The Big Long List of Things I’ve Learned in My 20′s
You can’t take anything personally. No one is thinking about you. They’re too busy worrying what you think of them.
Success is 5% timing, 5% who you know, 90% hard work.
Don’t quit Facebook. You’ll only look stupid when you come back
Don’t buy clothes that are rayon, ramie, or more than 50% polyester, unless you want them to be uncomfortable or fall apart.
Use carpet cleaner to get out stains in your clothes.
Even if you don’t have money, spend what you can on good bras.
One nice, basic piece from JCrew is better than ten pieces from Forever 21.
Whipping cream in your coffee is amazing, and worth every calorie.
Sometimes a job is just a job, and that’s ok.
Always find value in everything you do. You’ll be much happier that way.
Never be above any type of paying work. EVER.
If you don’t feel like finishing your drink, just don’t.
Those people who get under your skin, that you just can’t quite shake. You probably never will get rid of them completely, but it will get easier.
Liking someone’s Instagram photo means something.
Don’t get a pet unless you are actually ready to accept the time and financial commitment. You’re probably not ready.
Go to a music festival at least once so you can see that it’s fun, but also really gross and exhausting.
If they don’t text back…they don’t want to talk to you. And more importantly, you definitely don’t want to talk to them.
Always be solution oriented. No one wants to hear you complain, except your very best friends, and that’s only because they’d like for you to return the courtesy at some point.
If you keep getting yourself in different versions of the same situation. You might want to look at who the common denominator is.
Yes, you can throw away your TI-89 graphing calculator. Sure, it was expensive, but no you won’t ever need it again.
You don’t ever have to sound stupid if you take 30 seconds to reconsider or research. Always allow yourself 30 seconds.
Just keep a pair of headphones in all your bags.
Understand the grave importance of long-term savings.
The best nights are always the ones where you got dragged out against your will.
Order off the cocktail menu.
Trying to be skinny is very exhausting and not delicious or satisfying. Also NO ONE CARES.
There is always going to be someone younger and dumber. Conversely, there will always be someone older and wiser.
You can stalk your ex, as long as you are self-aware about how unhealthy it is.
Yes, LinkedIn DOES matter!
Never burn a bridge, no matter what kind of troll is on the other end.
Don’t let your credit card balance go beyond $500.
Go out of your way to make plans with friends. It’s the only way you will see them.
Travel as much as your budget will allow.
Work late. Work as much as you can.
If you’re on the fence about bringing a sweater…just bring it.
People in power will treat you like shit. Just nod and smile.
Bring your lunch, but go out to happy hour.
It’s easier to feel sorry for someone than be angry.
There are no bad people, just bad behavior.
Seek out a basic knowledge of wine.
Clean out your closet often. If you haven’t worn it in a year, it’s time to let it go.
Try to read the books you buy instead of stacking them all ¼ read on your nightstand.
Landlines are very useful and highly recommended.
Invest in your workspace.
The more you try to control your life, the less happy you’ll be it.
Always be adjusting your expectations…for everything.
It’s ok to meet your soulmate at 19 and never breakup.
It’s ok to be in a long term-relationship.
Don’t worry that you will die alone if you make it to 30 still single.
If you don’t like your situation, it’s up to you to change it.
No one is going to hold your hand.
NEVER say that you don’t have the tools or resources to do your job. It’s no one’s responsibility to lay it all out for you. Figure it out.
Don’t work at an unpaid internship for more than six months.
If you think you might need to go to the doctor, JUST GO.
Always have health insurance.
Set up an automatic deposit into a savings account, no matter how small of an amount it is. It’s just good to get in the habit.
If you find yourself in a bakery, order a pastry.
Just split the check evenly. Honestly, you’ll end up paying the same or less as what you owe, and no one will be stuck paying too much.
If you want to buy something but are hesitant because it looks like everything in our closet…that’s a good sign. It means you’ll actually wear it.
Invest in travel sized bottles.
Yes it does matter if you buy the expensive shampoo.
Get to know your neighbors unless it’s a super skeezy building.
Remembering small facts about someone goes a long way.
Work out for your sanity, not vanity.
It only takes one time to realize one-night stands are terrible.
You’re old enough to buy your parents real gifts for their birthdays and holidays.
Keep boxes of mac and cheese in the house at all times.
Drink water. More water than you think you need to drink.
Not every idea is a blog/podcast.
If you walk away from something you want to buy and you are still thinking about it two weeks later. Go back and buy the damn thing. Life is too short.
Take your vacation time, even if it’s to clean your apartment and watch TV.
It’s OK if your passion in life doesn’t involve acquiring Twitter followers or being “creative.”
It’s totally OK and sometimes necessary to just take a paycheck.
Try foods you think you hate every year or two.
Your hormones WILL change. Be ready for puberty 2.0.
Wear your retainers. If they don’t fit, be a grown up and get new ones.
No one is having a good time.
You don’t need cable, but it’s pretty freaking nice.
Invest in your friendships, even if it means a long drive or even a plane ride.
Try not to post everything on Facebook…some moments are better left unshared.
Don’t be scared of 30. It’s actually pretty damn great.
