Before we reach adulthood, most of us spend over a decade in school. That education is important, no doubt, but there’s one thing it rarely teaches—life experience. And that’s a whole different kind of lesson, one that no textbook can ever prepare you for.
Luckily, some Redditors were kind enough to share adult “cheat codes” that changed their lives so the rest of us don’t have to learn everything the hard way. We’ve rounded up the best ones below. Scroll down and pick up a few worth keeping.
#1
You can cut toxic people out of your life like a tumor. Even if they are related to you, you don’t have to allow them time or space in your life.
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46points
#3
I’m a dude. I went to a few Codependent Anonymous meetings after leaving a long violent relationship. It completely changed the way I communicate and conduct myself in relationships.
I grew up in a broken home. So I never learned how to advocate for myself or speak up for my needs. I also had zero idea whatsoever on what a healthy relationship looked like. I was essentially a people pleasing doormat/punching bag the vast majority of my life.
Just celebrated a 2 year anniversary for my first healthy and loving relationship. 💪🏿💪🏿.
I grew up in a broken home. So I never learned how to advocate for myself or speak up for my needs. I also had zero idea whatsoever on what a healthy relationship looked like. I was essentially a people pleasing doormat/punching bag the vast majority of my life.
Just celebrated a 2 year anniversary for my first healthy and loving relationship. 💪🏿💪🏿.
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43points
#4
Saying “let me think about it” instead of automatically saying yes. It saves you from a lot of stuff you didn’t even want to do in the first place.
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41points
#5
If youre not enjoying something you can stop and leave.
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38points
#6
When you have a family gathering/party/etc. always come with your own vehicle, so you can leave whenever you please.
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38points
#7
Buying many of the same pair of sock. No more pairing, pull any two out of the draw for a match 😎.
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36points
#9
You can literally walk into a cake shop and by an entire tiramisu for no reason!
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31points
#10
I stopped caring what people think of me.
People are too focused on themselves and their own problems to care about that random embarrassing or cringy thing I did. Even if they do care, people will quickly move on and forget about me once something else catches their attention. Once I learned that, I became A LOT more confidant and it was much easier to deal with my anxiety and depression.
People are too focused on themselves and their own problems to care about that random embarrassing or cringy thing I did. Even if they do care, people will quickly move on and forget about me once something else catches their attention. Once I learned that, I became A LOT more confidant and it was much easier to deal with my anxiety and depression.
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28points
#12
No explanation required. You can do what you want in your personal life - get a new job, cut someone out, sell a car, wear pink shoes to work - and when people ask why, you don't have to tell them. No explanation is owed to anyone.
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25points
#13
Just because everybody else is doing something it doesn't mean you have to do it too.
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24points
#14
Prepping things the evening before: work lunch, gym bag, etc etc.
Doesn't take that long and morning you is very grateful for that effort.
Doesn't take that long and morning you is very grateful for that effort.
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23points
#15
Ironically, my adult cheat code is to treat myself a bit like I would a small child. So many problems in life become infinitely more manageable if you have a snack and take a nap first.
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23points
#17
Setting a 15-minute timer before every impulse purchase saved me thousands of dollars because 90% of the time I realize I don't actually want it.
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21points
#18
Your hobbies do not have to be a side hustle, or you’ll find yourself looking for another hobby.
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20points
#19
Dont tell anyone your days off and you will be able to enjoy it without being hassled to do something.
Automate payments.
Automate payments.
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20points