In crafting The Girl’s Guide to Absolutely Everything (Workman, new edition 2015), I had the pleasure of chatting with countless women about their college-to-adulthood transitions. They shared invaluable nuggets of wisdom that could have made their 20s and 30s a lot smoother. Here’s a standout insight from one of our conversations.
Name: Emily Carter
Age: 24
Profession: User Experience Designer
What’s your big lesson?
If I could go back in time, I’d tell myself that not every situation demands a reaction. Just because you love someone doesn’t mean you’re both ready for what comes next. Plus, it’s crucial to learn how to embrace loneliness without letting it consume you.
You’ll encounter a multitude of fantastic individuals, but there will also be those who simply don’t fit into your life. Remember, it’s perfectly fine to step back from people who aren’t good for you. It might take courage, but your mental well-being is worth it.
And here’s the good news: there are amazing souls out there who will love you just the way you are—quirks and all. They won’t ask you to change, and they’ll stand by you through your highs and lows. If you haven’t met them yet, keep your chin up! They’re out there, and you’ll cross paths someday.
In the meantime? Stand your ground and let’s collectively agree to stop apologizing for simply being ourselves!
Previously, someone once said, “You are not destined to be alone and jobless,” and honestly, they couldn’t be more right.