The day I turned 20, I realized that I am at the start of this (absolutely terrifying) thing they call adulthood. Like any normal 20-year-old, I have no idea what I'm doing. But I have learned some valuable things over the years that I think can help all of us make it through this chaotic but fantastic new decade.
1. Your parents will probably always be the greatest people you’ll ever know.
Even if you don’t always agree with them, you wouldn’t be where you are today if it wasn’t for their guidance. Plus, they put up with you during your angsty high school years when you cried over boys and ignored curfew.
2. Experiences are more valuable than things.
Yeah, the new Sephora lipstick is absolutely gorgeous, but you’ll wear it every day and probably get tired of it after about a month. A night out with your girls will be more memorable.
3. Don’t wait until you have money to have experiences.
College is extremely expensive and you’ll probably question your whole life every time you order a burrito from Chipotle. But you don’t have to sit at home every weekend watching Netflix for hours. Go hiking, volunteer somewhere, take a short road trip—there are many fun things you can do without spending tons of money.
4. Let go of old grudges.
Whether it’s an old friend, a family member or an ex-boyfriend, grudges are toxic. You’ll be much happier when you learn how to forgive those who hurt you. And who knows—maybe they’ll want to forget about the past, too.
5. Enjoy the chapter you’re at right now.
In five years, when you’re working full-time and figuring out how to actually do adult life, you’ll probably wish you could be back in college. Make the most of the experiences you’re having right now.
6. Never forget about your high school friends.
Things change when everyone goes off to school and meets new people, but you should do your best to stay in touch. You got each other through your awkward years and made tons of memories that will probably always make you smile.
7. It’s OK to give yourself a break.
You might feel like you need to pull an all-nighter every few days, but you’ll just burn yourself out if you’re constantly stressed. Taking an occasional day off from studying to hang out with friends can be therapeutic and might be exactly what you need to get through the week.
8. But that doesn’t mean you need to party every weekend.
No, you’re not boring if you want to stay in and watch Disney movies instead of going out with your friends. Occasional time to yourself is an absolute must.
9. Be thankful you have a chance to go to school.
Yeah, it’s overwhelming when you’re up until 5 a.m. typing a paper you waited way too long to write—but there are so many people who can’t go to school that would love to take your spot.
10. Don’t give up on finding love.
As hard as it is to accept, it can take what seems like forever to find a guy that’s right for you. Just because things didn’t work out with that guy you went to Starbucks with twice doesn’t mean you’re doomed to being alone forever. Be patient.
11. But you don’t need to give every guy a chance.
Just because a guy is nice to you doesn’t mean you have to go out with them. Just because a guy shows interest in you doesn’t mean you have to go out with them. Your happiness comes first and you shouldn't feel obligated to do anything you don't want to.
12. Stay out of petty drama.
Nothing good will come out of yelling at your roommate that ate the last piece of pizza and left the box on the counter. Just throw it away.
13. Get out of bed before your last alarm goes off.
You’ll regret sleeping in when you awkwardly walk into class 10 minutes late and have to hide the fact that you’re completely out of breath from running. And when you have to leave class and buy a granola bar because you’re starving. Basically, you’re setting yourself up to have a bad day.
14. Don’t pass up a chance to meet new people.
Even if you feel like your friend group is already complete, talk to someone new in that class where you don’t know anyone or join a new club. College is incredibly stressful and you can never have too many best friends.
15. Growing up can be scary.
Anyone who says they’ve never cried after having their parents leave them in their dorm is just straight up lying. If you’re scared of growing up, you’re definitely not alone. Your true friends will be there to go through it with you—and so will your mom when you call her up at 11 p.m. freaking out because you don’t how to write a cover letter .
16. Nowhere will ever be the same as home.
Take advantage of the opportunities you have to go back home. The excitement of living in a dorm/apartment wears off after all of the fire alarms and nights eating Ramen with plastic silverware. It’ll always feel good to spend a weekend with your family and take naps with your dog.
17. There's nothing wrong with putting yourself first.
Not everyone will be supportive of you if you decide to quit a job or switch your major. But you have to make the best decisions for yourself. Life is too short to live it for other people.
18. Never bring down other girls.
We all understand how hard it can be to love the way you look and feel confident in yourself. Don’t make it harder for someone else to do the same.
19. Never bring down yourself either.
You’re doing the best you can and you’re amazing for that. Being nice to yourself is just as important as being nice to others.
20. You don't have to have everything figured out yet.
The reality is, you’re still extremely young. Think about it—you can’t even rent a car for like five more years. No one has it all together yet. Embrace 20 and enjoy the ride.
