24 things at 24

I made it to 24 (woohoo). Here are some things I’ve learnt up to this point:

DISCLAIMER: I asked my Mum what she would say to her 18-year-old self if she had the chance. Her answers included: ‘learn how to use technology’ and ‘have more male friends than female… then marry one of them!’ Safe to say, neither made the cut.

1.) People suck sometimes. It’s far easier and more enjoyable to not be one of those people.

2.) Cheap wine is great. Cheap prosecco is even better.

3.) You’re still going to meet women who aren’t feminists. Strange, I know, but it happens.

4.) Family are the most important thing, period. You would have to do an awful lot to disappoint them and even at your worst, you probably wouldn’t manage it. Unconditional love is a thing.

5.) Just because someone doesn’t reciprocate your effort in a friendship doesn’t mean they’re a bad person, they’ve just chosen to invest their energy elsewhere. The important friendships need to be nurtured. Take it as an opportunity to invest in people who value your time – it’s better for everyone.

6.) People change their career at 30. People change their career at 50. YOU ARE NOT MEANT TO KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO DO FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE YET, OR FRANKLY, AT ANY AGE.

7.) Some things are worth crying over; don’t ever feel silly for that.

8.) Equally, some things are not worth crying over. Cock-ups at work and losing your phone drunk fall under this category.

9.) Even those closest to you will hurt you. It might not be intentional but sometimes people are selfish without good reason. Try not to lose faith in them.

10.) Sometimes it’s more important to stand up for yourself than try to spare someone’s feelings. If someone has upset you, you have every right to call them out on it.

11.) Saving is important but never miss out on something because of money; there’s always a way to compromise.

12.) Looking after your body and looking after your mind go hand in hand. Move lots, eat lots, chill lots. You are your biggest priority.

13.) Call your grandparents more.

14.) Don’t let the fear of other people’s judgement stop you from doing things you enjoy. If someone judges or ridicules you because of the way you look or how you choose to spend your time then they’re probably not a nice person to have around anyway.

15.) Real friends would never try to make you feel stupid on purpose.

16.) Nothing is ever really as scary as you think it’s going to be. Whether that’s quitting a job, moving to a different city or going to a party you don’t know anyone at. It’s ok to feel nervous, but don’t let the possibility of failure stop you from doing new things.

17.) People will judge you for the WEIRDEST THINGS. Your diet, your clothes, your hair. It’s all very odd; just try to roll with it.

18.) If you feel isolated, reaching out to people can feel impossible, but how do you expect your situation to ever change if you don’t talk about it?

19.) If anyone ever tries to tell you New Year’s Eve is overrated, they’ve clearly just not had a good one for a while. I’ve never really understood why people seem SO adverse to organising plans on this one night of the year, but be the one to get your friends together - everyone ends up appreciating someone taking the lead.

20.) Fancy dress is always a good idea.

21.) I’m pretty sure I’ve decided there are no effective remedies for a hangover other than sleep. Keep your Bloody Mary’s the heck away from me.

22.) One word: moisturise.

23.) Always keep the phrase ‘manners cost nothing’ close to you; no one is above saying please and thank you.

24.) Everyone thinks their own Nan makes the best roast potatoes (FYI, my Nan’s were, in fact, the best).

Until the big 2 5 x