20 somethings...I'm talking to YOU

I'm gonna make this quick and painless.  In their late teens and early twenties, people tend to think that they have the world by the balls.  It's not a great outlook but it's common and I think everyone goes through it.  So if you're from the age of 17-24, this is for you....


Your whirlwind romance is probably gonna end.  I'm sorry to disappoint you but the odds aren't in your favor.  I know you think you're in love but true love can wait....don't give up on your dreams to get married and settle down with someone you just met.  It'll probably bite you in the ass.


Yes it CAN happen to you.  The viewpoint here is always that bad things can't happen to you.  Yes, people can drive tipsy and kill others in DUIs but I can drive tipsy and it won't hurt.  Guess what?  It's illegal and it can happen to you...and change your life forever.  Think about your decision.


Think twice, act once.  My grandparents have always told me to think twice and I never understood it until adulthood.  Think twice and act once and you'll get yourself into far less trouble.


If you feel ANY sort of feeling that maybe you shouldn't, DON'T!  You have a conscience...it's talking to you.  Don't ignore it.


Don't feel like you have to bow to peer pressure  Peer pressure is not just a high school thing.  You're pressured into a lot throughout your entire life.  Don't feel like you need to bow to that.  Focus on what you want and not on what everyone wants for you.


Listen to your elders.  This is like nails on a chalkboard, I know.  Honestly, though, they know what they're talking about.  You're not different than everyone...you're gonna have to learn things the hard way and most of the time they're trying to save you that heartache.


and finally....


Stop expecting the goals of a 50 year old at 20 years old It's just like a job, pal.  You gotta work your way up the food chain.  Don't expect a million dollar home at 17.  Live in an apartment...learn how the world works....make mistakes....live life.  Don't expect to live the life of a guy that's worked his ass off for 30 years at the same job when you're 20 years old.  You won't appreciate it and you'll lose it anyway.