Let's face it: Your 20s are a hard AF time in your life.
Sure, everyone says being a teenager is worse and by the time you reach your 20s, you'll have everything figured out. But they lied.
You actually only start figuring things out in your 20s.
Relationships, friends, careers -- all of these things seem to blow up at the same time, and by the time you reach 25 you'll feel closer to 40.
But have no fear. I'm here to help.
Here are five ways you can ensure your happiness while figuring out your life:
1. Realize your true friends.
If you've read my other article about finding your true friends, you'll know there's a very small chance your friends in high school will last throughout your entire life.
The basis of your friendships change over time, and the things you place importance on when you're 17 are different than what you value as an adult.
Don't be afraid to let people go. If the thought crosses your mind, it means you're probably better off without them.
2. Don't stay in a relationship you've outgrown.
Unfortunately, as humans, we hold on tightly to what is familiar and what makes us comfortable.
A lot of that time, that thing is another person.
We enable ourselves to overlook their flaws, and reason with ourselves why we need to stay, even when we know we should go.
A sure fire way to waste your 20s is to hang onto someone you already know is wrong for you.
This time in your life is the best time to go out and explore, be alone, meet new people and discover who you are.
You'll be much better prepared when the right person comes along, and you definitely won't settle for less.
3. Be adventurous.
Like I mentioned earlier, your 20s are the time to go out and explore, in order to discover who you are as an individual.
Your responsibilities are present but they're probably not huge yet, so go out and enjoy the world.
Do things you're scared of, try new foods, hell, even talk to a stranger.
If you try new things now, there will be little for you to feel like you missed out on when you're older. You won't regret it.
4. Value your family.
If, like me, you're fortunate enough to have and live close by your family, you're lucky. Spend as much time with them as you possibly can.
At the end of the day, before your friends and your SO, there's your family. They're the people who know you best, who will be there when no one else will.
I didn't value my family so much as a teen. But, as I got older, I realized how much my parents cared about me and how much they had done for me.
I came to terms with my parent's mortality; they weren't going to be around forever. I didn't want to live with the regret of feeling like I had shut them out.
You'll feel so much more fulfilled knowing there are people who will unconditionally have your back.
If you aren't close with your family, now's the time to try and make amends.
5. Regret nothing.
You're young, you're going to make mistakes and you're going to get over them and move on.
Regret is for the weak -- own your choices and be proud of them. When you're older, you'll look back and feel accomplished knowing everything you did was for a reason.
(Yes, even dancing on top of that bar and being escorted out by security. When you're a mom that will be a legendary moment in your life to reminisce on.)
