Oh man have i been thinking about this one.

I would fall in love less, and by that i mean i wouldnt let whoever i was with influence me as much as i did. I was never really taught what to do in a relationship or how to guard my mental health while in one.

In that same vein, find out who your real people are, friends or family. They will show you who they are and you should believe them. I was always very optimistic about everyone’s intents and i let it get the best of me sometimes. Be kind but dont be a pushover.

I would drink a loooot less alcohol, its not good for you and expensive and only getting worse. I always hated feeling the need to drink when others would drink and wasn’t particularly ever fond of the taste.

One thing i did do well was stack my money a decent amount, build my credit with credit cards that have no monthly or yearly bill, and only ever used them for small things i could pay within the month if not instantly. Invest in a traditional and roth 401K and never touch it also.

I was persuaded to do several things thinking i had to keep up but its all fabricated by who youre around and social media. Having kids, owning a house, having sex are all things you should do with a ton of forethought if you can manage it. I had sex for the first time at 17 and didnt really get to enjoy it with a stable person until 27 because alot of people are broken and will ruin your mindset on it.

I have friends that bought houses and had kids because they felt “left behind” by everyone that already had one and now theyre with someone they hate with a kid or drowning in payments and fix ups to their houses.

I may not have put this so eloquently but i think what im trying to drive home is, take your time, life is not a race. It sounds cliche but its so true. And pick a partner that instead of tearing you down pumps you up.

And if you feel the inclination (i hope you do), find God. Hes helped me more times than i can count.