Are you almost 25? Your early twenties are about finding yourself, having fun and gaining independence for most women. You may feel like you’re halfway between a teenager and an adult, working a full-time job while eating dry cereal and candy for dinner.
This is totally normal – don’t worry! However, there are a few things you should be able to do by the time you hit 25 to make your own life easier and more pleasant – check them out here.
1. Make a new friend
Your friends are awesome, but you can never have enough friends. Don’t just associate with the people you have known since high school – lose the fear and realize everyone you talk to is a potential friend.
2. Think for yourself
Don’t believe everything you read or are told. Research before you form an opinion, whether you are reading the news or your best friend’s tweets.
3. Be able to enjoy your own company
You don’t have to become a hermit, but don’t fear being alone. You have a lot in common with yourself, so try to spend a night a week enjoying your own company and doing the things you love – just alone.
4. Be able to cook a nutritious meal
Learn to cook a meal you love that is nutritious and healthy. You don’t have to learn an entire cookbook – just one or two recipes that you can use when you feel like having a tasty, warm, nutritious dinner.
5. Go a week without complaining
It may seem impossible, but you might notice that you’re happier when you’re not fixating on the things that annoy you.
6. Be confident enough to ask for a raise
If you feel like you deserve a promotion, don’t be afraid to ask after one. Women often earn less than men, and it is important to know your worth and how to ask for more.
7. Understand your money
Student loans are real and so is credit card debt. Start paying off your debts and consider opening a saving account.
8. Trust yourself
Second guessing yourself and self-doubt will only make your life harder. Trust yourself and realize you are the best person to make your own life choices.
9. Walk away from a negative relationship
Most people have a toxic relationship in their lives – it could be a co-worker, a friend or a member of your family, but if you know that the relationship has gone sour, walk away. Even if they were kind to you once, you don’t deserve that toxicity in your life.
10. Become more compassionate
Many people are proud of being blunt, but being compassionate is often nicer for the people around you. It is important to be honest, but it is also important to be a kind and supportive person – aim to be both.
11. Put together a piece of furniture
If you can’t do something, learn to do it. Instead of asking your friend to help you set up the furniture, sit down with the manual and figure it out yourself. You’ll feel so proud whenever you look at the completed piece of furniture.
12. Stick up for yourself
If you need to sit down on the train, ask the person sat down to move up so there is room for both of you. You are just as important as everyone else in this world, so don’t sell yourself short or let others steamroll you.
13. Have a disagreement without getting upset
Being able to argue without getting upset or personally offended is an important part of being a mature adult. Be logical during conflict and people are more likely to respect your opinions and listen to you.
14. Create a signature drink
Alcoholic or not, it is pretty fun mixing up a unique drink that tastes delicious.
15. Learn to budget
Budget your entire pay check and set aside money for rent, bills, food, debt, savings and fun. This will make the rest of your life much easier and less stressful.
