ADVERTISEMENT

“Experience is the best teacher,” or so the old cliche goes, but, realistically, most of us would prefer to be forewarned about the realities of life. From how to spot a bad friend to the best ways to internalize personal boundaries, it can be pretty helpful to learn from others first.
Someone asked “What's a piece of adult advice you wish you'd known sooner?” and netizens shared the things they learned perhaps a bit too late. So get comfortable as you scroll through, upvote your favorites and be sure to add your own ideas and experiences in the comments section below.

This post may include affiliate links.

#1

“Forget Your Bad Friends”: 50 Examples Of Adult Advice People Wish They’d Heard Earlier Be careful of who you vent to at work. Just because they listen or show some empathy, it doesn't mean that they're your friend or have your best interests at heart.

Moon_Jewel90 , LinkedIn Sales Solutions Report

Final score:
176points
Add photo comments
POST
michaellargey avatar
Michael Largey
Michael Largey
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Someone at work may be your friend, but remember that's not why they show up there.

Vote comment up
44
44points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu

#2

“Forget Your Bad Friends”: 50 Examples Of Adult Advice People Wish They’d Heard Earlier If you're in the toilet in your dream, don't use it.
I REPEAT DON'T USE IT.

i_m_sid13 , Jan Antonin Kolar Report

Final score:
175points
Add photo comments
POST
View more commentsArrow down menu
#3

“Forget Your Bad Friends”: 50 Examples Of Adult Advice People Wish They’d Heard Earlier Working harder than everyone else only means the boss will load you down with even more work.

PrudentAlps8736 , Mikhail Nilov Report

Final score:
159points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#4

“Forget Your Bad Friends”: 50 Examples Of Adult Advice People Wish They’d Heard Earlier HR ain't yer friend :'(.

thrwawaythrwaway_now , Tim Gouw Report

Final score:
146points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#5

“Forget Your Bad Friends”: 50 Examples Of Adult Advice People Wish They’d Heard Earlier People care much less about you than you would think.

Maleficent_Nobody_75 , Priscilla Du Preez Report

Final score:
135points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#6

“Forget Your Bad Friends”: 50 Examples Of Adult Advice People Wish They’d Heard Earlier Don’t let stuff pile up. Bills, stuff on your to do list, cleaning, low tire, engine light on, etc. It sounds basic but getting stuff done as soon as it comes up (as soon as possible) lowers stress and makes life way easier. Stuff doesn’t just go away, and getting it done quickly removes piles of stuff later.

SnooBooks8807 , Annie Spratt Report

Final score:
131points
Add photo comments
POST
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#7

“Forget Your Bad Friends”: 50 Examples Of Adult Advice People Wish They’d Heard Earlier Learn to live alone.

Roxy3000lol , mikoto.raw Photographer Report

Final score:
128points
Add photo comments
POST
ma-lahann avatar
marianne eliza
marianne eliza
Community Member
1 month ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This! When I finally lived alone, and had no one else to cover my tuchus if I was late on rent or other bills, I underwent a complete change. Only 1 credit card, no other loans. Now my (64f) credit score is 810, I have bought, refurbished and sold 3 houses on my own, acting as general contractor each time. Learn to rely on yourself. You may not need it, but you just might.

Vote comment up
67
67points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#8

Spend more time with your parents and grandparents. It's easy to overlook how quickly they're growing older while we're busy with our own lives. One day, their absence will hit harder than you can imagine. Cherish the moments you have with them now, before it's too late.

rx221b Report

Final score:
126points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

“Forget Your Bad Friends”: 50 Examples Of Adult Advice People Wish They’d Heard Earlier A piece of adult advice I wish I'd known sooner is that it's okay to say "no" without feeling guilty. Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining your mental and emotional well-being, and it's not selfish to prioritize your needs. Learning that you don't have to explain or justify your reasons for declining something can be incredibly freeing and helps you focus on what truly matters to you.

throwmeaway456456456 , stock_cookie Report

Final score:
124points
Add photo comments
POST
View more commentsArrow down menu
#10

“Forget Your Bad Friends”: 50 Examples Of Adult Advice People Wish They’d Heard Earlier Someone else’s greater achievements doesn’t take away from your progress. It’s you vs you.

Dry_Significance6922 , energepic Report

Final score:
114points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#11

You're gonna be disliked by people. That's their problem, not yours. You can only take responsibility for the mistakes you actually make not the mistakes others think you have.

Judoka91 Report

Final score:
104points
Add photo comments
POST
michaellargey avatar
Michael Largey
Michael Largey
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"So you've got enemies. Good. That means you've stood up for something sometime in your life." - Winston Churchill

Vote comment up
53
53points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#12

Budgeting is less about numbers and more about saying no to impulse buys.

LushStellarNebula47 Report

Final score:
104points
Add photo comments
POST
glennschroeder avatar
Papa
Papa
Community Member
1 month ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Before you buy something you don't need because "you work hard and you deserve it," stop and do the math on how long you'll have to work to pay for it. That will often take some of the shine off of it.

Vote comment up
46
46points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#13

You don't have to drink to have fun.

knee_grow_life Report

Final score:
103points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#14

“Forget Your Bad Friends”: 50 Examples Of Adult Advice People Wish They’d Heard Earlier Confidence beats ability in most jobs.


Most friendships are situational.


What people present on social media isn't usually who they are.

LordyIHopeThereIsPie , halfpoint Report

Final score:
88points
Add photo comments
POST
View more commentsArrow down menu
#15

It’s ok to not have an opinion on something or to say nothing sometimes.

Kac03032012 Report

Final score:
87points
Add photo comments
POST
michaellargey avatar
Michael Largey
Michael Largey
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not everything that pops into your head has to pop out of your mouth.

Vote comment up
56
56points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#16

“Forget Your Bad Friends”: 50 Examples Of Adult Advice People Wish They’d Heard Earlier Set a timer for taking the beer out of the freezer.

chemape876 , Jess Low Report

Final score:
84points
Add photo comments
POST
stan_y234 avatar
LaserBrain
LaserBrain
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you need to chill beer quickly, wrap the first beer (or two) in one layer of wet towel, and put it in the fridge along with the others. By the time the first beer (or 2) is gone, the others are ready to either drink or put in the regular section of the fridge.

Vote comment up
16
16points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#17

Get strong legs and core. Life gets so much harder if you cant move well.

klyepete Report

Final score:
80points
Add photo comments
POST
merilynlal avatar
Mez
Mez
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, and you can even start in your 40's....what you do now will dictate how you spend your last years on this earth.

Vote comment up
20
20points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#18

“Forget Your Bad Friends”: 50 Examples Of Adult Advice People Wish They’d Heard Earlier Practice talking to people and being with people. Social skills can be learnt like any other skill! It just takes patience, and practice.

daring-flash , Athena Sandrini Report

Final score:
75points
Add photo comments
POST
j-vagabond avatar
General Anaesthesia
General Anaesthesia
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And everybody can be a doctor, it "just" takes patients and practice. No, this is far too simplified, the word "just" tells us that. Social skills, functioning with others, can be an act, can cost a lot of energy that needs to be replenished at some time, even after "patience and practice". Don't let someone promote themselves as the norm.

Vote comment up
25
25points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#19

“Forget Your Bad Friends”: 50 Examples Of Adult Advice People Wish They’d Heard Earlier Self Respect is important.

A_Blooming_Lotus , Kelvin Valerio Report

Final score:
74points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#20

Your job is just one part of your life. Don’t let it consume all your identity or dictate your self-worth.

rocky23m Report

Final score:
73points
Add photo comments
POST
master_minds9_1 avatar
DennyS (denzoren)
DennyS (denzoren)
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes! I learnt this the hard way but now I keep it as what it is, a job to pay the bills.

Vote comment up
14
14points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#21

Don't stay because they say they'll change. Leave because you value yourself.

HeapsFine Report

Final score:
69points
Add photo comments
POST
glennschroeder avatar
Papa
Papa
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't necessarily agree with this one. If they say they'll change, there's nothing wrong with giving them a chance to do so (I'm not taking about physical abuse). Contrary to what some people will tell you, it is possible. I'm living proof.

Vote comment up
25
25points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#22

“Forget Your Bad Friends”: 50 Examples Of Adult Advice People Wish They’d Heard Earlier It’s better to be completely alone and find good friends/romantic partner than keeping the toxic ones just because you love them so much. Everyone is toxic to a degree and has something to work on. Doesn’t give people an excuse to treat you crummy. Don’t feel like your “giving up” or “abandoning” someone because they are treating you poorly and you decide to end the friendship/relationship.

Maybe-Later28 , Edu Grande Report

Final score:
68points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#23

Not everything deserves an immediate answer. Take your time and contemplate the pros and cons of your situation before responding.

Robofish13 Report

Final score:
62points
Add photo comments
POST
the_true_opifex avatar
Beak Hookage
Beak Hookage
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If someone won't let you go away and think about it first, they're probably trying to pull something. Doubly so if they're trying to sell you something.

Vote comment up
30
30points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#24

“Forget Your Bad Friends”: 50 Examples Of Adult Advice People Wish They’d Heard Earlier Not everyone who smiles at you has your best interests at heart.

ThisOneUKGuy , Andrea Piacquadio Report

Final score:
57points
Add photo comments
POST
kerryfletcher avatar
Kerry Fletcher
Kerry Fletcher
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Rule of acquisition. The bigger the smile, the sharper the knife.

Vote comment up
23
23points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#25

“Forget Your Bad Friends”: 50 Examples Of Adult Advice People Wish They’d Heard Earlier Don't base your success off of others lives online or in real life. Just don't.

doctype_ht_ml , Kerde Severin Report

Final score:
57points
Add photo comments
POST
the_true_opifex avatar
Beak Hookage
Beak Hookage
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just today I got a reminder of just how easy it is to sound more impressive than you actually are. Lost your job? Nah, you just decided it was "time to explore new horizons". Couldn't find another one so you signed up for a community college course for a far less skilled position than your old one? Nah, you're "studying at the moment".

Vote comment up
6
6points
Vote comment down
reply
View more commentsArrow down menu
#26

“Forget Your Bad Friends”: 50 Examples Of Adult Advice People Wish They’d Heard Earlier There’s a price to pay for every choice we make.

Thetwitchingvoid , Francis Odeyemi Report

Final score:
56points
Add photo comments
POST
ma-lahann avatar
marianne eliza
marianne eliza
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lyrics "If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice."

Vote comment up
37
37points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#27

It’s okay to leave the situation (relationship, friendship, job) that isn’t working for you.
Also, always have glue and duct tape at home. You never know when you’re gonna need it.

Tooligan13853 Report

Final score:
56points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#28

Your parents are not always right.

Beo1217 Report

Final score:
56points
Add photo comments
POST
notlikeyou1971 avatar
notlikeyou1971
notlikeyou1971
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sometimes your parents are the prime example of what NOT to do in life.

Vote comment up
38
38points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#29

Do that thing you really don't want to do but know that you absolutely should do. And do it, like, *now*. I can't remember a single occasion where I regret taking the initiative and heading off some incoming problem but I've lost track of the number of times I've regretted leaving some issue to resolve itself. I'll save you the suspense: they never do. Just deal with that s**t whilst you still have the home advantage, and prosper.

Commercial_Parsley45 Report

Final score:
56points
Add photo comments
POST
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#30

Build an emergency fund.

ReserveNo4566 Report

Final score:
55points
Add photo comments
POST
View more commentsArrow down menu
#31

“Forget Your Bad Friends”: 50 Examples Of Adult Advice People Wish They’d Heard Earlier Cherish your good friends, forget your bad friends.

Limp-Direction-5668 , Phil Nguyen Report

Final score:
53points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#32

Take care of your teeth. Floss daily and get cleanings twice a year.

Some-guys-husband Report

Final score:
52points
Add photo comments
POST
lindacowley avatar
Auntriarch
Auntriarch
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do the first two especially if you can't afford the third. And there's always bicarb

Vote comment up
7
7points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#33

Don't put it down, put it away.

canadianpaleale Report

Final score:
50points
Add photo comments
POST
the_true_opifex avatar
Beak Hookage
Beak Hookage
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One I definitely need to pay attention to. Once again I introduced my "just do it right now" policy. Notice a cup has been sitting on the table for some time now? Put it away. Finished drawing for today? Put the pencils and erasers back in the tin. As someone who's got issues with untidiness and forgetfulness, it's something I'm still working on. But I'm definitely making progress.

Vote comment up
18
18points
Vote comment down
reply
View more commentsArrow down menu
#34

Don't compare your insides to others' outsides. Appearances aren't everything.

shwakweks Report

Final score:
47points
Add photo comments
POST
View more commentsArrow down menu
#35

“Forget Your Bad Friends”: 50 Examples Of Adult Advice People Wish They’d Heard Earlier Take care of your teeth. And go to a dentist ones a half a year.

Helpful_Echidna_7645 , Anna Shvets Report

Final score:
45points
Add photo comments
POST
kerirodonnell avatar
meeeeeeeeeeee
meeeeeeeeeeee
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This post and the comment made me think I must be having a stroke

Vote comment up
14
14points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#36

What others think of you is none of your business.

Beesvine Report

Final score:
45points
Add photo comments
POST
x9cdnrtmgb avatar
Biggus Dickus
Biggus Dickus
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is such a valuable outlook on life when taken seriously. I grew up in a harsh environment where "disrespect" was confronted regularly with extreme aggression which led to serious consequences like death and/or jail time.. which ruins lives on both sides of the situation. Then I had an epiphany, that led me to this exact conclusion. If you don't like me for whatever reason, that's completely YOUR business and really shouldn't affect anything I do personally. I'm already in my 40's, still surviving, still existing and I never knew you felt that way and it never affected my life at all, so now that you made your feelings known, what changed about my life just now when learning this new information??

Vote comment up
12
12points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#37

Don't gamble.

Objective-Resident-7 Report

Final score:
44points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#38

“Forget Your Bad Friends”: 50 Examples Of Adult Advice People Wish They’d Heard Earlier Everyone's faking it. Yes, even that super-confident, capable person you know from work/school/your friendship circle. So don't feel scared if you are too.

The more you do the things you're scared of the more naturally they'll eventually come to you. That's how anyone and everyone builds competence in anything. So don't make excuses for yourself. Just get on with it.

Be OK with being bad at things. Everyone's bad at the start. The real measure of competence is how willing you are to stick things out and slowly improve over time. Obviously, this requires a measure of common sense - if you really hate something, don't force the issue. But the likelihood is you're going to suck at your new hobby, profession, sport, exercise, musical instrument, language, or whatever endeavor you're hoping to pursue. And that's more than just 'OK', it's natural.

BillyBatts83 , Annie Spratt Report

Final score:
42points
Add photo comments
POST
killerkittens avatar
Amy S
Amy S
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fake it till you make it has served me well over the years because it gives me permission to try things that I'm not confident doing.

Vote comment up
19
19points
Vote comment down
reply
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#39

Looking good ( well maintained) and dressing properly really counts, unfortunately our society treats us differently by our looks.

j_silva_sp Report

Final score:
40points
Add photo comments
POST
duncancmccann avatar
Panda McPandaface
Panda McPandaface
Community Member
1 month ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"It's better to feel good than to look good." - Panda McPandaface.

Vote comment up
27
27points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#40

“Forget Your Bad Friends”: 50 Examples Of Adult Advice People Wish They’d Heard Earlier “Two things that you don’t pay attention to until you get older, your health and your wealth”.

Hot_Following_8580 , Nappy Report

Final score:
38points
Add photo comments
POST
fortnitesuxsxd avatar
"Disembodied voice"
"Disembodied voice"
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My health has always sucked, I don't want to pay attention to it (still do anyway).

Vote comment up
3
3points
Vote comment down
reply
View more commentsArrow down menu
#41

It's perfectly fine to have a dominant personality as a woman and if people find you intimidating (when you didn't intend for that to happen) that is not a me-problem but a they-problem.

LynxEqual9518 Report

Final score:
38points
Add photo comments
POST
chrisdomres avatar
keyboardtek
keyboardtek
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But everyone needs to be aware of the effect they have on people. No reason to act like a jerk just because one is assertive.

Vote comment up
27
27points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#42

“Forget Your Bad Friends”: 50 Examples Of Adult Advice People Wish They’d Heard Earlier Maintaining friendships in your 30+ is a part time job and should be treated as such.

egodrunk , Helena Lopes Report

Final score:
35points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#43

Take more risks while young, don't settle for a job you hate and do it only for the money. Try to find your passion early on, so you can enjoy life longer !

todorove Report

Final score:
33points
Add photo comments
POST
glennschroeder avatar
Papa
Papa
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one needs a disclaimer. While you shouldn't stay in a job you hate, finding one you're passionate about that pays enough to live on may not happen. Find a job that you don't hate and pays the bills. You can be passionate about your hobbies.

Vote comment up
51
51points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#44

You are not Special just like everyone else. So Don't be an A-hole.

New-Cardiologistic Report

Final score:
32points
Add photo comments
POST
johnteeple avatar
kansasmagic
kansasmagic
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You can be special and not be an a-hole. I will say that most a-holes I have met are pretty generic. Not special at all.

Vote comment up
12
12points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#45

The acceptance of things that you couldn't change. (both physically and mentally).

OtherWear5860 Report

Final score:
30points
Add photo comments
POST
michaellargey avatar
Michael Largey
Michael Largey
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, don't accept things that you can't change. But accept that you can't change them.

Vote comment up
20
20points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#46

When you are doing something bold, different, creative or something the world hasn’t seen, and you’re deeply unsure but still want to put it out there - do it anyway - then you are invincible. I turn 35 in two days and learnt this barely a week ago (the hard way with too much self-critique, anxiety and chaos, and lost a lot of time). Don’t wait this long. Hope this helps someone.

glitchingcoffee Report

Final score:
30points
Add photo comments
POST
duncancmccann avatar
Panda McPandaface
Panda McPandaface
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh I wish that made a person invincible. It's admirable, but it really doesn't.

Vote comment up
3
3points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#47

Working hard can make you more money. But finding a way to do less work and make even more money should be your true goal.

Usual_Bother_1747 Report

Final score:
24points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#48

Always wear protection.

coolermasterth Report

Final score:
24points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#49

Limit what you give and remember what you take.

lisaasummers Report

Final score:
21points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#50

Learn to manage stress and avoid burnout.

Electrical-Set1251 Report

Final score:
20points
Add photo comments
POST
johnteeple avatar
kansasmagic
kansasmagic
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh, ok! If only someone had advised me to avoid depression too, I'd be great!

Vote comment up
22
22points
Vote comment down
reply
View more commentsArrow down menu

Note: this post originally had 56 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.

Anyone can write on Bored Panda. Start writing!

Follow Bored Panda on Google News!