As you grow up, you start to hit more obstacles. You end up in weird and crazy situations. You lose friends you thought would be around for ever. You may stop being close to parents. The dating game becomes something you just have to get into. But through all of the things you start to face and battle, you learn. Here's 5 things though that you need to realize and learn before leaving the nest.

1. Realizing that even though you would do it for them, doesn't mean they'd return the favor. And that's okay. But realizing this sooner rather than later is important. As you carry on through life, you'll meet people who will take advantage of your kindness and selflessness. There is going to be days when someone will call you up at 3 in the morning. You'll answer and listen to them cry about their boyfriend leaving them, but when you try to call at midnight because you're struggling to keep a smile on your face....they'll just hit the reject button. You're going to do so much for other people, just realize immediately that not all of them will do the same for you. If you expect less, things hurt less when they don't come through for you.

2. Saying "NO" is okay! Saying no to anything. Drugs, alcohol, advances you're not comfortable with, etc. Work on self control. You really don't need that new purse. Yeah, I know its cute. But you don't NEED it. Being able to say no, especially when you're a Yes Man type person, it will be beneficial. Say no. Tell you're friends you don't want to go out because you can't afford it. Work on not just saying no to others, say no to yourself too. No, I really don't want to go to school there because I don't want all that debt. No, I really don't like this major anymore because I can't see myself actually doing this all my life. Essentially, being able to say no not just to others but yourself, can help improve your happiness.

3. Cutting off toxic people is acceptable...and great. If someone is not doing anything to improve your life. They tear you down constantly instead of bringing you up, hold the door open for them. They aren't needed in your life. This includes family members as well. Don't let someone who should love you bully you and ruin you. Don't ruin your dreams and aspirations because someone who didn't go far in life is telling you that you can't. You can. And you can kick them right the heck out of your life. Don't feel guilty for doing what you need to do for you. You are the most important thing, not their opinion or their negativity.

4. Doing what's best for you, you owe no explanation. That means if you want to up and leave, you do it. If you want to quit your job and find a better one, do it. At this point in life and next few years to come, you have no real commitments. You can literally do anything you want. As long as what you're doing is going to benefit you and your happiness, you don't need to explain yourself. It is YOUR life. No one else's. That just means though, that any consequences of your actions, you are responsible for.

5. Even if things aren't super great right now, doesn't mean they won't work out. This is probably one of the things you need to learn and realize quickest. Life takes twist and turns you wouldn't expect. You have to be open minded. Maybe what your original plan was, didn't work out. You're probably stressing, trying to figure out what's next. Just breathe. Be patient. Things will work out how they are supposed to. It takes time, but things fall into place.

There are quite a few other things that you should learn and realize before leaving the nest. Ultimately, your happiness is what's important.