2O things I hope I still know at 2O

inspired by the The Buried Life article 20 Things I Should Have Known at 20

1. Forgive. It may seem like an idiotic choice to take a friend or more back into your life after they’ve made a mistake, but if they do apologize, letting them back in teaches them a lot more than leaving a void. Forgiveness is a weight lifted for everyone involved.

2. Give people the opportunity to miss you. If you’re constantly reaching out to someone, they’ll rely on you to keep the relationship going. Instead, play it cool; if you’re worth the effort, they’ll put it in.

3. Every parent fucks up their kid a little bit—as you will, one day. No parent can be perfect, and each tries to make themselves that much better than their own. Learn to love the parents you have, and love the scars they’ve given you.

4. Relish when people stare. It means you’re being different, original, and chances are you’re making someone laugh. Remember to despise the norm and deviate tastefully whenever possible.

5. Live for other people. We’re made up of an emptiness that can only be filled by other sentient beings. Happiness is something found in our relationships, and the more you put in, the more you get out of each.

6. Fuck regret. 7. Hold on to those elementary school friends, and everyone that matters in between.

Some of these people are the ones who matter the most to you in the end. It’s so easy to let friendships fizzle out, yet so rewarding to keep them current. Phone calls, letters, emails, Christmas cards, birthdays—there are a million reasons to stay in touch, and there is always value to rekindling old connections.

8. Wake up late, stay up all night, and chow down any time of day. Brunch is best. 9. Save the quarters, the rest is for the tip jar. Anything more will weigh you down. 10. Keep everyone’s secrets but your own. Your own secrets are simply a continued weight on

your psyche; let them go and you will free yourself, lifted up by the acceptance and understanding you will find in others. On the other hand, trust is at the heart of every friendship. To be trustworthy is to be the best of friends.

11. It’s always okay to ask for help. Swallow that pride. Even the best of us asked for help at some point or another. It’s the wisdom of many that makes us all wise.

12. When in doubt, do it yourself. Technology has given us too many crutches, we have to learn to be resourceful animals once more or all creativity will be lost. Who needs 8tracks? Make your own playlist.

13. Don’t shove off ‘the classics’ for old people. There’s a reason why they’re timeless. 14. Don’t buy your music. Unless you’re supporting a friend or struggling artist, cheat the system

when it serves you well and zero repercussions. This goes for all things. 15. Sit on the floor. 16. Walk barefoot. 17. A smile translates above all else. 18. “If you don’t run out of breath, you’re going to run out of time.” Working up a sweat not

only releases endorphins in your brain, it helps you breathe easier, see clearer, and live longer. Stay healthy, be happy, keep at it.

19. Random acts of kindness are important. These matter in the most monumental ways to the people who receive them, and they cost so little on the part of the giver.

20. The secret of youth is nothing more than knowing how to shock the old.