What's the worst mistake people make in their 20s?

[letuswaltzforthedead]

Additionally, What's the worst mistake you made in your 20s? or as a young adult in general?

I've watched a number of interviews recently and most of the guests say that they're happy the internet wasn't around when they were growing up because of all the things they did. I think the newer generations of today will probably have a bunch of regrets and dumb actions, partly because of the internet. Not saving money, thinking long term or procrastinating, college or not, travelling or not, etc. are some things that are usually listed.

[NathanDavis]

20 to 25 age... is very challenging

your brain is still growing up and adjusting so ignoring that fact can be problematic enough... not only physically but mentally relevant, same with your metabolism, big adjusting from young to older adult... in the case of the ladies, hormonal balancing is also a big factor

so the worst mistake one can make during early 20's is to disregard these changes... lol, we don't worry much about health, or energy or our wellbeing, or the impact that early good choices or bad choices will have in our mid-term future and probably the rest of our lives

all of the bad habits you continue or start during your early 20's, they will become deeply rooted into your brain and therefore your life... but the same goes for the good habits, your early 20's is the best moment perhaps, to work in good and better habits

it is just not easy because these earlier years are unclear as well... you're still somewhat a kid and a teen... but also some sort of adulting persona

[SnowedIn]

For some (not all) too much hooking up. Partying hard after being out of the house/school. Not thinking of the future (not letting it control you, but not thinking ahead). Not making finances part of their plan. Not stopping to smell the roses and enjoying what youth has to offer.

For me? I left college. I chose safe paths instead of ones with risk.

[Kori1236]

I mean I didn’t make any real mistakes that still bother me. I looked at everything as a learning opportunity.


Some things that I could see people regretting though are as follows.


Practicing safe sex: I know people that didn’t practice safe sex and now have either a disease or child as the result.


Credit cards: with adulthood comes adult responsibility. I know credit cards seem like free money but you do have to pay it back with interest. Credit cards can be beneficial but you need to have a healthy relationship and understanding with money


Living outside their means: this one kind of ties into credit cards and having a good relationship with money. Budget for yourself you can still have a fulfilling life while maintaining a budget and stashing money away.

[letuswaltzforthedead]

I wish I could've given you MHO as well for this one, very helpful :)

[dustybiker]

Waiting. Waiting for others, putting things off that you want to do. Never wait. Take every opportunity to live this life. Your stories to the great grandkids will be richer for it.

[melanieeeB]

Uhhh yeah that's a good one! I agree

[dustybiker]

@melanieeeB I wish someone had told me that in my teens.

[NathanDavis]

@dustybiker speaking of waiting...

[dustybiker]

Thanks for the mho.

[melanieeeB]

Financial mistakes


My worst? Trusting wrong people

[jennifer_bloom]

One thing I regret in my 30s is that I was noe hard enough on myself when I was younger. I worked hard until age 20, then decided I wanted to be comfortable and at rest. In my 30s I dreamed of being a doctor but knew I would be considered too old for medical school if I somehow beat the 20 year olds and got flying grades and medical admission scores. I want to go to Yale or Harvard for a masters or PhD but most people who want to do that achieve it in their 20s. And all these amazing guys I used to be friends with are married - to girls who have PhDs.

[letuswaltzforthedead]

do you think you still have time to make up for your regret?
and, If you could've talked to your 20 year old self, do you think you could've changed anything?

[jennifer_bloom]

Yes, I am trying to start my own self employed career and I’m hoping to get a graduate degree after I update my professional credentials and there are still single guys close to my age, they are just less common than when I was younger, thanks for asking : )

[fonduegirl]

Playing the rating scale game. Playing the guess my age game. Having strict racial preferences. Letting partners step on boundaries because you like them too much. Letting people degrade you for holding certain beliefs. Etc.

[Agape93]

Getting married and having kids because they feel like they should before 30.

[annabananna]

Taking things personally. Letting how others treat me get the me. It just makes you sad and has nothing to do with you.

[MissMam]

I don't know I'm not 20

[Nikki1989]

Probably wasting money.

[Fromdusktilldawn]

Something that gets them jailtime

[Alliegal]

Not saving more money