When you're in your 20s, I know drama is the last thing you want to happen.
I know your college commitments, internship or obsession about getting the perfect job is complicated enough already, and you don't have time for unnecessary drama.
But, it can be hard to avoid it when you're surrounded by friends or co-workers who love to gossip.
So, here are 20 simple things you can do to make your life free of drama:
1. Stop checking your social media news feed constantly.
Whether it's your Instagram, Facebook or Snapchat, many social media platforms only accommodate your jealousy and obsession with other people's lives.
2. Don't get involved with gossiping.
Always remember those who gossip with you will gossip about you. Don't be too close to these kinds of people.
3. Mind your own business.
If you want to get involved in people's problems, make sure it's only because you sincerely want to help them.
4. Stop faking.
Faking your own attitudes will only make you tired emotionally. If you can't handle your temper in a critical situation, get out of the room and calm yourself down before you're talking with others.
5. Say "yes" or "no" and truly mean it.
Agree or disagree, like or dislike, want it or not. Say the truth without confusing hidden messages behind it.
6. Speak up about the things that threaten your well-being.
Being silent about something that really bothers you will only complicate things. Put yourself first, and find a good way to communicate things with other people to be understood.
7. Lower your expectations toward everything.
This will save you from the pain of being disappointed and broken-hearted.
8. Stop thinking and worrying too much.
You don't have to figure everything out in one night. Chill and remember everything takes time.
9. Don't take people's opinions of you too personally.
Because what really matters is your own opinion, and nobody knows you more than yourself.
10. Surround yourself with easy-going people.
More often than not, they don't really care about other people's appearance and artificial things because they only want to make friends. (And most of them are usually sincere).
11. Believe in your intuition.
As clichéd as it is, your gut is mostly right. Don't go against it.
12. Stay focused on your dreams.
Fill your spare times with positive things, and focus on your goals until you don't have time to get involved in unnecessary drama.
13. Stay out of toxic relationships.
If you feel like you're being emotionally abused by your friends or significant other, don't think twice about leaving the relationship. Just do it immediately.
14. Stop chasing people's attention.
You have to realize attention and love should be effortless, not a huge obstacle to achieve.
15. Try to be comfortable being on your own.
Don't be too clingy because being dependable is sometimes the main source of drama.
16. Practice mindfulness and body awareness.
Drama can happen because you're too clumsy, and clumsy attracts problems. Try to always be present in everything you do.
17. Talk less, listen more.
Stop dominating the conversation and try to understand others.
By practicing active listening, you'll avoid unnecessary debates with others.
18. Don't be ashamed to apologize.
Being the one who says sorry doesn't mean you're weak; it means you're more mature.
19. Live healthily.
Try to exercise regularly and avoid junk foods. Remember health problems can be dramatic, too.
20. Think positively about the universe.
Most of the time, the universe gives us exactly the things we think about.
So, when you think positively, you'll attract positive things, and vice versa.
At the end of the day, the drama will only happen if you create it. I've tried almost all the things on the list, and my life has been going fine and peaceful (even though sometimes it feels boring).
Always remember you are your own master of life, and if you can control yourself, you can control the drama as well.
This article was originally written by Rayi Noormega for Unwritten.
