A few months ago I reached a milestone in my life: my 30th birthday. Some of my friends have expressed some apprehension about turning 30, but I'm quite content to leave my 20s behind. I think my youth was well-spent, full of the wonderful opportunities that should be seized when young, like packing up and moving far from home, falling in and out of love, wearing sexy dresses, and traveling to exotic places like Bali and Arkansas.
I'm actually looking forward to my 30s. I've lived enough to gain some wisdom and perspective, and I grateful to have a little more money in my pocket than I did at 20. In fact, a recent survey found that 33 is the best age of one’s life. I'll get back to you in four years to let you know if I agree.
Although I'm not among those who long for perpetual youth and dread the aging process, I must admit turning 30 has given me cause for reflection. Back in 1997, Glamour magazine published a great essay, "30 Thing Every Woman Should Have and Should Know by the Time She's 30." In re-reading the list for the first time after actually turning 30, I got to thinking about my own life and the lessons I've learned (sometimes the hard way) in my three decades of life. Here is a sampling:
30 Lessons I Learned by Age 30:
- Honesty is always the best policy, unless someone asks "Does this outfit make me look fat?"
- You will never get an honest answer to the question "Does this outfit make me look fat?"
- Everyone is entitled to not like certain foods, but part of being a grown-up is eating your vegetables.
- Other people rarely think about you.
- Being able to ask for help is just as important is being able to figure it out on your own.
- How to stick to an exercise routine.
- Men are incapable of listening to your problems without trying to come up with a solution. If you just want to vent, talk to a girlfriend.
- Always double-check the address before sending an email.
- Use the "reply-all" button and exclamation points sparingly.
- How to call it a night after one drink.
- Every once in a while, a crazy night is worth the massive hangover the next morning.
- No matter how comfortable they are, sneakers should only be worn when exercising or doing community service.
- Most people prefer to talk rather than listen, even job interviewers.
- People who are mean to waiters and other service workers are mean people.
- That it's OK to stop reading a book that is no longer keeping your interest, even if it's recommended by Oprah and you're already more than halfway through it.
- Parents and teachers aren't always right.
- Petting a dog or cat is an instant stress reliever.
- How to say no without feeling guilty.
- You are never too young to start planning for your retirement. Seriously.
- Just because someone went to a fancy school does not mean they are smarter or better than you.
- You don't have to enjoy camping, cheesecake, blockbuster movies, roller coasters, or anything else that others think is great. However, you should also be weary of liking things just because it's unique to do so.
- Embarrassing photos of you exist. Get over it.
- One day you will turn on the radio and realize you have no idea who's popular with the kids these days. Don't try to fight it; you are no longer the target market for pop culture.
- It's worth it to spend extra money on a good pair of shoes.
- Most women look better when they wear a little make-up, but most women look worse when they wear too much.
- Your relationships should be more important than your career. If they aren't, you need to reassess both.
- You can't control how other people think or act, but you can control your own thoughts, actions and reactions.
- Attempting assemble Ikea furniture with your significant other is guaranteed to result in an argument.
- Prefacing a sentence with the phrase "No offense, but…" does not give you free reign to say offensive things.
- You still have a lot to learn.
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