Guess who is 17 years old this month? The Sims!

Feeling old yet? The features of the game may have changed along the years, but the reality of The Sims has always stayed the same. What was the biggest rule in The Sims? Don't die, right? The Sims were constantly struggling with their delicate lives while trying to maintain a life of luxuries. Sound familiar? Aren't we all attempting the American Dream?

There are some common concerns with moving into your new place, but you can learn from the way our Sims handled these situations.

1. Pay your bills

Unlike The Sims, you can't just use cheat codes in life to build-up your dream mansion with a 700-gallon pool, you have to pay your bills to keep from getting your valuables repossessed.

2. Lock your doors.

Burglars are real, they do break in, and they will steal your s***! The Sims were naive and often let robbers come in and out of their place. Well, this is real life and you should safeguard your assets!

3. Ask overbearing guests to leave.

It isn't as easy as The Sims made it. You can't just click on their heads and ask them to leave. But once you have a new place, people will come to check it out and you have to figure out a way to politely remove them from your new sanctuary. The Sims weren't offended by the directness of "Ask to Leave," but your friends/family might be slightly ticked-off.

4. Take care of your child.

Don't let social services walk into your child's room and take your kid away! If the baby cries, pick it up. This is actually quite simple. How many times has your kid been taken away in the middle of the night? Learn from it!

5. Clean up after yourself.

Do you want flies and mice hanging around your house? Don't end up crying over rodents, put your plate in the garbage and not on the floor. I remember the Sims were so nasty sometimes. They peed everywhere when they couldn't make it to the bathroom; they ate dinner and if the table was covered in plates, they placed their dirty dishes on the floor; and the garbage would stink and cause them to scream out but they rarely took the bag to the curb. Strange.

6. Know where your pool ladder is at all times.

Don't get stuck without a ladder. And if you are a forgetful Sally, buy extra ones just in case of an emergency. Think about it, ladders are kept outside. Do you have a padlock on your pool? It makes sense that you might get a ladder thief once in a blue. Be prepared!

Although these may be obvious, it helps to think about the realities of life in a different way. Let The Sims help guide you to a happy life!

Thank you Sims, you have made my childhood that much better, and given me the proper tools to survive this world of terrifying realities.