14 Signs You’re A 20-Something Who’s Actually Got It Together

1. You can control your temper.

Everyone gets angry, everyone gets upset from time to time. It’s normal. But there is nothing more alarming and off-putting than someone who can’t control themselves when they are angry. Anger is valid, irrationality is not. If you can’t control yourself enough to not be volatile towards the people who are important to you or even just AROUND you when you’re angry, you don’t deserve to be in public. Control your temper. Find a way to feel your feelings without making the world explode around you.

2. You know when to be patient.

Similar to anger, patience is one of the most important things you can get a handle on while you’re young. Projecting your impatience onto other people is almost never okay, and is going to quickly drive people away from you. Learn to wait. You’ll be a better person for it.

3. You’re honest.

Being dishonest is inexcusable. End of discussion.

4. You can (and DO) check your privilege.

All of us are dealt different hands in life and grow up under different circumstances. While obviously no one has control over how they come into this world, you 100% have control over how you allow it to define you. You have control at recognizing opportunities you have had or acknowledging struggles you will never know. You are in control over finding ways to learn more about a life you did not have, and for utilizing your privilege to benefit the world around you.

5. You don’t lose it when drinking.

Listen. We all know there’s a learning curve with drinking. And there’s no shame in partying or enjoying alcohol. What there is shame in, is not being able to handle your alcohol. We all have had nights where we had one too many and did something we weren’t exactly thrilled about the next morning. Fine. But you HAVE to figure out how to play nice and play well, or you don’t get to play.

6. You have control over your spending habits.

Splurging and treating yourself and doing what you want with your cold hard cash is totally your business. But just throwing money off of a roof because you CAN isn’t responsible, and you’ll regret it in the long run. Be smart with your money. Be purposeful. You don’t necessarily have to be money-blogger-obsessed about it, but get control over your wallet. You’ll never regret it.

7. You clean up.

Being a 20-something who continually and willingly lives in squalor is, quite simply, disgusting. Do your laundry. Clean your bathroom. Buy Windex. And if you just cannot be bothered, budget for a cleaning service.

8. You actually listen to people.

There is nothing worse than being around someone who refuses to only pay attention to what they themselves have to say. Don’t be that person. Listen to people, absorb what they’re saying. This doesn’t mean you’ll always agree with the or always even give a shit about what they’re saying. But that’s not an excuse to not listen. Bad listeners are bad people. Case closed.

9. You have no room for intolerance in your life.

It doesn’t matter if you’re 25 or 105 — intolerance looks gross at any age. You don’t have to like everything and everyone, but you do have to be respectful and understanding. Follow the ol’ golden rule: treat other’s the way you would want to be treated. Being actively judgmental isn’t funny or cute or a ‘bit’ — it’s simply inexcusable.

10. You know when to let it go.

Holding onto things long after they’re done and over is just exhausting. It’s a waste of your precious time and energy. Let things go. Don’t hold onto negativity and things that continue to hurt you. Never forget, but always forgive. It’s a much better look.

11. You are a grateful person.

Always always always say thank you. Be appreciative for what you have and grateful for the life that you get to live. Don’t be the person who takes things for granted. Don’t be the person who acts like they just deserve the things that are handed their way. Be present, be grateful, be gracious. Being a person who is thankful and humble will only make you happier in the long run.

12. You control your happiness.

They say that happiness is a choice, and in some ways that’s true. While sometimes there are outside and extenuating circumstances that hurt your happiness, ultimately being content and excited about your life is up to you. If you stay in a situation or around things that you KNOW are hurting your happiness, it’s up to you to take your life back. Don’t give your happiness away. Decide what kind of life will make you your personal best, and always seek that life.

13. You also control your sadness.

The truth of the matter is, you aren’t always going to be happy. Things will happen, emotions will come, and they won’t always be bright and shiny. But just like you need to control your anger and take charge of your own happiness, you need to learn to be sad too. Experiencing sadness and times when you feel ‘less than’ can be some of the most educational times of your life. You’ll learn more about yourself than you ever would have guessed during these times, so figure out how to be sad productively.

14. You are self-aware.

There is absolutely nothing in this world that will make you a better person than getting a solid grasp on your self-awareness. Knowing when you screw up, being able to acknowledge it, having a good idea of your strengths and weaknesses – it’s all key. There is nothing more refreshing than being around someone who is confident and self-aware. Absolutely nothing. Being self-aware will not only make you more attractive to others, but it will always (read it again: ALWAYS) make you happier and better off in the long run.