People Share the Things They Wish They'd Known at 21
People Share What They Wish They'd Known When They Were 21, and It's Such Good Advice

Turning 21 is a huge moment in your life. You're in a crazy whirlwind process of finishing college, taking the first few steps in your career, and preparing to embark on life as a true adult — whatever that means. It's simultaneously so terrifying and so exciting, and with your mind battling millions of thoughts at once, it's easy to forget to take a moment to just stop stressing and enjoy this time period while it lasts (spoiler: it goes by quickly).
It's always good to hear reassuring advice from people who have been exactly where you are right now. I spoke with men and women in their 20s and 30s to find out what they would tell their 21-year-old selves if they had the chance. Keep reading to see what they said.
1 Don't Judge Your Own Life Progress Based on Other People

2 Stop Wasting Time on Someone Who Won't Commit

3 College Might Be the Only Time You'll Live Near So Many of Your Best Friends

4 It's OK If You Don't Love Your First Job

5 Don't Assume You're Going to Have It Together When You Hit 21

6 You Might Have Fewer Friends Than Ever, but Don't Feel Lonely

7 Call Your Mom More Often

8 Don't Freak Out If You Don't Know What You Want to Do With Your Life

9 Communicate With Your Roommates

10 Don't Feel Like You Have to Spend All of Your Money at Bars

11 Read the Books

12 Wear Your Retainer

13 Soak In Your Friends

14 Travel Now (Even With a Minimal Bank Account)

15 Hangovers Will Get Exponentially Worse as You Age

16 Write Down More Things

17 Listen to Your Heart More

18 Take Advantage of Your Freedom

19 Treat Your Body Well

20 Spend Money on Experiences, Not Materialistic Things

21 Have More Fun
