Twenty, the age where you're officially no longer a teenager, but you're still not able to drink... legally.
Twenty, the age where you're 1/5 of the way through your life... or maybe 1/4.
Twenty, the age I'm turning next week.
Twenty, the age at which many Odyssey writers believe you should be all-knowing.
Well, guess what? I am still a complete wreck in certain areas of my life. And I think that's completely OK. So stop stressing about all of the things you should know how to do by the time you turn 20, and instead take solace in the fact that it's okay to not have everything figured out just yet.
Here are 20 things it's okay NOT to know by the time you turn 20:
1. Who you're going to marry.
I don't know about you, but with all of the pressure from family, friends, and social media out there it seems like were supposed to meet our husband freshman year of college, graduate, and then get married. However, I'm not going to college to get my Mrs. Degree and it's perfectly okay (even encouraged. to be single and find yourself in your 20s.
2. Where you belong in the world.
Guess what? Some people search for their place in this world for their entire lives. Some people never believe they find it, but I think your place in this world finds you-not the other way around. Give it time.
3. What your future career will be.
Some people don't find their lifetime career until they're well into their 40s. It's okay to keep searching and changing your career path. You only have one life, don't settle for mediocrity.
4. Where you want to live.
Where are you going to move after graduation? Where do you want to raise your family? It's okay not to know yet. You have plenty of time to travel the world and find your happy place.
5. Your 10-year plan.
"Where do you see yourself in 10 years?" that seems to be a fan favorite around the dinner table. Well, my favorite response to this question comes from the great Woody Allen, "If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans." That'll shut them up real quick every time.
6. How to be a responsible drinker (every once in a while).
You're only 20. Technically, you're not even allowed to drink yet; so if you still have nights where you get blackout drunk and lose your shoe, that's okay. Don't beat yourself up over it, but rather be grateful that you're still young enough to avoid having a horrendous hangover.
7. How to always appear put together.
First of all, always being put together is impossible. Second of all, I mean both mentally and physically. Let yourself have bad days, we all have them.
8. How to win everyone over.
This is unrealistic. Not everyone is going to like you and you will never like everyone. But hey, f*ck it, am I right?
9. How to not have mental breakdowns.
Mental breakdowns are perfectly healthy- in moderation. Allow yourself to feel everything without judgment. Your feelings are ALWAYS valid.
10. How to be successful.
You will still make mistakes. You will still lose jobs. You are still imperfect and that is what makes you human.
11. How not to procrastinate.
College is made for 10-page research papers that are written in one day and finals cram sessions. You can absolutely try to study ahead of time, but know that it may not always be a possibility.
12. How to be completely independent.
Sometimes you'll still need to lean on your parents or your friends. Reaching out for help does not make you weak, it makes you strong.
13. How to live life with no regrets.
It's okay to have regrets. The important thing is to not let those regrets hold you back, but rather to use those regrets to grow and prevent future regrets from being made.
14. How to eat "clean."
A) There is no miracle diet. Eating is all about variety and moderation. B) You're still young enough that you can eat anything you want- enjoy this time.
15. How to "adult."
We're all still figuring this sh*t out.
16. How to always do the right thing.
You're going to make mistakes. But that's a good thing! If you never made mistakes, then you'd never grow. Embrace your mistakes, no matter how big they are.
17. How to cook a five-course meal.
I don't know about you, but my apartment and my budget does not allow for me to be Betty Crocker's second coming.
18. How to be completely selfless.
Your 20s are probably the last time you're going to be able to be selfish. Learn to love yourself and make time for yourself during your 20s.
19. How to have perfect relationships.
I'm pretty sure that f*ckboys don't just magically disappear when you turn 20. Grow from each relationship, but know that you will still make mistakes.
20. How to be productive 100% of the time.
Sometimes a mental health day is exactly what the doctor ordered.
