The day this article is published, I’ll be 19. I would write 19 things instead of nine, but it turns out nine is actually the perfect amount to describe what I’ve learned and what matters to me.

1. There’s no such thing as too many snaps, claps, hugs, kisses, compliments, etc. No one regrets showing affection.
2. Ask the woman who serves you food about how her day is going. Ask the man who scans your groceries if he’s seen any good movies lately. Build the courage to simply ask. But don’t ask just to ask, then it’s not worth it. Take yourself off your pedestal for a moment and listen to them, understand that even as they hand you your scanned library books, cappuccino, or groceries — you are not in any way above them.
3. There will be people who make you uncomfortable, they’ll make you squirm in your seat and you’ll start to think that you’re not enough. Don’t let them have the upper hand. They’re just as human as you are. So listen to them with an open heart, but don't let them diminish who you are.
4. Heartbreaks happen. Whether it’s from a parent, friend, boyfriend, girlfriend, or whoever; they happen. You will feel like there’s no way of getting over it, and maybe you don’t, and maybe you do. Don’t shut people out, don’t heal by putting up more walls. If you do, how will you meet the people who make you experience the emotions only Fitzgerald and Hemingway write about?
5. You will not find yourself in the person you like. Sure, they can challenge you and make you see the world for what it’s made of, but they will not give your life meaning. You can call yourself a hopeless romantic, but don’t deem yourself as naïve. Learn to love yourself, don’t let someone do it for you.
6. Pride can be the biggest downfall. You can understand your strengths and what makes you, you; however, looking at someone from above doesn’t earn respect.
7. When a friend asks you what’s wrong, tell them. Put down your walls and acknowledge that the world isn’t out to get you. Then, you can see the beauty of humanity in the way they listen to you and comfort you. Let the world know what you’re feeling.
8. Clichés are ok to believe in, just don’t define yourself as one.
9. Surround yourself with people who remind you of the warmth of the sun. Carry yourself as who you are, not who you want to be in the eyes of other people. Don’t compromise who you are to gain petty acceptance. Stick you what you believe and how you see the earth. If someone can’t accept that, love them anyways.