Dear 21 year old...

To the girl turning 21 today…March 17^th, 2015….first I would like to congratulate you on turning 21! Happy birthday to you! I would like to take this time to offer you some advice, seeing as how I’m your elder…and since I’m really good at offering un-solicited advice!

I know, I know, you’re not asking for advice…but I’m freely giving it, so you might as well see if there’s a little gem that you can store away for later.

One: No one will ever keep your secrets. Remember that when you’re gushing all your details.

Two: It’s completely okay to be confident in yourself. If you’re good at it, own it. If you’re not, be really good at faking it and people will believe you.

Three: Look people in the eye…it’s a lost trait.

Four: Strapless bras were invented for a reason…you’re 21 you should know this by now…if you’re wearing a cute outfit and your bra strap is shining, it’s not a cute outfit anymore.

Five: If you’re drinking put your phone away. Far away.

Six: Most people will be more interested in your life than you are. Let them talk.

Seven: Allow the boy to open the door for you…and if he doesn’t rethink this.

Eight: Sometimes it’s okay to put yourself first…it’s not always a selfish thing, sometimes it’s necessary

Nine: What’s important to you? Make a list and stick with it.

Ten: If you walk into a place and automatically think, oh my gosh I’m so ugly…blame it on the lights. They’re probably fluorescent and no one looks good in that lighting (Ex: Victoria's Secret dressing room...you would think they could get their lighting to make you look like the supermodels vs the super size McDonald's fries)

Eleven: Don’t drink too much tequila. Ever.

Twelve: Don’t do things that include booze, boys, nudity and consequences….sloppy doesn’t look good on anyone.

Thirteen:  Occasionally buy the people you love simple gifts…even if it’s just their favorite candy bar. It’s nice to know someone is thinking of you.

Fourteen: Travel overseas if at all possible…do it now while you’re young…open your mind to something other than what is simply in front of you. It’s a big world!

Fifteen: Cry. It’s okay to cry. This is a hard one for me…but really, sometimes all you need is a big, girly, ugly face cry session.

Sixteen: High waisted jean shorts are not cute.

Seventeen: Tell your parents you appreciate them…more than likely it will make their day….and then they’ll probably buy you dinner…and really, what’s better than that?

Eighteen: Never get your hair cut the day of the special event.

Nineteen: It’s perfectly okay to do things alone.

Twenty: If the guys a jerk, then you don’t have time for him. Buy yourself an ice cream and move on.

Twenty-One: Be around people that you can laugh with and act yourself around.

Twenty-Two: Be with someone who is proud to have you. If he’s not willing to show you off then question his motives.

Twenty-Three: Have a pretty heart. Be giving. No matter how pretty you are on the outside, if you have an ugly heart, you’re ugly.

You’re welcome. Store them away for a rainy day….or use them now…especially if you’re looking in the mirror and your bra strap is showing.