70 Things

1. There are plenty of ways to enter a pool. The stairs is not one of them.

2. Never cancel dinner plans by text message.

3. If a street performer makes you stop walking, you owe him a buck.

4. When entrusted with a secret, keep it.

5. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Don’t be a “yes” person. Learn to say no. Politely.

6. You only get one chance to notice a new haircut.

7. If you’re staying more than one night, unpack.

8. Never park in front of a bar.

9. Expect the seat in front of you to recline. Prepare accordingly. Complaining will bring you no where.

10. Keep a picture of your first license, first car, first boyfriend/girlfriend, first small group, and all the firsts that will bring you joy everytime you look at it.

11. Never lie to your doctor.

12. Don’t mention sunburns. Believe me, they know.

13. The best way to show thanks is to wear it.

14. Take a vacation away from your cell phone, internet, and TV once a year.

15. A handshake beats an autograph.

16. If you want to know what makes you unique, prepare to hear people’s feedback. Be brave. It will help you grow.

17. Never get your hair cut the day of a special event.

18. Never eat lunch at your desk if you can avoid it.

19. When you’re with new friends, don’t talk about old friends.

20. Eat lunch with the new kids.

21. When traveling, keep in mind that it is the perfect time to create inside jokes. Seize the moment.

22. It’s never too late for an apology.

23. You don’t get to choose your own nickname.

24. Don’t make a scene.

25. When giving a thank you speech, short and sweet is best.

26. Know when to ignore the camera.

27. Invest in good luggage.

28. Make time for your mom on your birthday. It’s her special day, too.

29. When opening presents, no one likes a good guesser. So, tame your tongue please?

30. Give credit. Take blame.

31. Don’t stare. I repeat, don’t stare.

32. Stand up to bullies. You’ll only have to do it once yet you will make a difference that would last a lifetime.

33. If you’ve made your point, stop talking.

34. Admit it when you’re wrong. Trust me, humility makes you more smart looking.

35. If you offer help don’t quit until the job is done.

36. Look people in the eye when you thank them.

37. Thank the bus/taxi driver.

38. Never answer the phone at the dinner table.

39. Forgive yourself for your mistakes.

40. Know at least one good joke.

41. Know how to cook one good meal.

42. Learn to drive. It is 2014. Hello?

43. Be cool to younger kids. Reputations are built over a lifetime.

44. It’s okay to go to the movies by yourself.

45. Dance with your mother/father.

46. Don’t lose your cool. Especially at work.

47. Always thank the host or speaker. No matter how sleepy you’ve become.

48. If you don’t understand, ask before it’s too late.

49. There is nothing wrong with a plain t-shirt or pants.

50. Be a good listener. Don’t just wait for your turn to talk.

51. Keep your word. Then, back it up with action.

52. Work hard. I mean it. Oh did I mention, chill harder? Ye, chill harder. Work hard. Chill harder.

53. Be patient with airport security. They’re just doing their jobs.

54. Don’t be the talker in a movie.

55. Learn to change a tire.

56. An hour with grandparents is time well spent. Ask for advice even if you don’t need it.

57. Don’t litter. And for heaven’s sake, learn how to segragate the trash. What are you? 4 years old?

58. Never call someone before 9am or after 9pm.

59. Buy the orange properties in Monopoly. Deal breaker is not always the way to win. You got this.

60. Make the little things count. Better? Celebrate little things.

61. Modesty is hot. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs.

62. You’re never too old to need your mom or your dad.

63. Ladies, if you make the decision to wear heels on the first date, commit to keeping them on and keeping your trap shut about how much your feet kill.

64. Know the words to your national anthem.

65. Your dance moves might not be the best, but I promise making a fool of yourself is more fun than sitting on the bench alone.

66. Smile at strangers.

67. Make goals. Short or long, it doesn’t matter. Just make goals. Don’t forget to write them down.

68. Being old is not dictated by your bedtime or by how many cats you own. Maybe? Just go out and have fun. There’s nothing wrong in meeting new people or finding yourself in new places. Come on.

69. If you have to fight, fight with God.

70. Not to spoil the ending but, you’ll win, even if you lose. Keep fighting.