What I Wish I Knew At Age 18

Here's everything everyone wish they knew at the age of 18. If it's good advice, hit the upvote button. The number next to it indicates the age the author wrote it at. Feel like there's something missing? Add a new message!

Hey 18 year old, Either you just graduated or you are about to. You are an adult now. Treat people as your equal and develop skills that will bring you a richer life. Don't feel bad about taking a gap year but seriously consider college. It's important.

Hey 18 year old, You won't always find a soulmate in high school. A lot of the time, those involved presently aren't mature enough. You'll find your person in the most unexpected places.

Hey 18 year old, do you want to live forever? Go into life extension research.

Hey 18 year old, Telling older people that you’re “mature for your age” doesn’t make them believe that. It actually gives the impression of immaturity and gullibility. Be careful of older adults befriending you.

Hey 18 year old, It's alright. Don't be too hard on yourself. Eliminate bad habits from your life such as excessive porn watching, smoking and drugs. And start working on yourself. Know your self-worth and have some self-respect.

Hey 18 year old, I know you think the world is yours now but don’t forget to share your meaningful moments also with your family, so they don’t feel left out. You love them, show it.

Hey 18 year old, A college degree, is NOT a Golden Ticket to getting a job. What you should focus on instead is acquiring experience, both volunteer and professional. Also, take time to hone your personal skills and hobbies, so you have something for your portfolio.

Hey 18 year old, Don’t blow all your money on booze and drugs. The fun is fleeting and more often than not, it causes more problems than it solves. Be responsible and don’t over indulge. Use the extra money to fund a more fruitful venture.

Hey 18 year old, you don't have to know who you are or what you want to be. You just need to have the willingness to take risks and see where it leads. Life is about experiences, not accomplishments.

Hey 18 year old, if anyone seems like they know what they're doing, they don't. They just got there too. And they're freaking out too.

Hey 18 year old, Don't try to rush things. Enjoy life. Start learning foreign languages.

Hey 18 year old, Stop caring about what other people think!

Hey 18 year old, Don't take a payday loan. It's not worth it and will haunt you for a long time.

Hey 18 year old, you've likely left school in your hometown by now, and might be heading to university, or to another country, or beyond. Perhaps you already did all of that, hard for me to say. Stay in touch with the friends you came up with.

Hey 18 year old, Don’t believe your parents that you should “study want your heart wants”. Choose wisely, pick a study direction that will lead to a decent job. Your parents lived in the golden age, right now the millennials are the first generation who are worse off

Hey 18 year old, Use your credit card responsibly or you could end up spending the majority of your 20's trying to get out of debt and fix your credit score.

Hey 18 year old, your youth has not ended at 17. there are paths open to you. getting a job is not scary and university time is one of the best years of my life

Hey 18 year old, Do whatever makes you happy, and do it lots. Don't waste time with fake people, instead surround yourself with friends that improve you. Spend time on/find your passion in life and always keep working at it. Find multiple sources of income.

Hey 18 year old, Start investing in a 401k / Roth IRA as soon as you have an income. If I had started investing at your age I’d have had an extra half-million when I retired.

Hey 18 year old, You're better off single. Don't make life decisions for someone who is not living your life.

Hey 18 year old, Just because people said you were smart doesnt mean you should be afraid of picking a degree/trade that you might regret. By not making choice is a choice in itself, and the worst choice.

Hey 18 year old, Before you go to college, learn about sexual assault on campus, consent, and the signs of abusive relationships. You will deal with it more than you think--the first few weeks of the school year usually have the most cases. Learn how to help.

Hey 18 year old, When you feel sad, worried, stressed out, or suicidal, please find a counselor/therapist and even a psychiatrist to assess your mental state and give you the help you need. The way you feel is always important and worth getting better. Take care <3

Hey 18 year old, Please take care of your teeth. Floss at least once a day, every day if you can, but even once a week is better than nothing. Notice I didn’t say anything about brushing. Both are good, but if you have to pick one, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, PLEASE FLOSS.

Hey 18 year old, If you have job, save 1% of your check on an account that you can't get your money out. By 10 years you will be able to buy a new home.

Hey 18 year old, many rich people never went to (or dropped out of) college. Many poor people went to college and graduated with so much debt they never recovered. Take the time to consider whether it's a good idea.

Hey 18 year old, Stop being a pussy and just make choices. Love yourself and whoever you want to love.

Hey 18 year old, You don't know as much as you think you do. Don't stop learning, you have so much more growth and change coming than you can imagine now.

Hey 18 year old, everybody is nervous right now, you will have an easier time making friends and social connections with your own age. Don’t be afraid to say hello and meet new people.

Hey 18 year old, It doesn't matter what college you go to. You will find the friends/ culture that best suits you no matter where you are. You will learn the things you need if you have a desire to pursue them. Don't kick yourself or stress too much over the decision