They say no one likes you when you're 23, but hey, it's also your Jordan year so that's pretty special. 23 is still young and you should enjoy your life, but there are some things you should know how to do as you are now an adult. You have been able to vote for 5 years now and legally drink for 2. It's time to grow up just a smidge and make sure you have a handle on these 23 things:
1. How to dress appropriately.
You don't have to wear long sleeves all the time but you have to know what outfits are appropriate for the occasion. Don't wear the shorts where your butt hangs out when you are doing anything even remotely related to work, save those for the beach. You can have an array of clothing but just know when is appropriate to wear each.
2. How to handle a budget.
Most people do not have a lot of money at 23. You should know exactly how much you are spending each month, and know if you can cut that down if need be. Your bank account should never hit negative just because you are not paying attention to what you spend your money on.
3. How to stay organized.
Staying organized is the key to life. People who stay organized tend to stress less and have more fun. Keep a planner or some sort of calendar, set reminders on your phone. No one has a perfect memory so use tools available to help you keep a handle on your life.
4. How to clean every inch of your house.
Your house has many different rooms with different textures. You should know what kind of cleaner works on what. Not only should you know this but you should actually do it. By 23, people expect your house to not look like a frat house, sorry.
5. How to handle your alcohol and be responsible.
You're 23. Stop binge drinking. Yes you are still young and should still have fun but you need to know how to do this responsibly. Do not drink so much you have to call out of work or that you blackout and are just unsafe. Also plan your ride home from someone who is not drinking ahead of time.
6. How to listen empathetically.
Your friends, your family, and your significant other need you. Everyone has to vent sometimes and you should know how to be there when people important to you need you. Don't just hear what they are saying but really listen. They will be more likely to do this for you.
7. How to cook your own food.
You should not be eating out every meal of the day. By now you should know how to make more than just macaroni and cheese. Start with something small like baked chicken and work your way up from there. Get a cookbook, but learn how to cook yourself nutritious meals.
8. How to only buy what is on your list.
We all impulse shop, but you need to learn how to not impulse buy every shopping trip. Sometimes you need to stick to that list and the budget and only buy what you need or you may never be financially stable.
9. How to schedule all of your own appointments.
You are officially grown, sorry to be the one to break it to you. You are highly capable of picking up a phone and making your own appointments. Also, keep track of your appointments. You know that you need an annual check-up once a year. Schedule it a head of time and make your life easier!
10. How to associate yourself with the right people.
You should have already gone through your rebellious phase and your party phase. It is time to think about who is going to keep you stable, and who are the best people to have in your life. Unfortunately, not all friendships are forever. Know when you have outgrown someone.
11. How to dream.
You are only 23. There are plenty of adult things you need to know but you also need to know how to dream. You have your entire life ahead of you so go forth and do great things!
12. How to tip appropriately.
You may not have much money but neither do those servers. Do not short them on their tip when they have done nothing wrong. They are serving you whether it be a restaurant, delivery, hair dresser, nail tech, etc. Know how to tip appropriately no matter the service.
13. How to keep a connection with your family.
At 23 you may have moved out of the house from your parents. Whether you're 1 mile a part or 10,000 miles a part, you should keep in contact with them. If you can't visit regularly at least call them whenever you can.
14. How to change a tire or call for help if stranded.
You should know how to take care of your car and yourself. Know what to do if you get stranded on the side of the road. Have important phone numbers readily available and emergency cash. Also, know what to do if you are stranded with no cell service. These things do happen and it is always better to be safe than sorry.
15. How to be aware of your surroundings.
Human trafficking, mugging, shootings; these are all things that can affect you if you do not pay attention. You do not have to live your life in fear, in fact, it is better if you don't. Just be aware of what is happening around you and know what to do if something is making you feel uncomfortable.
16. How to eat responsibly.
Everyone likes a treat here and there but by now you should know what is good for your body. If you're eating a pack of salt with every meal and drinking copious amounts of soda or alcohol you aren't doing your body any favors. It is okay to splurge but you know your body best and you should know how to maintain it.
17. How to do your laundry properly.
By 23 you should at least know how to do laundry properly. No one separates their clothes every single time but you should at least know how to separate, what temperature to wash at, how much soap, how to bleach, iron, etc. These are important tasks and mom can't do them for you forever.
18. How to take care of another living being other than yourself.
Maybe you have a child, or a pet, or even a plant. These things all teach you how to take care of something other than yourself. In learning this it will ultimately make you a better person to others. Stop thinking about yourself with every decision and consider how it affects those around you.
19. How to not procrastonate.
By this age, you most likely have gone almost your entire life in school. Whether you are still in school or in the workplace, don't procrastinate. Turn your projects in on time. You know how to get it in on time so stop slacking and just do the work.
20. How to sew a hole in a sweater.
You don't have to go out and buy new clothes every time you get a hole. Sometimes you can fix them with a little patience. At 23 you most likely don't have much money so don't waste it. Just get some thread and a needle and believe in yourself.
21. How to keep up with the world around you.
Being up to date on the news of the world is extremely important. Set your phone to give you breaking news updates. You should have some way of knowing what is going on around you, if for nothing else for your safety.
22. How to be kind.
People are not kind to each other in today's day in age. No matter if you're having the worst day of your life, smile and don't take it out on others. Days progress and life move on.
23. How to have fun.
Life is too short. At 23 you are still young and you should live life to the fullest. There are plenty of things you should know how to do by this age but there is also plenty that you don't know and that's okay. Live your life, and have fun but know what is the responsible choice.
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