A famous saying goes, “what an elder sees sitting, the young could not see if they stood on the tallest tree.”
Sometimes, people debunk this claim — after all, wisdom does not come with age. However, other times, we see how right the older person is when we fail to take their advice, and things go wrong.
Gen Zs are all the rage now: they’re funny, intelligent, hard-working, etc. However, according to most of the older generation, they are also ill-mannered under the guise of being “woke.” Still, there are some things baby boomers think every teenager should know.
1. Learn To Say No
You must learn to say no to people and not care how they feel about the response. People can be selfish; sometimes, they don’t care about the strain the “favor” might have on you. However, be careful not to guilt-trip others when they say no to you.
2. Do The Things You Want
This advice is for teenagers who feel they can’t do something or enjoy an activity they like because it is “popular.” Who cares? If it makes you happy, then do it. Do what you love with pride. Just ensure it’s, you know, legal.
3. Workout Now
Make this a habit now that you are young and fit with no aching bones. I know it is challenging. Most people struggle to work out consistently but prioritize it. There’s no “right” time to start — only now. Your body will thank you in the long run.
4. Learn Another Language
Back then, we saw French classes as a punishment and disregarded when adults said we’d need it in the future, thinking they were preaching — as you must think now. Learning a new language has so many benefits, and it will be easier than when you are older.
5. Start Saving
Imagine putting aside a fixed sum every month from the time you turn 13 until you are about to turn 20. Even if you set aside a monthly dollar, it would have appreciated over the years. The point? Start saving now. It doesn’t matter how much or how little; start.
6. Making Friends
On this, teens should understand that it takes time to make new friends. The younger you are, the more time you have. Use it wisely; connect with your friends. Talk with and to them, create memories, and don’t just cut people off like it’s something to brag about.
Also, you don’t have to have everything in common with your friend. A commenter explains friendship is more about “values and personality compatibility than likes and dislikes.”
7. Get A Skill That Can Pay The Bills
You may still be young and don’t need to pay bills, but you won’t be young forever — unless you’re Paul Rudd or Pharrell Williams. You need to find and learn a skill you can get paid for as early as possible. And no, it doesn’t have to be your “passion.”
8. Passion And Dreams Are Not Everything
In the same vein, it’s the job that pays the bills that should come first. If you have a passion and it is something that can sustain you in the long run, then you are one of the lucky few. Otherwise, remember that you must compromise and make career decisions for your future.
9. Deal With Your Mental Health Issues
Yes, you are young. But, no, you don’t have “time” to decide to deal with your mental issues later in life. You needed to start yesterday. Deal with them. If you need to go to therapy, please do and prioritize yourself. Do it for your future.
10. Save For Retirement
Retirement may seem decades away, but time flies. Before you know it, you’re wondering where it all went. Start saving the moment you can, specifically towards your retirement. You would be more comfortable in old age.
11. Trust Your Instincts
In weird situations, our instincts often scream, but we ignore them, and then we get in trouble. When you feel like something is wrong, there’s always a reason for that, don’t just brush it off. It may seem cliché, but you have to trust your instincts always.
12. This Should Not Be The Best Days Of Your Life
Don’t believe “these are the best years of your life.” No, they are not. Have fun, and make the best of your teenage years, but remember that it is fantastic to grow older.
Watching yourself evolve into a better version of yourself is one of life’s greatest joys. Every step of the journey is a thrill, so don’t spend every night in your 20s partying because you’re trying to get the best out of life. The best is yet to come.
This thread inspired this post.
More From Savoteur
Am I the only one who sometimes questions the American dream? With issues like expensive healthcare and rampant homelessness, believing you’re living the dream life is hard. Someone on an internet travel platform asked Americans for common things that Europe residents have that they consider a luxury. Here are their best answers.
10 Things Europeans Have Everyday That Americans See as a Luxury
10 Cities People Refuse to Ever Visit Again
Fargo, North Dakota, is somewhere I will never visit again. The food is delicious, especially the wild rice soup, but Red River Zoo gives me the creeps. I felt like I was entering a cult considering all the head mounts of deer and buffalo decorating the walls as we peered into the enclosure of red pandas. Travelers on a popular internet forum share their least favorite travel experiences below.
10 Cities People Refuse to Ever Visit Again
Top 10 Countries With the Absolute Worst Cuisine in the World
Have you encountered a country of terrible foods in your traveling endeavors? You’re not alone. After someone asked travelers, “What country has the worst cuisine overall?” These are the top-voted responses.
Top 10 Countries With the Absolute Worst Cuisine in the World
15 of the Worst Cities in America To Avoid at All Costs
The United States is home to many of the most beautiful natural wonders of the world. Unfortunately, it’s also home to cities in steep decline due to increases in poverty, homelessness, and violent and property crimes.
While there are many safe towns and cities in the U.S., some online users from a social media discussion board believe there are some you should avoid.
15 of the Worst Cities in America To Avoid at All Costs
The Most Famous Person In Your State Will Surprise You
When you think of certain states, famous residents immediately come to mind. From The Oracle of Omaha to Jon Bon Jovi, Prince, or Will Smith, their names are synonymous with their home states. But what about the other states in America? Take a look at The Most Iconic Person from Each State to see if you agree with our picks!
The Most Iconic Person From Each State
