Yesterday, Reddit user Ok-Feature-8181 asked the AskReddit community: "Old people of Reddit, what have you learned about life that young people would benefit from hearing, but we rarely hear because it's taboo?"
And the thread soon had hundreds of replies, full of older people commenting about topics and sharing advice they wish they'd been told about as young people. Here are some of the top-voted and best comments:
1. "In a workplace, don’t be afraid to talk with coworkers about pay. Companies make it 'taboo' because it increases the chances of having to give raises."
2. "Don't be afraid to switch jobs for more pay. You will never get a better raise than by going to a new company."
3. "Don’t stay in a relationship (sexual or platonic) with someone if they treat you badly. Life’s too short. You don’t have to be a dick about it, but excuse yourself and get away from them."
4. "Some people don’t wanna get married or just have their own goals for a relationship — marriage shouldn’t be the only option."
5. "As long as you’re not hurting yourself or anyone else, be who you really want to be all day long. Don’t conform to society to fit in with people who don’t like who you are, be it a job, friends, family, or even your significant other. Nothing in this world is worth sacrificing your real-self."
6. "No one told me that women can get unwanted facial hair when we get older — like little chin whiskers and upper lip hair, nose hair that has to be trimmed-stuff like that.
"In fact, men are often disgusted or grossed out to learn that we get facial hair too, but just about every woman I’ve spoken to in my age group (forties) gets these and we don’t tell girls or young women that this will likely happen to them too."
7. "I know this isn't taboo, but take care of your body, little things big things, e.g., wash your feet and be careful picking up heavy objects. Things that don't seem like a big deal become one after you hit 40 — I can't imagine how bad 50 feels!"
8. "Don't feel pressured to go to college. I wasted three years of my life and $60K worth of loans to not finish because life got in the way. Experience is just as important and as long as you find an employer willing to see your skills you will do well. Yes there are some jobs that require degrees and if you are set on those then go for it."
9. "If you go to college, make sure your career path provides a salary worth the cost of your education. You don't want to spend $250K for a degree because it's a fun place to go, blah-blah-blah."
10. "I’m nearly 70 years old, and I spent too much of my life thinking that other people had my best interest at heart. They don’t. If someone suggests, asks, or orders you to do something, and it doesn’t feel right to you — push back."
11. "Sex is healthy and good for you. There's nothing wrong with it, and even abstaining from all sex (including masturbation) can be bad for your health. Just use condoms and consent, and go to town, or just masturbate, there's no shame in it, and orgasms can alleviate pain and clear your mind."
12. "Having sex with different people is great, it helps you to know what you really like and dislike, it also helps you to know the level of intimacy you are willing to give."
13. "Before you even start to consider someone as a serious romantic partner, you should already know how he or she handles money, criticism, and not getting his or her way."
14. "This isn't exactly a taboo, but most young people really, really don't like to hear it: You are responsible for yourself, your happiness, and your success."
15. "Someday, your relevance will wane...embrace it. It's supposed to happen that the next generation becomes more relevant than yours. Take a break, enjoy the scenery."
16. "Life looks like forever when you’re young and all of sudden you realize it’s gone by in a flash. Try and be happy with where you’re at. Experiences over things, I’m glad I figured that out while it was still relevant."
17. "Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but pubic hair also goes gray. 😕"
You can read the full thread of responses on Reddit.
Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.