15 things everyone should know before they're 18

Xup.
So if you read my previous post, you probably already know that I’m turning 18 on the 21st of December.
It’s so close, I can almost taste it!!!
Well, my first 18 years alive have been super dramatic and full of insane ups and downs. I made so many mistakes that I’m wondering how I’ve not shot myself out of mortification just remembering those mistakes.
I’ve also learned very valuable lessons. Lessons that are going to guide me for the rest of my life. I’ve decided to share them here because I feel every person should know these and understand these while they’re young so adulthood won’t be a mess for them. But it doesn’t matter if you’re already an adult and you’re reading this. Be glad you know it now.
So, without further ado, I give you
15 things everyone should know before they’re 18
Do what you love
This is one of the major keys to happiness and success in life! When you do what you love, you’re passionate about it and you want to learn more about it or learn how you can improve in the particular area. When your quality improves, people want more of what you have to offer.
So if you are ever going to go into a business or job or whatever, make sure it’s one that you truly love.
Be you. Everyone else is taken
This is probably going to be the ultimate tip for middle schoolers and high schoolers. The thing is, you don’t want to be singled out. You don’t want to be ‘that one kid that’s not in style’ and it’s good to be socially aware but if it hides and totally contradicts who you truly are, is it worth it?
The answer is a big, fat, NO!
Just because that girl you think is super cool wears short skirts doesn’t mean you have to go load up on all the miniskirts at the store.
Just because that guy looks really dope with his mohawk and black clothes doesn’t mean you should go goth too and shave your head.
Just because she sounds confident when she talks smack to a teacher doesn’t mean you should open your mouth and let shit fly out as well.
Just because the popular kid has a boyfriend doesn’t mean you should go get a boyfriend too. That’s stupid. It won’t make you popular.
That’s their own personality. That’s their own identity.
But what’s yours?
It Is probably one of the dumbest acts alive to copy someone you think is the best. Why? Because it only makes you second best. And that’s unacceptable.
So who are you? What do you like?
Do you like to wear suspenders? Wear them with pride.
Do you think anime is awesome? Watch it and talk about it proudly.
If they talk, remember the tip below
The haters are actually lovers in disguise
The truth is, if people talk behind your back it’s because
They can’t reach your level
They try to copy your lifestyle but can’t
They don’t have what you have
Everyone is awesome, but not everyone knows it. So when others see you flaunting your individuality proudly, they get jealous. Sometimes, they don’t know they’re jealous, sometimes they do. And they’re bound to talk. Some go as far trying to imitate you (which is quite dumb because they’re cool just the way they are) and fail because you’re authentic. One in a million. A vibe others can’t copy. They get jealous and start to talk again.
Basically, haters are all jealous of who you are and how you are so they talk behind your back to cover up their awe and envy.
Truth is, only significant people ever get talked about. So if they’re talking. You can be sure as hell you mean something to them.
Always remember this when you start getting upset at rumors about you.
Don’t go looking for love. It will find you
This is another very big tip that most middle schoolers and high schoolers need to know. The thing is, you have YEARS ahead of you to fall in love and have a sort of high-school love drama (even if you’re not in high-school anymore) but RIGHT NOW is the time to build your future and prepare for the kind of luxurious life you want to live later on.
Like I said earlier, it doesn’t make you cool to have a boyfriend or girlfriend. BOY/GIRLFRIENDS ARE NOT ACCESSORIES!
Also, have you truly checked yourself? Have you truly discovered who you are? Have you developed your self-respect to a point where you can safely say “This is me. This is my purpose. This is what I like. This is what I don’t like. This is who I am”? If you haven’t given yourself that self-respect, what makes you think some dude or girl out there is going to give it to you?
Focus on you right now, not on someone else.
Don’t get me wrong. You can totally have crushes. You can like someone. You can flirt a bit with that person you think is cute but if you start pursuing romance like it’s some kind of career (That is. “I flirted with James today. I kissed Jenny last week. I’m hooking up with John if it doesn’t work out with Judy by the end of the month, etc), let me be very blunt with you; You’re heading towards your destruction.
Why? Because it totally distracts you! Don’t tell me that’s not true because there’s no way you can be thinking of James, Judy, John, Jenny and all the other Js at your school and still have time to concentrate on schoolwork!
Stay in school
School is the bedrock of everything. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Your career, your future. Your riches.
It starts from being educated.
So focus on your studies. PLEASE! Even if you can’t be excellent at school, aim for very good. Do your homework the day it is given.
Don’t be afraid to ditch toxins
Toxic people are people who
don’t support you
who make you feel bad about yourself
who don’t encourage you to do better
who feel attacked and try to shut you down when they see you doing better
Fun fact: YOU DON’T NEED THEM IN YOUR LIFE. Ditch every single one of them. It’s okay to stand alone for a while. After some time, you’ll meet people who truly care.
You’re beautiful. Believe it.
One of the greatest problems with girls right now is that they don’t see their beauty so they think they need ‘enhancements’. Ugh!
That nose job is not necessary. Your nose looks fine.
You don’t need implants, honey. Your tits are sexy enough.
Those tattoos are only covering up and hiding your beautiful skin
Why would you get piercings? They only try to outshine your natural glow.
You are perfect the way you are. You don’t need anything else. Believe it.
Your happiness and comfort come before anything else
Don’t do anything you’re not happy about. Whether it’s a job, a game with friends, a dare or request from your boyfriend or girlfriend, a course at school, anything! If you feel uncomfortable, just back away. Never feel tempted to prove you’re not scared. That’s stupid. You’re not Rambo!
Pamper yourself. You deserve it.
Go to my selfcare Saturday article () and read why and how to pamper yourself because we need TLC every once in a while.
Do not be the type of bitch who relies on their partner or parents for money. They’re disgusting.
Be financially independent. And this starts from the little things like getting a little side job or business and saving some money. People who ask others for money when they’re perfectly capable of getting some themselves are actually very annoying, lol.
We all have things we want, right? Try to make sure you can get those things yourself instead of asking mom and dad or putting pressure on your partner.
If you want it, you can get it
Nothing is impossible. Nothing is out of reach. You can get that degree if you truly want to. You can lose that weight if you put your mind to it. Just be hungry enough. Be hungry and uncomfortable enough to want more.
Don’t be ashamed to ask for help.
Asking for help doesn’t make you week, it makes you wise. You’re not God. You can’t do it all on your own. Ask when help is needed. A problem shared is a problem half solved.
Family always comes first
The shittiest kind of person is the type who ditches family to ‘look cool’ in front of friends or supports outsiders over their family. The first contact with humans you ever had was through your family. Family bond is special. Don’t just throw it away for the sake of short-lived pleasure.
You’re not alone
You may think you’re the weirdest of the bunch. You may think there’s no one out there who understands what it’s like to be a misfit but there is. You’re not alone. Misfits are everywhere. People who don’t feel like they belong are everywhere. If they weren’t, articles like this wouldn’t exist.
So these are the things I learned and I feel every other person should know. Which one resonates with you the most? Let me know in the comment section below.
Love you guys.
Bye.