10 Things You Shouldn’t Do In Your 20s
By Aida Dzafic
1. Don’t measure your success in relation to others.
This, out of all of them is the hardest. That’s why it is number one (duh!). Once you leave the bubble, which is also known as high school, you are on your own. Some of the most profound decisions happen in these hazy few years between when you are no longer considered a kid but not yet an adult. Have your own goals and future in mind. Don’t compare yourself to anybody. Sure, your best friend from high school is working on her second bachelors while you are still getting you first or your roommate from college is already married with a child. That’s their path. Not yours. Focus on the things that are important to you and walk your own path. Success comes when you are truly happy with the decisions that you’ve made and that you’re making.
2. Don’t move to another city, state, or country for him/her.
This one is more so for the ladies than it is for the guys. I tend to find that women are much more likely to uproot themselves and leave everything behind they love and are comfortable with for a guy. My advice is simple; DON’T. If he really loves you ladies, he will be back or wouldn’t be moving in the first place. This is not to say that you shouldn’t move if you really want to. If you are looking for the next big adventure and would love to do it with your beau, by all means go ahead. But don’t leave your friends and family behind if it isn’t quite something that you want for yourself in the first place just because you think you will never meet another guy like him. Chances are, you will or like I said, if he truly loves you, he will be back!
3. Don’t go to every party.
Just because you are invited or just because your BFF really wants you to go to be his/her wing woman/ man doesn’t mean you have to. It is quite all right to stay home and watch Netflix all by yourself. You don’t have to be the bar hopping friend every weekend. Take a break. Relax yourself. Everyone needs an uneventful weekend once in a while.
4. Don’t hack into your ex’s Facebook.
This one speaks for itself. You’d be surprised about the stories I’ve heard. Just don’t. Have some self-respect!
5. Don’t post Instagram photos of you at the gym all the time.
We get it, your healthy! Good for you! Don’t get me wrong, getting off your ass and heading to gym or yoga class is tough. Trust me even I throw in the towel sometimes and opt out for a night of watching football and eating ice cream. Be proud of yourself and share those accomplishments with your friends and followers in moderation. Key word being, of course, MODERATION.
6. Don’t be afraid to admit that you’re in love (to yourself).
Simply put, quit playing games! If you like someone go for it. Don’t play hard to get. Quit reading online advice that says that you need to wait the mandatory 20 minutes to text back or wait 48 hours to ask that special girl out on a second date. That’s all BS. If you like them, go for it. If you don’t you should say that too. The minute you stop playing games love becomes less confusing and more fun! (Note of caution: don’t be desperate, if she or he doesn’t txt back the first two times they never will and you should probably let it go.)
7. Don’t rely too much on text and email.
Take that expensive iPhone of yours and dial someone’s number and I don’t mean your mom. Text and emails are great and convenient but don’t be afraid of hearing another human’s voice. Actually, picking up the phone and calling someone is very genuine. If you are trying to get your dream job at a company don’t just email the recruiter. Pick up the phone and call them you would be surprised as to how many people actually answer and appreciate a phone call over an email. (Word of advice for all the boys out there, if you want to win over that special girl call her and set up a date don’t just text).
8. Don’t settle.
Never settle. And I don’t just mean in love I mean in everything that you do. If you don’t like the way you look. Don’t settle. Hit the gym and watch those sweets. If you don’t like your job, don’t stay. Leave. It’s scary, yes. However, you will find that you will be much happier and full of energy once you leave a job that you literally feel like is sucking your soul straight out of you.
9. Don’t be scared to let go and say goodbye.
Goodbyes are sometimes that hardest thing. I know that it was always the hardest thing for me. However, don’t be afraid to say goodbye to things that are not helping you grow and be happy as a person. If your high school sweet heart or your gf/bf from college is not making you happy anymore say goodbye in a mature and healthy way. Learn to let go and move on with your life. The same goes for friends you were once close with and now you seem like you just don’t have anything in common. Don’t force friendship or love upon yourself just because you are afraid to be alone. You’re never alone. There is always Twitter and Facebook.
10. Don’t be afraid to be single.
Embrace it. Love it. Cherish it. Trust me, there will come a time when your Friday night plans will evolve around company dinners and Saturday afternoons at your annoying neighbor’s play date. Enjoy your singleness and learn a new craft, pick up a new hobby, learn to play a new sport, go out and meet new people. When you are single you have time for yourself and you don’t have to compromise your time between what you want to do and what he/she wants to do. You do what you want!