“Experience is the best teacher,” or so the old cliche goes, but, realistically, most of us would prefer to be forewarned about the realities of life. From how to spot a bad friend to the best ways to internalize personal boundaries, it can be pretty helpful to learn from others first.
Someone asked “What's a piece of adult advice you wish you'd known sooner?” and netizens shared the things they learned perhaps a bit too late. So get comfortable as you scroll through, upvote your favorites and be sure to add your own ideas and experiences in the comments section below.
Someone asked “What's a piece of adult advice you wish you'd known sooner?” and netizens shared the things they learned perhaps a bit too late. So get comfortable as you scroll through, upvote your favorites and be sure to add your own ideas and experiences in the comments section below.
#1

Be careful of who you vent to at work. Just because they listen or show some empathy, it doesn't mean that they're your friend or have your best interests at heart.
176points
#2

If you're in the toilet in your dream, don't use it.
I REPEAT DON'T USE IT.
I REPEAT DON'T USE IT.
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175points
#3

Working harder than everyone else only means the boss will load you down with even more work.
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159points
#5

People care much less about you than you would think.
135points
#6

Don’t let stuff pile up. Bills, stuff on your to do list, cleaning, low tire, engine light on, etc. It sounds basic but getting stuff done as soon as it comes up (as soon as possible) lowers stress and makes life way easier. Stuff doesn’t just go away, and getting it done quickly removes piles of stuff later.
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131points
#8
Spend more time with your parents and grandparents. It's easy to overlook how quickly they're growing older while we're busy with our own lives. One day, their absence will hit harder than you can imagine. Cherish the moments you have with them now, before it's too late.
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126points
#9

A piece of adult advice I wish I'd known sooner is that it's okay to say "no" without feeling guilty. Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining your mental and emotional well-being, and it's not selfish to prioritize your needs. Learning that you don't have to explain or justify your reasons for declining something can be incredibly freeing and helps you focus on what truly matters to you.
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124points
#10

Someone else’s greater achievements doesn’t take away from your progress. It’s you vs you.
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114points
#11
You're gonna be disliked by people. That's their problem, not yours. You can only take responsibility for the mistakes you actually make not the mistakes others think you have.
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104points
#12
Budgeting is less about numbers and more about saying no to impulse buys.
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104points
#14

Confidence beats ability in most jobs.
Most friendships are situational.
What people present on social media isn't usually who they are.
Most friendships are situational.
What people present on social media isn't usually who they are.
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88points
#15
It’s ok to not have an opinion on something or to say nothing sometimes.
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87points
#18

Practice talking to people and being with people. Social skills can be learnt like any other skill! It just takes patience, and practice.
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75points
#20
Your job is just one part of your life. Don’t let it consume all your identity or dictate your self-worth.
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73points






