Let's be honest for a second.
Truly, completely honest.
Now, this may shock some of you, but not all millennials look at married life and a nine-to-five job, a house with perfectly-painted shutters, and a picket fence as "The Dream."
Some, in fact, look at a life like that and cringe. But is this so unbelievable?
In a world where us twenty-somethings are expected to have a degree, a potential partner, and a house in the suburbs by 25, it can all get pretty intimidating. But, here's an idea: What if we don't want the life that we're expected to lead? What if we want to see the world first and see just what we can do?
I know what you're thinking: What would you do instead?
Here's an idea.
1. Adopt a pet from the animal shelter
Dogs before boys, right?
2. Travel
Whether it's to somewhere 20 miles away, or somewhere 200 miles away, please travel. See the world, and then settle down.
3. Attend a concert
Or two, or three, or four. My point: Rock out while you can.
4. Get a degree
But here's the catch: It has to be in something you actually like, not just what will give you the biggest paycheck.
5. Discover your passions
Be it sports, arts, cooking, writing, whatever, find what you love, and then worry about finding the one you love.
6. Create a professional resume
In a professional sense, even for the job of your dreams that is far from stereotypical, it's important to know how to create a resume that highlights who you are.
7. Take a stand for positive change
Before you find The One, make the choice to find out how to make a difference, first. Be it gun control, abortion, or something else, stand up for what you believe in at least once.
8. Make a Tinder
Even if you swipe right and he's not Mr. Right, you have to try it out.
9. Go on dates
And lots of them, if you so choose.
10. Don't settle
I mean it. Ever. Before you think about spending forever with someone, think about if that person is what you truly deserve.
11. Get a spur-of-the-moment hairstyle change
A bob with bangs? And dyed dark purple? Um, YES!
12. Binge-watch a series on Netflix
So what if you stayed in your room for two days and lived off of potato chips? You watched a whole series, and that is an accomplishment!
13. Write
Books, poems, blogs, Odyssey articles, you name it, it's a source of creative expression that I highly suggest you try before you focus on finding a soulmate.
14. Read
Is there a series you've been meaning to finish, or one you've been dying to start? Pick it up.
15. Learn how to be an adult
From laundry to cooking to making our own appointments, we should be doing all of that single-handedly before we even think about spending the rest of our lives with someone
16. Learn another language
Oui, I'm serious. It can be beneficial in your career and in your personal endeavors.
17. Find out what wine is your favorite
Plus, who doesn't love a good wine tasting? Pass the moscato, please.
18. Plan a girls' trip
Plan a trip to the beach, a shopping trip in another city, or just a spa day. Whatever it is, spend as much time as you can with the ladies you love.
19. Practice self-love
You are a wonderful, intelligent, strong, funny, independent woman who absolutely does not need a husband! You have to love yourself first, honey.
20. Be okay with being single
Your twenties can be a crazy time. With all of these expectations being thrown at you, it's hard to know what you should do with your life. If you don't meet Mr. Right, don't freak. He's out there.
And if he's not, you'll be one successful b*tch on your own.
