40 Years of Experience

[Guccicool]

I'm not sure how long I will camp here but if I can pass along 40 years of experience with brevity here it is:

Im a Capricorn female, 40 and I've done okay for myself with very few major errors.

1. At the end of the day you have to be you and live with yourself. Make decisions that you can live with for the rest of your life. If you are unsure do nothing until you are.

2. You can only control you. Trying to make people do what you want must always be their choice otherwise it's illusion.

3. Death is permanent. Sadness, depression and heartbreak are not. Life is a series of tides sometimes you can ride the wave sometimes you fall off. What's important is loving the ride.

4. You will lose. You will fail. That is okay. It's teaching you. If you want it bad enough you will win next time. If you don't then you didn't waste your valuable time doing something that is not your calling.

5. Bullies. If you are dealing with bullies whether it be online or in a boardroom always stand your ground. You have to respect yourself before you can respect anyone else. You are the CEO of your life.

6. Being a woman. You will be hurt, pushed around, unappreciated and taken for granted - But do not do these things to yourself. If a man or spouse physically abuses you - leave and learn defense. I did. If a man takes your money or tries to control you - leave and get back on your feet. I did. Use hardship as a path to making yourself better than the situation.

7. Ask for help after you've tried to do for yourself and were unsuccessful.

8. Relationships are about compromise not sacrifice. There's a difference.

9. Love. The complete package is a person that can function in life without you but chooses to expand their life with you.

10. Be friends first. If it doesn't turn into a relationship you made a friend.

[Browneye57]

An LTR is more about giving than getting. If you go into it with this attitude you won't be disappointed because of your expectations.

GAG is pretty fun. These youngsters really need help and are ready to ask here. They can do it with reasonable anonymity.

Enjoy your time here.

[Anonymous]

Very nice take. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences.

Regarding # 8, I agree mostly, but it could be a little misleading. Healthy relationships are indeed about compromise, but they are also about sacrifice. Selfless sacrifice is an expression of true love. It's healthy and should be encouraged, not discouraged. But both partners must sacrifice for the other. If only one is sacrificing, that's not healthy. That's the difference.