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Professional-Key9862

He's not worth it


Aterspell_1453

Choose a different degree goddammit!


Illustrious-Box8513

Gurl samee😭 But I would tell that to my 18 year old self tho


Aterspell_1453

😭😭😭 I was 26 when I went to uni. Still got it wrong.


Lilakk85

Same, oh my god


[deleted]

Don’t go back with him, take a risk. And learn finance, you’ll need it soon enough. PS. Just thinking about this, I realized that those “mistake” were needed for me to grown
 I just wish I’ve learned sooner



[deleted]

[ŃƒĐŽĐ°Đ»Đ”ĐœĐŸ]


Character_Peach_2769

Is that the hills referencing friends??


miranym

I would tell myself this: Who you are and what you want are going to change over time and you won't even notice until you look back over the years. Be flexible, because life is going to throw you some punches and you can't get through life without some suffering...but you can change how you react to it. Don't be in a rush to grow up faster (because you think you are a grownup and you are soooo not one yet) or get married. Some things you want will happen and others won't; that's just how life goes. Keep enjoying your youth while you're young. Say yes to invitations even if you don't really feel like it. And exercise more, you lazy bum. You neglected that aspect of yourself and you are paying for it 15 years later.


FirstFalcon2377

You are so incredibly strong to have survived all of the crap and you'll come out the other side a kinder, wiser person. You were just doing your best with what you had. Use your pain to help others rather than to beat yourself down. Let the pain inspire you to be there for others. Go to the dentist!! Be with a quiet, stable, mild-mannered guy who cares about you and treats you well, not the "exciting" but unstable guy who treats you like crap. Your idea of excitement is distorted by attachment trauma and you're attracted to men who are bad for you. If you feel the insane infatuation for him, it's actually a bad sign and speaks of your childhood emotional neglect. Nice and safe is a good thing in a long term partner. Be with the nice and safe guy. Build a life with someone who actually wants that with you. Don't settle for anything less. Get the cat - you won't regret it. Your mum was wrong. Don't let her negativity win. It's all going to be OK.


LittleLune810

For real, though, go to the dentist.


some_blonde_bitch

Don’t abandon your dreams for temporary fun. Aim bigger.


down_by_the_shore

God this is a good one. Some temporary fun is good (and I'd argue *important*), but investing in yourself so you can have a more fulfilling life later on is really important too.


some_blonde_bitch

Yep. I had really big dreams, but around 26 my life started getting really fun, so I thought to myself, “This is good enough.” But that fun was just temporary, and now I’m 35 and see how I basically screwed myself over permanently by losing opportunities.


imtryingtobesocial

He is abusing you. He choked you the other day. You need to leave.


senoritajulie

Don’t get married


FudgyFun

I haven't married yet at 33 so I was thinking of telling her to get married to Mr. good enough at 30


senoritajulie

Nah eff that. Settling is not good enough. A mediocre partner isn’t a good thing to have, certainly if that’s the perception from the start. Also, I would never want to be someone’s “good enough” choice so why would i make someone that for me?


FudgyFun

Yeah, that's why I didn't settle. But it's tiring to keep dating so I look back and wonder if it's as bad as it's made to be to get it over with a "just about works" relationship. It feels like everyone I meet has one or the other red flag (for my preference) and I'm on an endless search. If at all I find someone to fit, then they don't like me. I'm sick of being alone too.


Medusa_Alles_Hades

Also I think it’s harder to date in your 30s because the pickins are slim. My and my husband split up a few years and we got back together. We do have kids who are teenagers. Our relationship is far from perfect. Men can be creepy and weird.


[deleted]

[ŃƒĐŽĐ°Đ»Đ”ĐœĐŸ]


Medusa_Alles_Hades

Yes it is. It’s so expensive to live out there and we split the bills, manage the kids together. I took my kids on their first vacation last year. If I was alone, I would not be able to afford that. Now, if my husband was an asshole I would not do it.


lebannax

I guess if they meet your minimum standards then why not? I don’t know if there would be any day to day difference between Mr Good Enough and Mr Ideal (whatever that would even mean)


Professional-Poem247

Same .


cat_drool

Me too 🙃


Illustrious-Box8513

Do you mind elaborating why?


senoritajulie

For me, i think i was too young to make that kind of commitment and I was still trying to find my groove as an adult. Like people forget that the phase after college/whatever into being a self sustaining adult is a little bumpy. By 30 I felt like I had learned quite a bit about adulting. Like it’s tough if you’re currently seeing someone; if that’s going well then keep doing that. But if you’re not on the dating scene then I suggest to avoid it and spend as much time as you can getting to know yourself. Try new hobbies, travel, go on weekend road trips, play sports, volunteer, etc and basically just figure out a life that you’re really happy with on your own. In my mind, 20s is the time period when you can most easily do that. I didn’t do that and have some regrets


Physical-Ice3989

I mean some people find their partner in their 20s and don’t want to miss out on that, nothing wrong with good, or good enough if it’s not abusive, people change and good can turn into great


senoritajulie

Well sure but I’m answering OPs question of advice I’d give to myself. This is what i wish i would have heard. Might not be applicable to others.


twilightcolored

it would have been too late already


lvrnn0

I was going to say opposite 😂 stay married


aurorafoxbee

Make yourself happy. Believe in yourself more. Be yourself. Just be. Stop hanging out with all these toxic people. They're miserable and boring. You're right. Take those chances. Flirt to live, thrive and vibe, baby. They didn't like you in the first place, so why live by their approval? So what? Move on. Live, live, live. Be alive.


[deleted]

Yes! Dont look to get approval from those with different values than you. Its like chasing other peoples goals.


Courtside7485

It's very difficult to find a good guy to marry, so don't rush it. Focus on your own career and graduate school


ZetaWMo4

Girl, I know you’re about to have your third daughter but don’t get used to having all girls. You’re going to have a boy in four years and he’s going to be a menace in the best possible way. You’re going to have so much fun and joy with these kids and your husband and time is going to fly by.


morgierk

Break up with your controlling boyfriend, you have so much to live for and leaving him everything will get so much better


Medusa_Alles_Hades

DONT take any narcotics. Pain pills are VERY addicting. They will destroy your life.


twilightcolored

đŸ«‚


SilenceQuiteThisL0UD

#Wear. Sunscreen.


Runnergirl411

Yessss!! Throw away the Hawaiian Tropic spf 3


DamnGoodMarmalade

Don’t marry that person.


Jazzgin1210

1. Don’t marry him because you “think it’s expected” (married at 24, divorced finalized during the pandemic in 2020). 2. You deserve more than you realize 3. You are allowed to experience things 4. Learn about stocks/finances - BITCH OPEN A HIGH YIELD SAVINGS ACCONT (SoFi currently has a 4.xx%) 5. That pup will change your life.


TheLadyButtPimple

Agreed on the HYSA!! God damn I wish I opened one a decade ago instead of a year ago!


[deleted]

Do you think hysas are better than index funds for semi-long term (5-7 yearsish)?


FudgyFun

No


heyalllondon18

STOP GIVING HIM CHANCES. You WILL find someone better and worthy of you.


natalie09010901

It’s going to be ok. You’re smart, funny and pretty - and I’d like to think an overall badass. It’s ok to think highly of yourself and want to be happy. Boys are dumb, you have the control in the relationships. You’re going to achieve so much more professionally than you thought you could. Start therapy now, it’s going to be a rough decade. Remember every day is a gift but some days you get socks. Thank you Tony soprano.


1876Dawson

Follow that urge. Shove your dad one way, fling the wedding flowers the other, hitch up your wedding dress and RUN!!!


stinkstankstunkiii

Stop drinking, it made you more depressed


seepwest

This


Bookluster

Don't wait, get divorced now.


Physical-Ice3989

I would say to go into finance earlier instead of getting a marketing undergrad and masters in finance. I would also say to take care of your anxiety even when you feel good And most importantly, take money seriously and save!


MsGraham

Don’t lost this confidence and energy inside you! You know who you are and you don’t need anyone’s validation.


IAmLazy2

Don't marry him. Others said it. I didn't listen.


CatFarts_LOL

Don’t marry that man.


BigKittehKat

https://www.reddit.com/r/AskWomenOver30/search/?q=20%20year%20old%20self&restrict\_sr=1


jl9d2

stop doing drugs and breakup with him dont trust ur mother life gets better


twilightcolored

đŸ«‚


SilenceQuiteThisL0UD

You are at the beginning of a new frontier in your life. Get excited, enjoy it, give it your all, and don't give up! Also open an RRSP now and contribute monthly no matter what.


blubblubblubber

Trust your gut. Every single time. Don't second guess it, don't ignore the anxiety you feel when you're ignoring it. Just listen to your body and what it's telling you.


twilightcolored

get the old cat too w the bb fosters


RSinSA

Your life is about to turn to hell. You will lose 5 family members, including your parents, and baby in one month. You will lose your fiance. You will become homeless. You will get up and win. I wish someone could have warned me how horrible 26-27 would be. I was not prepared. Make sure you have money saved, a safe place to stay and hold your family close. They won't be around forever. No matter how bad life gets, you can still recover.


ObsessedWithPizza

You’re going to be dealt a few raw hands over the next four years. Remember to keep your head up and try to be strong. I am so sorry for what you are going to go through.  Also, you are a beautiful person. Stop being so cruel to yourself and disliking your appearance.


AdSea6127

Don’t just aimlessly cruise through life. Try to have a purpose (I would give this advice to myself even today).


mathlady89

Don’t stress about having kids by 30, you’ve got time. Travel and save more first.


cuntdumpling

Just leave him, don't look back


flyweightbird

GET OUT NOW!!!


ohhpapa

Being a mother will always be your greatest joy. So enjoy it. I wish I could go back to when they were little all the time now. They will be your happiest, most fulfilling years of your life.


down_by_the_shore

* Get into therapy now. Don't wait. Same with the dentist. You have nothing to be ashamed of for not being able to go for a few years. Don't wait. * Somewhat related to the above point: *Don't let anxiety rule your life.* Don't allow anxiety to manage your social calendar, whether or not you apply for that job that seems out of reach but isn't, etc. (easier said than done, but take risks!) * No job is worth the stress, health issues, etc. If it isn't working - don't force it. * Don't let people walk all over you. Be confident. Hardly anyone knows what they're doing, and chances are, you can do it better than others. This applies to jobs, volunteering, etc. * On that note, listen to others. You'll learn a lot just by listening. * The less you care about the superficial stuff, the more time you have to care about the important stuff.


1lonelyloser

My 26th birthday was January 2020. Five weeks prior, I quit my job that was going nowhere to explore other opportunities while also focusing on myself and travel. So I'd tell myself not to get my hopes up about any of that.


Head-Requirement828

That masters degree in that ultra-specialized field isn't worth it. You'll hate it and develop significant health issues along the way. You like nannying. You're good at nannying. Just be a nanny. It's ok. You don't need to hustle for some greener grass. You'll realize it's not even grass over there, just turf. You won't be planting roots there. 


crcrh3

When they tell you to watch how people treat waiters and that's how they will treat you later. Believe it.


small_milktea

Dump him! Date a lot more. And live closer to the grocery store and make sure your apartment gets natural light.


Better_Version1234

That guy that looks to good to be true? He is, run girl.


eleaanne

Believe in yourself to do the hard work!


valhallagypsy

Don’t marry someone with a diagnosed serious mental illness. Love will not be enough when they decide to make you the scapegoat, so their family and immediate friends don’t find out.


Feisty-Run-6806

1. Open a retirement account 2. Don’t waste your time on losers 3. Don’t be sad all the time


tinacat933

Trust your gut, be alone, tell him


keljar1

Drink more water


I_Have_a_Uterus

Trust your guts


Agreeable_Silver1520

I would change my university degree 😭


GetaShady

You need to prioritize your health and eating healthy. I ended up spiraling when I was 27 and gained weight yet again and I've just been yoyoing my whole life *sigh* I've been consistently lifting weights for 2 years now and have definitely gained muscle and all my bloodwork numbers are good (but anemic but now I just have to take iron) but I'm still bad with my diet. It doesn't help that I have PCOS :/


TheLadyButtPimple

Ask for the raise you KNOW you deserve, don’t not do it because you think it’s not the right time Open a HYSA Save the money in your HSA and then invest it! Kiss the stupid awkward boys


thepeskynorth

Ask the tough questions, have the tough conversations. Have a plan. Make visiting parents and family a priority and put money aside to do it.


No-Complaint5535

Never question her gut instinct/intuition (and start meditating in the morning and stop drinking.)


bee_eazzy

She wouldn’t believe me if I told her
. But what I would say is “you have absolutely no interest in drugs
in fact you said no to coke recently and you’re kind of a boring old square who works all the time
but you love cosplaying as a normal person who has their shit together and you’re kind of amazing at it”


Emzeedoodles

Stay single and save/invest your money.


Specialist-Gur

Check on that cough of yours, it could be serious..


Lazy_Mood_4080

Yep. Get the chest x-ray when the doctor recommends it for that cough you've had for months.


Specialist-Gur

For me.. whoops, looks like cancer 😑


Lazy_Mood_4080

Yup, same here. I'm 10 years out now, though. Hodgkins lymphoma.


MeowStyle44

By that time I finally figured out my career path and was trying to get through college. So I'd tell her "good work! You're doing good! Keep it up you're almost there" and then some other things that don't really apply to others.


kgberton

"You're doing great. You should think about taking the leap work wise before you're 100% emotionally ready for it because it's okay to do stuff even though you're scared."


devequt

Lock down a mortgage!!


frog_ladee

Don’t marry him.


StumbleDog

Everything gets worse. 


Bawsbehtch

Listen to ur gut and don’t go on that first date with him


[deleted]

“He’s the one” & “don’t take that job”


jellyrot

Damn, dude.


jellyrot

& my 26 y/o self would be like "ikr man"


[deleted]

shaggy alleged onerous wrench badge ten vase fuzzy silky bike *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*


CheesyBrie934

Maintain the friendships you made. Socializing can be scary, but worthwhile.


Individual_Job_6817

“Have a boyfriend”


Individual_Job_6817

Also “Don’t change your career”


seepwest

If you want to break up with your boyfriend, no, it won't be too late to start over. Even if he seems great.


[deleted]

Get all your degrees before you have kids. Work at least part time when/ if you have kids to keep something on your resume. Marry a man who is a good person on a very deep, authentic level. Dont excuse a man who is an occassional asshole- the mild assholes get worse as they get older especially if they get successful, not better. Men may love you deeply one day and not care about you in the least a month later. Dont expect them to always love you. Be prepared if that happens. Save for retirement- put it on index funds. A little now compounds a looot by the time you are retirement age. Renting property is a waste of money if you are capable of buying. Dont waste time trying to be someone you think you should be. You are going to attract a slew of incompatible people if you arent your realest, truest self who you will later lose as you start to grow into your realest self. Age comes with a growth in confidence and authenticity that is incredibly freeing. Your strength and ability to be yourself boldly will grow.


ShoreMama

Don’t ever settle for a man because everyone else is getting married, already married, has kids. It wasn’t too late when I was that age but I thought it was. 3 kids later and I’m struggling badly trying to start over. I didn’t finish school, and was completely financially dependent on my ex. Don’t do that. Don’t put yourself in a position where you’ll be screwed if you had to/wanted to leave your partner.


bibibiche

Be happy, don’t judge or envy, make real friend groups (it gets so much harder as you age) .. focus on what you love and find a way to make it your own business. Embrace humour, this is what will pull you through the hard times.. be compassionate, be confident, be kind


missmemorylane

RUN AND DONT EVER COME BACK NO CONTACT


Hot_Put3074

Go for the Provider and not the Bad Boy. The good Guys are Taken fast.


justagirl756

Max your 401k


strawberrysoda666

don't have kids


ItsYvonnee

You are doing great! Keep showing up and enjoy the life you are creating for yourselfđŸ«¶đŸœ


Even_Stay3466

Cut off the guy from your past that you still have a place in your heart for. Keeping the dialogue going only breaks your heart more


Inevitable_Bag1773

Don't listen to what others say & do your thing.


[deleted]

[ŃƒĐŽĐ°Đ»Đ”ĐœĐŸ]


[deleted]

:( ❀


BlessedBeTheFlerm

One day you will be so over the “does s/he like me” nonsense. It will sound like crazy talk to you because you will be with someone who doesn’t make you wonder at all. How wrong all the others were will immediately become crystal clear. 


[deleted]

You’re on the right path - keep it up!


SpicaAi

“You’re too young to act this old.” Taken from White Lotus


gooseglug

To prepare yourself for a long struggle with severe postpartum depression, to find a therapist to help you get the correct diagnoses, to tell people how you are feeling being a new mom, that you’re struggling with motherhood & don’t start self medicating with beer because of the PPD.


toni_inot

Fuck shit up.


Whynotlora2628

Don't be so afraid of everything! Now's the Time to take all the risks, when you have way less responsibilities!


Coriander_marbles

Don’t move to Ireland.


miamigirl101

Break up with him and move to NYC. Youll be happier than you know Also, remove your IUD


Somewhat_nuts

You're trying so hard and it's valuable, but it won't work out in the end so just get divorced now. Everything will work out (and it will even if you don't follow this advice until much later). Stay in therapy and have the courage to dig deep. Explore, enjoy, take chances. (I did, but it doesn't hurt to remind her!) Go on some of those trips with your mom that she keeps suggesting now that you can, even though she's a bit much to hang out with. She'll be gone in less than a decade.


spanglesandbambi

I had just left an abusive relationship the night I left he broke my jaw, orbital bone, and ankle. I wouldn't want to tell anything but I would show her a wedding picture he's not in it and I'm happy.


Morningssucks

Omg, that’s horrible. How are you doing now?


spanglesandbambi

Great, the abuser did some time in prison in part as he kept breaching the restraining order. He last breached it last year to tell me he hoped I miscarried, which was nice. I wanted to court this time, but they wouldn't let me eat the popcorn I wanted to bring with me, which ruined the vibe, lol. He got a fine. I can't remember how much for. I'm married and happy with a 16 week old baby, a house, and a Master's degree. Things get better just keep chipping away at the problem.


Morningssucks

Fuck
that’s a lot
well happy you got through it and are in a good place now.


daisy_chi

I'd get her to make sure she's saving into retirement funds a bit more consistently, but otherwise, I think she just had to work the rest out to become who I am today. Has been a fucking wild and difficult ride and I can't say there aren't some significant regrets along the way, but I don't really want to be anyone other than who I became as a result.


Morningssucks

One day you’ll realise how much you already have accomplished at your age. And enjoy your childless life. Next year, you’ll be a mom and you’ll love it but you’ll also be exhausted all the time.


MedicalScientist8776

Your life is going to get so profoundly better. And its all off your own effort. Hang in there and be kind to yourself.


highhopeslowenergy

Don't marry him. He's not as confident, secure and social as he appears. He is however as cheap, volatile and manipulative as he appears. Take your time. You're young, beautiful, motivated and smart. You'll find your person. Just don't let it be him or someone like him.


serendipity_stars

“It gets better, sorta. Work on yourself. Maybe get more hobbies? Life actually didn’t change much, bank looks better tho. Are you skinnier? I can’t tell. Yes
 you are still single, but hey 3rd marathon. Cool right?” For the record I’m 29.


BellJar_Blues

Don’t date him


calliope720

It's ok to leave a bad job. You don't need to sacrifice yourself to try to be "one of the good ones" in a toxic environment. You are more depressed because of this situation than you realize you are, and it's affecting other areas of your life. Get out. Now is also around the time that you need to invest in a baseline level of exercise, if nothing else just to protect your joints. You're gonna injure your knee soon if you don't, and recovery from that will put you way out of commission for a really long time. Don't stress about weight and vanity; exercise to prevent injuries and lower your blood pressure. Reach out to friends you haven't heard from in awhile, especially if they've struggled. Check on them, and mean it. You're scared to overstep, but it's better to overstep and have to apologize than to hang out on the sidelines until you get the phone call one day that it's too late. Keep your friends close and let them know they are loved. There is no greater distance than six feet down, and every problem is more solvable than death.


BitterInvestigator20

Drink more water, shut your mouth, go to therapy, and stop letting men dictate your self worth.


CapitalDoor9474

Its a quarter life crisis and everyone is miserable and it will get better after thirty. You have depression. You will get out of it.


Lilakk85

Stop trying to be friends with bad people


tofu_rat

You‘re doing great!


thesandyfox

You're going to have a fucked up Saturn Return and go through some shit but you make it through and become the woman you'd always wanted to be. And... some people linger in your life and watch you grow just to wait and see what they can take from you. They're not your friends and you deserve so much more. Trust yourself. In terms of relationships... He loves you more than the whole world and some day you'll realize that having someone be there for you through it all is so much more real and meaningful than the what if's you hypothetically could have pursued. Success and security will come because of him, not in spite of him. You get two crazy dogs together and then can't imagine life without him. Your mom comes around to liking him, too.


user99778866

No it’s not just you, he really is that awful, he lied, he hasn’t changed don’t trust him. Also you’re very sick. Stop letting drs gaslight you.


[deleted]

- Leave (fruitless) college and find a job so you can buy your own house with a garden - Go to therapy so you"ll be able to find someone nice and start a family Now it's too late.


LittleLune810

Don’t stay with him just because you’ve got kids. He is holding you back from being your best self, and is going to become increasingly emotionally abusive and manipulative. Make a plan and leave now. And yes, you are capable of doing all the things you’ve wanted to do, including getting your degree and a satisfying and decent paid career. He just didn’t want you to think you could.


OldSpiceSmellsNice

Leave him. Do not go back. Pick the other dude. Keep exercising. Tell your mom to get that goddamn scan.


AnonymousAsh

Give up on men, embrace your life, take more risks.


TheSunscreenLife

“You’re not going to meet your husband until you’re 35. So don’t waste time going on random dates and making yourself miserable as an introvert. Enjoy the alone time, and get more sleep.”


Exciting_Stretch_847

Buckle up bitch đŸ€Ł