You're 18 and you have your whole life ahead of you. You have prom, high school graduation, going to college and just diving into the world around you. There are so many things on our minds at 18 that it seems like we're supposed to be worrying about every little thing. 18 isn't the age you get hit by the stress bus but sadly that's how it's portrayed in society. Here are some things that even though you might be, you shouldn't have to worry about at 18.
1. What you want to do with your life.
With the stress from parents, peers and counselors we get this idea that the moment we turn 18 we need to have our whole life mapped out. That's true. In the world we live in today there are so many options for us. Don't know if you want to go to college? Take a gap year. Don't know what you want to study? Go undeclared or liberal arts. All the pre-requisite classes are pretty standardized. You won't be shunned by the world if you wait until your second year to decide what you want to do with your education.
2. Debt.
Yes I know its better to plan out your finances now so you're okay in the future but it shouldn't be weighing on your mind while your getting ready for the best years of your life. You don't have to figure it all out on your own. You have parents, financial advisers, school guidance counselors and so many other people more equipped to handle your finances. Right now you should worry about the essentials.
3. Not fitting in.
You are 18 and still trying to truly find yourself. There is no need to worry about what the "popular" people think of you. When you all go away to college, they won't be the popular ones anymore; they'll be like everyone else. In college, you'll find your place and a group of people who accept you and share the same interests. Don't worry about it right now because most of these people you won't ever need to interact with again.
4. Serious relationships.
If you are one of the truly lucky and have found the love of your life, I applaud you. The truth, however, is that most of us haven't. You could date someone for months, maybe years just to find out it isn't going to work. Don't sweat it. You are so young and full of potential. You'll find the one once you've found yourself. You won't know who suits you best until you know yourself.
5. Toxic people.
At 18 we are so vulnerable to the issues that surround us. Don't waste your time entertaining people that bring you down or drag you into trouble. Now is the time to surround yourself with positive friends that will be there for you. The next few years are going to throw a lot of different situations at you. You need people by your side that will pull you up when your down and push you when you're low on motivation.
6. Other people.
This isn't me saying that you need to be selfish and ONLY think of yourself. This is me saying that at 18, you don't (or shouldn't) have anyone to take care of. Of course if there's a specific family circumstance, that's one thing. But right now, most of us don't have kids, a husband or any other responsibility. If there is any time in your life to be at least a little selfish, that time is now. In a few years you will have to settle down and care for others. Embrace the moment to do what you want.
7. Being busy 24/7.
You are young and like I said in the last point, you don't have too many responsibilities. Don't think that you are doing something wrong just because you're not out and about every minute of the day. Take time to relax and enjoy your time before you have to work endlessly to make a living.
8. Having "What's In".
You don't have to by that shirt or shoes or whatever just because everyone else has it. Buy what you like and what you feel represents your style. This isn't the time to look like everyone else. This is the time to embrace your differences and stand out and look how you want. You can look like the rest of the old people when you're older but right now, rock your style.
9. Partying.
No one is going to judge you if you'd rather not go out every Friday night. Don't feel that your worth is gauged by how many beers you can shotgun and people you can hook up with. In 10 years they're all going to be looking back dying from embarrassment when they realize just how many drunk hookups they had. If you are the party type and want to go wild, go ahead, but if you're not? Don't worry. No one is going to look back and judge you for never participating in their Friday night escapades.
10. Sleeping with a lot of people.
This is some what related to the last point. You are 18, you don't need to worry if you are sleeping with too many or too little people. If it's too many, make sure you're protected. If it's too little, don't worry because again, no one will judge you for not getting with every person you had an interest in. This is the time to do what makes you feel alive. If it's having one night stand after the next, cool. If it's saving yourself for people special to you, also cool.
11. Being anything other than 18.
You are young, you are strong, you are vulnerable, you are free and you are also a little responsible. We are so many things at 18 that we need to make sure we're not sweating the small stuff. Don't worry about being popular or hot or a party animal. Just worry about being 18 and finding yourself in this crazy world like the rest of us.
