Hey Pandas, I Turned 18 A Few Days Ago! Do You Have Any Advice For Me?

1) Don't worry about romantic relationships - they will come... and focusing on them when they aren't happening can be a real mental disaster.

2) Learn how to manage money - its vital to literally everything you will do in life

3) Relax... All that pressure about getting a career and good paying job... its counter-productive (me). At the same time, don't relax too-much! If your still travelling the world at 35 without a career - its not great (some friends). There is a middle ground in there somewhere that's right for you.

Look after your teeth.

Don’t spend time worrying what people might think of you. You’ll get to your 40s like me and think - why did I waste my time doing that?!

Plan for the future but live for now and always say it in your head before it comes out of your mouth. Lead with love but don't become a doormat. Last but not least just be true to yourself. Happy birthday 🎉

Don't be afraid to question the values you were brought up with. The good ones will hold up to scrutiny. The false ones won't. Always read the fine print. Learn people's names and look them in the eye. Be an advocate for your own health and ask doctors lots of questions. Take the trip, eat the new food, listen to someone else's story. Do something for someone less fortunate. Learn how to do laundry, mend clothes, cook a meal, paint a room, change a tire, befriend a cat, and talk to a child. Read. Then read some more.

I don't have any advice because I'm not 18, but happy birthday!🎉🎉🎉

If you have emotional issues (loneliness, insecurity, etc) they can only be resolved by you. Don't rush into a relationship thinking it will cure "the blues".

You will make mistakes. Learn to forgive yourself.

Just because you might not go to college, you are not a failure. There is no age limit on enrolment. I started first year uni at 26, and I am so glad I waited and had a life and career BEFORE continuing my education - much better appreciation for learning.

Just because someone is family doesn't mean they have your best interest at heart.

Friends help you move furniture.
Good friends help you move house.
Great friends help you move bodies.
BFF's will provide the alibi.

The universe just is. It doesn't owe you anything.

The first few years you're on your own are going to be hard. It's an adjustment, and you're going to feel overwhelmed sometimes. Never forget that this is normal and that we've all gone through the same thing.

Work HARD in college. This is not the time to party all the time. Allow yourself one night a week to cut loose, the rest of the time work your tail off. It's not going to be easy, and it will be boring sometimes, but it's crucial. Get the best marks you can. Get the best degree you can manage. This will influence the rest of your life, and it's one of the most important things you'll do.

Pick peoples' brains. Never be afraid to ask the stupid question, because at your age, there ARE no stupid questions.

If you ever think, "Should I?", then DON'T. This applies to everything. Your gut is talking to you, telling you that the thing you're questioning is wrong. It's the same for turning left on a yellow light or getting married. If you have even the slightest hint of a doubt, DON'T.

Then there's the obvious.... Take care of your teeth. Eat a healthy diet and don't get fat. Exercise. You'll live longer. Start saving money now. You'll be grateful for it when it comes time to retire. Open a bank account that you can only access if you physically go to the bank. Do not get a debit card on that account, don't get checks, treat it as if it doesn't exist.

Enjoy yourself. Take the risk of caring for people.

To be blunt: Sex does not equal love. Love is having someone that you know and trust with your heart. Love is being there for someone because you know they are always there for you. Love does not gauge itself on physical appearance or wealth/poverty. Love is being two people who can function as one.

Love is also knowing when to walk away when that person you care about so much continues to hurt you whether intentionally or unintentionally. Love is also about respecting yourself. If you can't respect yourself, how can you expect anyone else to respect you.

And whatever you do, keep living. I don't mean going from day to day working the same job, doing the same thing, eating the same food and seeing the same scenery. Get out there and see the world...as much as you can. Whether it's cherishing the wonders of nature from the top of a mountain or surfing the sickest waves the worlds beaches have to offer...get out there and live! Good Luck!

Age is only a number. Take care of yourself and you can feel like an 18 year old 10 years from now.
Know your limits but don't be afraid to test them and give yourself a chance to grow.
Don't forget to acknowledge the people that help you progress and give credit where credit is due, take responsibility for your actions and have respect for yourself and those who can/have taught you.
Happiness is a choice. Nothing bad happens to you. Everyone faces challenges so have compassion but don't be a whiner.
Remember you're strong but have much growing to do.

Failure is only absolute when you stop trying. As long as you keep at something, you are gaunt knowledge and experience. Don’t be afraid of failure!!

Beer is awful, save your money for something worthwhile.

If you fail at something or it doesn't work out the way you expected, you are NOT a failure. Either try try again or take another path. Don't get discouraged, just tell yourself, ok what's plan B?

Learn how to declutter.

Don't be a people pleaser. Dont go looking for love; let love find you. Focus on what you want in life instead of what others want for you. Shoot for the stars; dont limit yourself or settle. Always look for the good in all situations. Be positive and keep your chin up. Set realistic goals for yourself and achieve them at a reasonable pace. Enjoy life, though it may be hard at times, never give up on yourself or your dreams. Don't lower your standards just to to fit in. Learn from your mistakes. BE YOURSELF!!!! "You are you, that's truer than true and no one else is you-er than you."-Dr. SEUSS Be kind and always wear a smile. Good luck and happy birthday!!!!

Stay away from people who say things like, ' Now you're 18, you can do this (smoke, drink, sleep with someone)! ' That's weird af.

Don’t share your age with everyone! Just keeping with online safety situation it’s hard to hack or mess with you.

If you have the time and means volunteer! Try a bit of everything from food kitchens to walking shelter dogs. You’ll meet amazing people and get one of a kind experiences. I fostered dogs and it was amazing, you have a dog without the costs and when they’re ready you get to give them the ultimate gift of a furever home.

Never lose your sense of humor.

No matter what life throws your way, keeping a sense of humor can diffuse anger, make bad situations tolerable, and keep you healthy. I'm not talking about humor at someone else's expense; nobody thinks that's funny. I'm talking about not taking life too seriously when it tries to frustrate you.

Stay curious.
Never dismiss somebodies knowledge only because he/she is younger than you.
You are never too old to learn something new.
Enjoy the things you have and do your best to get the the things you want.
Do your thing, stand by it. Don't worry if others laugh.

Best wishes for your future.