Things Every 20-Something Has to Do (Not)

“30 things you have to do before graduating from college”

“10 things every 20-something must do”

“50 things a girl must have”

This kind of title pops up every so often on my Facebook news feed; thus I must assume a lot of people my age read them. Usually, the lists include a vast array of things, from fun (go on a road trip), daring (skydive), incredibly kind (say thank you to your parents), to ridiculously laughable and possibly offensive (have a threesome, drink until you don’t remember the day before).

There’s a simple fact I would like to assert:

You are 20-something, not FIVE. Apart from obeying the law, you don’t have to do anything. No one needs to tell you what to do unless you are actively seeking advice from him or her.

It’s almost a no-brainer, but according to my mom, the 80/20 rule applies as follows: 80% of the population are sheep who blindly follow the crowd with zero doubt or questions. Only 20% are sensible enough to think for themselves. Human beings are herd animals; thus it’s deeply wired in our nature to conform. Nonetheless, while it’s all cool to follow what’s trending on Twitter or buy the newest iPhone, nothing bad will happen if you don’t.

A lot of those posts are highly opinionated anyway, and hardly factual. Truth is, if you don’t like what they write; it shouldn’t make your to-do list. For example, I assuredly insistently absolutely demand that everyone should travel abroad at least once in his/her life. But if you’re perfectly content with being in your small town, or you wouldn’t leave New York City because it is a small world in itself, be my guest.

The revised list of things every 20-something has to do:

WHATEVER THE HECK YOU WANT TO DO

That’s it. You decide what to do with your life, not some random other 20-something writer on the internet. What does that person know about you to give you orders? And that includes me too, which means you don’t have to listen to whatever rambling I just said. Act for yourself, Mr. or Ms. Grown Up.

(PS: Except for food. You should always eeeeaaattttttt)