20 is like being blessed with a tornado of responsibilities and freedom: a blessing and a curse. I’m finally at the point where I can make decisions by myself that I couldn’t make while living under my parents’ roof. But at the same time, I’ve had to learn life lessons through trial and error by myself. Here's a list of life lessons every 20-year-old should know by now.
1. Set Standards
Having standards can sometimes be seen as being too picky or critical. I think this is the opposite, though, because at least you have an idea of what you want for yourself. Don't settle for anything less than you deserve.
2. Nobody is perfect
If you don't know this by now, you've been living in a fairy world. It's okay not to be perfect. In fact, I'd rather be defined by my mistakes than being seen as the 'perfect' one. I've lived and learned through trial and error.
3. Friends aren’t forever
I can't tell you how many ex-friends I have. Not because we turned against each other and fought to the death, but because it's natural for people to fall apart from each other. Don't stress, just turn that frown upside down and continue on.
4. Be frugal
You gotta be strong.
5. Be flexible
Sometimes there will be times where you can't go by a textbook. You're going to have to make it up as you go along. Just know that it's not the end of the world; everything will work itself out eventually.
6. Enjoy the serenity of being alone
Being around people 24/7 can sometimes be draining. Enjoy the time you have to yourself and don't be intimidated by the quietness. It could be what you need to gather your thoughts and energize yourself.
7. Gain friends, not followers
My best friend says this to me all the time. You don't want followers when you're in a crisis, you want your true friends who you can depend on. Followers are only around when they want something from you.
8. Time is valuable
I learned this one the hard way. Don't continually give your time to people who wouldn't do the same for you. Your time shouldn't be something to take advantage of.
9. It’s okay to not have all the answers right away
You're not Mary Poppins or God. You don't have to know what you want to do with your life right away. You don't have to know what you're going to have for lunch tomorrow. Everything will be okay.
10. Banish pride
Pride will kill a relationship or marriage. Just admit you're wrong and move to improve. No one likes someone who acts all high and mighty when they clearly are not.
11. Find your “person”
Everyone should have at least one person you can call when you need to drag a dead body out of your house no questions asked. And when you do find them, keep them and never take them for granted.
12. Collect memories, not objects
Who cares you bought a seashell at a convenience store when you were in Barbados. Wouldn't you rather have the memory swimming with dolphins and snorkeling?
13. Trust yourself
Trust your gut and don't be afraid to let yourself go of a toxic situation. There's nothing worse than being dragged deeper and deeper into something that will set you over the edge in the end.
14. Learn to ask for help
Don't be afraid to ask help from your friends, family, professor, or your neighbor. Most people will help those who reach out to them to keep faith in humanity.
15. Decisions get made with or without you
I cannot tell you how many times I would come home and realize everyone made plans without me, even if it included me. You just have to learn how to confront those situations and make your voice heard if you feel uncomfortable in any way shape or form.
16. It’s not going to be easy
Nothing is ever easy, so I don't know why I thought adulting would be any different. Just ride the roller coaster and pray you won't fall off.
17. Who cares if people judge you, do you
Don't pay attention to the haters and their words. They talk to bring you down. Show them who's boss and don't give them a rat's as$$ of your time.
18. It’s okay to make mistakes
By no means are you expected to be perfect. If you're in an environment where you feel like you can't make mistakes, then get out fast. It's unrealistic and unfair.That's not a healthy environment because obviously, people make mistakes.
19. Live in the present
Don't stress about due dates in the future or past drama that's been resolved. Live in the present and focus on how you can be better NOW, not later.
20. Be brave. Be bold. Be free
Lastly, don't be afraid to be yourself. Even if you make a fool of yourself, at least you're living your own life the way you want to, not the way some ex-boyfriend or girlfriend wanted you to. Live young, wild, and free my friend. No regrets.
