Hindsight is 20/20.
Isn’t that, right? Most of us have already had that realization with our past choices, whether that be the people we’ve dated, the things we’ve spent our money on, or other rather terrible life choices.
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You’re not alone in this either. In a viral Reddit thread, users shared the things they wish they had known earlier in their lives.
Who knows, maybe their mistakes will serve as your wake-up call?
Take care of your teeth and body when you are young
This came from a “47-year-old dude with bad knees from playing sports.” Oh, how true it is!
Aim to brush and floss twice a day and eat healthy, exercise, sleep lots, and drink enough water.
You are only responsible for yourself
“You cannot and should not try to control others even if you think you’re being charitable. Similarly, don’t let other people control your emotions.” – u/creepercrusher.
Good advice more people should follow!
Save your money
“I know it makes me sound like a grandfather but holy [expletive] if I saved my money I worked hard for in my early 20’s instead of pissing it up against the wall on good times I would have 3 houses by now. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. Save your money….” – u/Old_Dingo_2408
Wear sunscreen
Unless you want super leathery skin in your 50s or an increased risk of skin cancer, you will lather up. Not just on sunny days, either! Sunscreen should be applied 365 days of the year.
Don’t sweat the small stuff
“Imagine all the time that you spend worrying about your embarrassing moments. Now understand that almost everyone else does the same. Nobody is thinking about your embarrassing things. Just their own. I find this idea freeing.” – u/mustardisntsoup
Do as much as you can while you can
“Whatever it is you are debating, as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone, and isn’t illegal, try it. Not trying it is going to weigh on you far more than any minor embarrassment you may get from trying it.” – u/Correct-Champion-488
You are only young once, but you can be immature forever
“Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional,” another Redditor added. Oh, how true this is! You might not like the idea of growing up, but you don’t have to lose your sense of wonder.
Document everything
“A lot of people have bad intentions and are looking to screw you over for their personal gain. Having things documented and on paper will prevent them from taking advantage of you.” – u/Witty_Goose_7724
Get involved in hobbies, groups, meetups, communities, etc
“After a certain age it’s hard to meet new people and make friends. Also if you have trouble dating do all those things not because you want to find a partner, but because it makes you a more interesting person and gives you a chance to improve your social skills.” – u/SquintyCas
Be careful who you have kids with
That bad boy may seem very appealing when you’re young. But, if you’re not careful enough, he might be a drunk father to your kids who doesn’t offer any support, let alone child support.
Let go of resentment and hatred you have for others
“No matter what they’ve done. Forgive. Forgive. Forgive. Forgive does not mean you tolerate what they’ve done or that what they did was okay- but it is meant to free YOU.” – u/minkmar
Don’t let people walk all over you
“Being a soft and ‘kind’ person lets the people in this world that are horrible and will never change have another toy to throw against the wall. You have a life of your own, so don’t waste it by letting others control it. I’m so glad I realized that when I did.” – u/Baconisguod
Never put anyone on a pedestal
“They will have no choice but to look down on you,” this Redditor wrote. A lot of toxic relationships are like this, with one partner giving everything to someone who gives them nothing.
Always have a plan
“Making cookies…make a plan. Buying a new car…make a plan. Going on a date…make a plan. Are you alive…have a plan. Always know what you want to do. This will save you so much frustration in so many situations. Your plan may not always work out, but when your plan fails…..make a plan.” – u/Nardonian
Not everyone has to like you
“It’s okay, give them the freedom to not like or even hate you. You really can’t control what others think of you. They probably have issues with liking themselves??” – u/rollmond
The more stuff you own, the more stuff owns you
A clean, minimalist space will make you so much happier than a room crowded with things.
Remember: a messy space creates an anxious mind. Plus, the more stuff you have, the harder and more expensive moving it all is.
Never NEED anyone in your life
“Sounds cold but trust me. Sure love people have people in your life create relationships but never make yourself vulnerable By feeling you cannot be without them. That’s all societal [expletive].” – u/Virtual-Group-4725
Time does NOT heal all wounds
“You can’t just wait it out, go get help. The worst that can happen is they say no. The best, it will get better but you’re going to have to work for it.” – u/FA-26B
Choose your life partner wisely
Looks fade, as does intense chemistry.
When you’re looking to settle down, you’re better off focusing on compatibility. Do we enjoy the same things? Share same values? Do we both have the same wishes in life, such as children?
H/T: Reddit
