In the words of SZA, good luck on them twenty-somethings! Your early twenties are a perfect combination of the best of times and the worst of times. You feel like you know everything and nothing at all. You lose friends you thought you’d have forever. Gain some in the craziest of ways. Go on a weekend bender and regret everything on Monday. Stay in and reorganize your whole life on a whim. You feel like you’re going nowhere in life, then feel like you’ve peaked. Navigating all these feelings can be challenging so here is the ultimate guide to your early twenties.
You actually don’t know and if you do take your time
One thing about being in your twenties is you have elevated into a new stage of adulthood. People take you more seriously now and you may feel a false sense of assurance. The truth is, you still have a lot to learn. There are so many things you may be sure of that you completely throw out the next month. That’s okay. You live, you learn, you love, you move on. However, if you are sure of something like a career choice, dive in! Do what you need to do to succeed, but don’t shut off other opportunities and chances for growth. You got nothing but time!
It’s fun but not that fun
I remember as a teenager drooling over the 21-year-olds clubbing and partying every weekend. They all seemed to date, get wasted, and have the best time all the time. Although all those things can be fun, it’s not necessarily realistic. Whether you’re a partyer, a homebody, or both, there are pros and cons. When I partied even though it was fun, I still felt like I was missing out because other people seemed to have way more fun. When I stayed in I felt fomo. The grass isn’t greener on either side so just focus on you. There is no right way to live your twenties. You do you, just be safe!
Work hard play hard
If you’re in your twenties you likely are in school, have a job, or both. It’s so easy to get caught up in a cycle of what you should be doing and what your life should look like. Placing too much emphasis on this keeps you from experiencing new things and living in the moment. Yes, work hard so you can pay your rent. However, you don’t have to turn down a game night just so that you can pick up an extra shift.
Dating is insane
Dating at this age is literally insane. The mind games, toxicity, and lack of maturity make finding a suitor difficult. Try not to internalize this. As long as you are working on yourself, consider those people dodged bullets. Also, don’t compare yourself to others. People can look as happy as ever but be struggling on the inside. Look for like-minded individuals who make you feel good and go from there.
Put yourself first
During this time you are pulled in so many different directions. Get this degree, this job, date this person, and move here. Be sure to take care of yourself and listen to what you truly want and need. The outside voices will never know you as well as you know yourself.
Also, check out 10 things every 20-year-old should hear!
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