It always seems like today's generation of young adults is criticized for everything we do. Whether it be political beliefs, sense of fashion, or decisions of what to do with our lives, it seems as if we can't get a break. We are judged for every decision we make and every choice we decide upon. Whatever we do, it seems as if we're always told that we will regret that when we get older. Well, here's a news flash for you: maybe we won't.

It might seem a little hard to comprehend, but perhaps we have a better handle on life than we are given credit for. It might seem like a stretch, but maybe we know what we're doing. We grew up in a system where we had to plan our lives down to the smallest detail before we could even drive. We may have a better idea on what we're doing than everyone seems to think. Will we regret that when we're older? Maybe. But it's up to us to figure that out for ourselves, not for you to discourage us from living.

A lot of the time, we're doing something that means a lot to us. "You'll regret that when you're older" seems to be a phrase given frequently when in regards to tattoos. WE KNOW IT'S PERMANENT. We're not brainless. We understand that we can't go back. But hey, maybe what we want on our bodies is really important to us. Maybe we want to honor someone or something. Maybe we just think it's pretty. Either way, whether we end up regretting it or not, it's not up to anyone else but ourselves to do what we want with our lives and bodies.

This criticism is also thrown around a lot when it is considered with college and growing up. Major in any of the arts? Apparently you'll regret that. Don't want to go to college? You'll regret that too. Want a gap year? Don't you dare. It seems like everyone except you is in charge of your life. This is not the case. Nobody should be criticizing anyone else's choices if it's not harming other people. People need to find themselves; we're not done growing up once we're done with high school. What skin is it off of anyone else's nose if someone doesn't want to go to school? At least they won't wind up in crushing debt that way. It is possible to get a job and survive and be happy without a degree. We are not robots; not everyone has to take the same path to adulthood and happiness.

And if we do regret it when we're older? Oh well. "I'd rather live a life of, oh wells, than what if's." It didn't affect your life. It can't be taken back now. Everyone needs to stop being so offended by everyone and everything. People's choices are their own, and so what if they regret it? What if they regretted it if they didn't do it either? Who cares? It's over and done with, nothing to do about it now.

"You'll regret that when you're older." Or maybe I won't.