Life’s Lessons

Some of the lessons I have learned over the years, roughly in the order I learned them.

1. 1. Learn from every experience.
   2. Life doesn’t work like the movies.
   3. Don’t trust anyone unless they deserve it.
   4. Unless you are 100% right about something, be careful about accusing someone that they are wrong about it.
   5. On a first date:
      • Always pay (if you’re a guy).
      • Have enough cash to cover the bill.
      • Don’t use coupons.
      • When in doubt, overdress.
      • If you like her, and she hasn’t given you any red lights, go for the kiss.
   6. Always wear nice underwear. You never know.
   7. If you have a big decision to make, and you don’t know whether or not to do something, ask yourself this: Would you regret not doing it? Live life with no regrets.
   8. Long distance relationships suck.
   9. Don’t buy big, expensive furniture if you’re going to be moving soon.
   10. Amtrak trains leave on time.
   11. Sometimes, you should bite the bullet and go for it, even if you don’t really have to.
   12. Perception is more important than reality.
   13. Never take the people who love you for granted.
   14. When you meet new people, talk about your dreams. You never know when you’re going to bump into someone who can help you out.
   15. People generally don’t give a crap about anything.
   16. Don’t count on anyone for anything, unless they have already shown you that they are reliable.
   17. When you make a birthday wish, wish for something that is out of your control. Don’t wish for something you can control. You can just DO those things.
   18. As you get older, you gradually lose friends to life-changing events. The only friends you keep are the ones who are in the same life situation as you.
   19. All people are weird. You just need to figure out what kind of weirdness you can tolerate.
   20. Carry stuff in your left hand so you can shake with your right.
   21. Sometimes, people will criticize you no matter what you do or how well you do it. Accept that you don’t have to make everyone happy all the time.
   22. When things feel hopeless, all you can do is try your best to make good decisions and have faith that things will work out.
   23. Don’t let someone else determine your worth.
   24. Good relationships come from knowing who you really are, knowing who your partner really is, and knowing how to be with them in a healthy and connected way.
   25. Make time for the people you care about. You never know when they’ll be gone.