Admit it. We've all been there: afraid of what our parents will think of our next decisions and what will happen when they find out that we took the path they didn't exactly want from us.

Whether it's about school, work, relationships, or other life-altering topics, never forget about yourself and making your future one that you will want to live with. You know yourself the best in most situations, and if your heart is telling you to go against some of your parents' wishes, maybe it's time to listen to it.

This doesn't mean losing a small sense of maturity. Listening to your parents' suggestions is a very good option. Hearing them out and making your decisions based on some of their input and suggestions is not a bad idea. After all, your parents are older and wiser and have lived a longer life than you have. They have seen life's ups and downs.

However, when you start to live your life afraid of disappointing your parents, is when you should take a step back and evaluate your own happiness. Remember that your parents will not always be there, and, in fact, you are the only one who will always be there for yourself. You are the only one constantly stuck in the decisions and choices you make, so don't let them all be decided on what your parents believe is right for you.

Parenting should be about giving suggestions, but not forcing your child to make the decision that you have in mind for them. It's important to listen to your child just as much as it is for them to listen to you. There is always something to learn in this life, and having a child means there is someone new to teach about what life has to offer.

Don't give up your dreams because you're afraid to let your parents down. If you don't want to be a doctor, don't. But in everything that you do, do it with a purpose. Do it for yourself and your own happiness, and instead of being afraid to let your parents down, be determined to prove that your choice was the right one. This is when you will truly make the right choices for yourself.

A valid argument: My parents raised me, gave me everything they could and the least I owe them is to do what they want me to.

Yes, your parents may have lived most of their life making sure you were fed, clothed, happy, and on the right track, but turning eighteen means the choices you make can be your own in some circumstances. I am not advising you to suddenly forget your parents and be completely on your own! You will find that your parents will need to continue helping you once you reach 'adulthood.' I am just saying that the best way to learn how to be yourself is to make difficult choices on your own sometimes.

Date that person you think you could fall in love with, but know when to walk away if you have to. Make friends who your parents might not agree with, but don't give in to peer pressure. The world could use a bit of understanding and reaching out to different types of people. This creates friendship, diversity, and acceptance. Go to the college you've been dreaming about, and if you can't afford it, talk to your parents and help them understand the decision you want to make. If they refuse to help you, work your ass off, proving to them that you are capable of putting your future into your own hands.

Work hard and follow your dreams. Don't stay miserable in a major that your parents decided for you. If you hate biology, chemistry, or pre-medical classes, don't worry about being the doctor your parents always dreamed for you to be. If you want to be a doctor, but your parents have little faith in you, hit the books and show them your worth.

Most importantly: Don't be afraid to be wrong. Don't be afraid of failure. Don't be afraid to apologize for a decision that turned out to be the 'wrong one.' Part of life is learning from your mistakes and experiencing difficulties and hardships. Making mistakes and learning from them shapes you into the person you will be in the future.

Live for yourself, not your parents. They will not always be with you, so it's important to work on your happiness at a young age. Be responsible and remember to learn from your own children one day, too. Do not be afraid of falling down; be afraid that you will be too scared to not get up and try again. Live for your happiness!