As you get older, it's easy to look back and wish you could give your younger self advice. I know I look back on a few things or decisions I made in my twenties that I wish I could redo or take back.
So as a 29-year-old woman, even I learned a few things from this thread where Redditor u/lonelysadbitch11 asked "What advice would you give to a woman in her 20s?" Here is some of the advice people shared.
1. "Wear comfortable shoes. I know fashion is a thing, but you can damage your feet by wearing extreme shoes frequently, sometimes permanently, oftentimes requiring months of physical therapy. If you just have to wear the pumps, take a pair of flats to wear there and back."
2. "Try to actively work on becoming an interesting person. Do cool things, pick up cool hobbies, and don’t just follow the crowd. It will go a long way for you. It’s advice that I’d give to anyone that age."
3. "Have your own box of tools and know how to use them all."
4. "Spend more time and effort on the friendships that truly matter. People who give you that meaningful human connection — that's what life is all about.
"Sometimes this takes a lot of extra effort because your closest friends often live far away or get busy with partners, babies, or careers. You might need to put in some extra effort you feel they can't offer right then, but it's so worth it down the line."
5. "Don't let your significant other become your whole social life. It is so easy to get lazy and just do everything with that person and tell that person everything and leave others out. But it really makes your life so much richer (and is usually great for your relationship) to have intimate connections outside of your partner."
6. "Get a head start on resolving your relationship with your parents. It takes lots of years to stop blaming them for every little problem we have (even if we're close). It's really not productive and precents you from moving forward in your life and growing as a person. Self-accountability is one of the greatest life skills to develop."
7. "Be your own best advocate: professionally, in healthcare, financially, personally, in everything. Don't trust that the other person or party has your best interest at heart. Do your own research for each situation to advocate or find the best advocate for the best outcome for YOU. Get a second (or third) opinion for a doctor's prognosis, and hire an experienced attorney to review your work, rent, and sale contracts. Negotiate for the highest starting salary or extra benefits, advocate for yourself in your networks and with mentors. It can be exhausting at times, but no one will look out for your best interests better than you."
8. "Every time you start dating, write down what you feel is a red or even orange flag. Really read it at the end of every week and consider if you want to continue dating that person or not. We tend to ignore these flags and forget about it but believe me it will bite you in the ass later."
9. "Learn to be alone and enjoy your own company before jumping into a relationship just because it looks safer or the normal thing to do. Know yourself, love yourself, and only then go put yourself out there. By then you'll know what you want too. And yes it can take years but that's ok."
10. "I once read somewhere and absolutely loved it, 'Everything you do until your 30s are not mistakes, they are experiences.'"
11. "When life is hard, when things sadden you, feel what you need to feel without feeling guilty. Let go of these when you are ready to do so. I always ask myself, 'Will this matter in five years? Will I see this person in 5 years?' Usually, it helps me."
12. "People don't think of you as much as you think they do. That's why you have to do what makes you happy and satisfied."
13. "You’re never too old to try something new. Even though it feels like you have to make set decisions, you have so much life ahead of you and so many cool experiences to be had. No hobby, skill, or activity is impossible to try, and it provides a nice and healthy break from the routine we follow."
14. "It’s so easy to get caught up in the system, whether that be school or friends or work. Time goes by faster and faster, and there is already so little time as it is. You don’t have to live a luxurious life to enjoy it. Try to actively focus on making happy and enjoyable moments throughout the day."
15. "Always listen to your gut instincts."
16. "Learn how to fix your vehicle, including tire changes and pressure."
17. "Stay away from drama, don’t get sucked into it. Don’t talk about people behind their backs, and don’t judge people based on what you see on the surface."
18. "Save for retirement and stay active. If you haven’t ever done either, then start. Stay flexible and work on your posture. Drink lots of water, eat your fruits and veggies, and stay away from all forms of tobacco. Practice self-care. Wear sunscreen, and apply it every few hours. Go get a well-woman check every few years at the doctor."
19. "Know your worth and don't be afraid to negotiate your pay"
20. "Make sure you can look after yourself and don't have to depend on someone else. Financial freedom is more important than it may seem and it takes work, yes. But it is a million times better than becoming dependent on someone who does not have your best interest at heart and getting stuck in a place where you are not safe."
Do you have any advice to add? Share it with me in the comments below!
Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.