Being in the “early adulthood” stage of your life isn’t easy, and pressure from parents, bosses, and professors make it even harder.
Now is the time to have fun, explore all that life has to offer, and learn important lessons, even if you have to mess up big time first.
You’re gaining a lot of new responsibilities, but there are a few things you can take off your plate.
Your early twenties aren’t always a walk in the park, and you deserve to cut yourself some slack.
Here are 6 things you should stop feeling bad about. Like immediately.
1. Dressing “slutty”
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The way you dress has nothing to do with what you do in your spare time, and neither of those things should matter to anyone but you.
Choosing an outfit should be accompanied by thoughts like: “Will my legs be too cold in this dress?”, not by thoughts like: “What will people assume about my private life based on this dress?”
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A woman feeling good about her body should be celebrated, and if anyone feels differently, that is far from your problem.
If what you’re wearing makes you feel confident and strong, you should stomp down the street in that outfit like it’s the final runway challenge on America’s Next Top Model.
2. Being (almost) poor
No one expects you to be rolling in money in your twenties.
Being born into a family of billionaires or getting discovered and becoming an overnight celebrity would be nice, but chances are you’re doing just fine.
As frustrating as it is having to save up for a $50 pair of shoes, take a step back and realize that being able to afford a roof over your head and three meals a day is an accomplishment in itself, and one day, you’ll get past it.
If you’re debating whether or not you can afford the extra money for guac at Chipotle, you’re not alone. Keep your eyes on the prize and soon enough you’ll be able to order guac without batting an eye, and maybe even a bottle of water instead of a free cup.
3. Other people’s success
It’s tough to resist being competitive, especially now.
Every time you log into Facebook, there’s a new batch of “I got a job!” or “I got into med school!” or “I won an award!” statuses to make you question yourself even more than you already were.
Comparing yourself to others is toxic and counterproductive.
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No one’s got it all, no matter how happy they seem on social media, so try not to let the success of your friends put a damper on your positivity.
Sometimes, it can feel like it’s never your turn to have some good luck, but being kind to yourself and celebrating little successes rather than dwelling on what other people are doing will get you there ten times faster.
,4. Being “basic”
Since when did it become uncool to like things that are likable?
Our generation is constantly tweeting things like, “Sorry to sound so basic, but this Starbucks iced coffee is amazing," or, “Bought two new dresses at Forever 21... ugh I’m so basic," or, “Oops, I love the new One Direction song #basic”.
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Starbucks is convenient and delicious, Forever 21 sells cute clothes for reasonable prices, and One Direction is a bunch of cute boys singing fun pop songs.
Why are we shaming ourselves for enjoying things that are created to be likable and fun?
If someone wearing flower crowns and crop tops at Coachella is ruining your day, maybe you’re the one who needs a change.
5. Ordering in food multiple times a week
We live in a magical time where a delicious, warm meal can be delivered to your doorstep, and the whole process involves about seventeen seconds of effort.
In fact, the hardest part is actually scrolling through all your choices and deciding if you want to try that new Thai place, or just get a meatball hero (again).
If cooking sounds like more of a chore than a hobby, sit back, put your feet up, and let the deliciousness come to you.
It’s not a crime to be a young woman who doesn’t like to cook, and sometimes you just need to watch eight consecutive episodes of Friends while eating Chow Fun.
As Pawnee’s greatest philosophers Haverford and Meagle once said, "Treat yo self."
6. Being single
Yes, being single can feel sad and lonely, and a lot of the time you’re going to wish you had a boyfriend/girlfriend.
But your early twenties is the perfect time to fall in love with yourself.
Dating someone has its advantages, but take the time you have as a single Pringle to find out who you are and what makes you happy.
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The first step to eventually having a healthy, adult relationship with another person is to get in touch with who you are and how you want to be treated.
Have exciting adventures with your friends, meet new people, and spend plenty of time taking care of the one who is going to be with you through it all, yourself.
If you enjoyed this, check out 8 Embarrassing Things New Yorkers Aren't Actually Ashamed Of Doing.