It’s okay to be selfish. Yes, I said it and I mean it. It’s okay to be selfish. Now, don’t take that out of context. I’m not saying to be mean to others, hurt animals or treat others horribly. However, in the 21st century everyone is always thinking about themselves. Everyone is out to make their life easier. People want to use others to get what they want no matter what it takes, and you cannot let that happen. Let me tell you why…

It may sound cliché, but if you lie down, other people will walk all over you. I don’t care if it is at school, at work, with friends or in a relationship, you cannot let other people take advantage of your niceness because unfortunately, nice guys finish last. If you’re too nice, people will take advantage of you. In no way, shape, or form am I saying to be mean to people. That’s not it. I am saying that you need to think about yourself. If that makes you selfish, then you’re selfish. You need to think about what will matter in the end. If someone doesn’t understand that you cannot hang out because you have a paper due or a test, then oh well. Clearly that person isn’t a true friend. True friends want to see you succeed. They want to see you happy. If they don’t understand…bye! If you’re being treated poorly by a significant other and they think it's okay to blatantly disrespect you and use you in order to make others jealous means they don’t respect your feelings or you at all. Not to sound harsh, but that means you need to think about yourself and get rid of this toxic relationship. Think about yourself for once. Don’t let other people control you. Don’t let people think you are too nice and take advantage of that.

Being selfish doesn’t mean that you hate others or that you don’t care about others. However, everyone else puts themselves first, so then why should you not think about yourself too? If you need to have a girls night or stay in and watch Netflix, then do so. If you need to go to the library and study, then do that. If you have been hurt before, realize that you cannot let that happen again. You need to stand up for yourself and realize what a strong person you are. People may not always get along. People may treat others wrong. However, treat others the way you want to be treated. You cannot expect everyone to act the way you do. I can promise you that if you think everyone acts as you do, you will be a very disappointed person. I can say that from personal experience. I know I have thought that people may be as thoughtful or kind as I wish to be and then am deeply disappointed when they prove themselves not to be. That’s why it’s okay to be selfish. It’s okay to put your feelings first. If you feel like going that extra mile spreads you too thin, don’t do it. Think about your well-being. If you’re not happy with your boyfriend or girlfriend any longer, then let go of that negative situation that is holding you back. Be selfish with your feelings. Be selfish with your time and know what is right for you in your heart to make the best of what this beautiful life has to offer.