Can I have your attention ladies and gentlemen?

As adults we make decisions on a daily basis. We decide what time we wake up, what time we eat our meals, whether we decide to eat well-balanced meals or not, whether we squeeze a workout at the gym on a daily basis, whether we go to work or to class, who we should befriend or unfriend, and when we go to bed.

There are decisions out there that if you do not think twice about, there shall be major consequences. Some of those decisions who you decide to associate with, whom you choose to date, whether you should go to that party or not, whether you should choose to drink or abstain from drinking, whether you should remain abstinent until marriage or hook up with that guy you just met a few minutes ago, abiding by the honor code, and saying no to drugs. The problem in our society is that we like to indulge in temporary pleasures instead of thinking of the long term consequences. We would rather be kissed by a lie than smacked by the truth up front. We would rather jump right into a relationship and go 0 to 60 in 3 seconds than think whether we could see ourselves marrying that specific individual which causes heartbreak, conflict, and unfortunately yes, a long string of exes. Unfortunately, many girls believe that they "need" a significant other in order to live a significant life. We would rather cut corners for the ones that we love than be boldly loyal to those whom we consider our family.

We are all guilty of making poor decisions. I know personally that I have some regrets. I have said and done things that I should not have done. Poor planning, poor choices. Hearts broken. Friendships terminated. Sometimes I wish (just like everyone else) that I could go back in time and make things right. However, traveling back in time is not possible. Also, these poor decisions have taught me (as well as every single person in this world) important lessons that I will carry on for the rest of my life.

Here are some of the lessons that I have learned over the years of independently making decisions:

1) Don't make any major decisions after 7 pm. Thinking about breaking up with your significant other? You're already exhausted from a long day at school and work. Your mind will not be functioning at 100%. You will be emotionally swamped and stressed and you will say and do things that you will regret. If you are angry, hit the gym. If you are cranky, go to bed and get some sleep. The last thing you want is to spend a sleepless night sweating over what you did that evening.

2) You will regret that hook up, doing drugs, and/or getting drunk. Fortunately, I have never participated in either of these actions and I do not plan on doing so ever. Do not let your guard down. These short term pleasures are not worth it.

3) If you tell the truth, you do not have to remember anything. The sooner you make the truth clear to your significant other, your friends, your family, etc., the better. You might get scorned and ridiculed and people might reject you, but the truth will always win out in the long term. Tell the truth, all the truth, and nothing but the truth.

4) Be careful of who you trust and who you associate with. People will say one thing, but do another thing. Choose your significant others carefully. They might seem perfect, but their flaws can be the downfall for any relationship.

5) Make sure that you stick by your morals. Do NOT lower your standards for anyone. It's not worth it.