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The way I see it is the only person you're ever guaranteed to have to stick around your entire life is yourself, so you have two options to choose from: you can dislike that person, or you can befriend them. I'm definitely not saying it's easy—it took me from age 17 through to 21 to befriend myself and that was with the help of a counselor, but I can say my life has definitely improved since I did decide to befriend myself.
What is something everyone should know how to do at age 30?
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#2
I'm at my 30s right now, and many of my friends at this age already have families, loans, and are following their careers. There are also those who are lonely, still looking for something they are good at. I think that at the age of 30, first of all, we should be honest with ourselves, give other people respect but also respect ourselves.
Final score:
35points
#3
They should know how to use magic words:
- please
- excuse
- have a nice day
- thanks
Final score:
30points
Uncommon Boston 4 years ago
Those words, plus the ability to admit you made a mistake and apologize, will help with every interaction you have with another person. Especially your partner.
#4
1. Check your oil and other basic car maintenance
2. Cook to feed yourself
3. Have been through therapy and worked through any previous issues
4. How to budget
5. Basic routines
Final score:
23points
#5
Know how to be courteous to others and show empathy
Final score:
23points
Aragorn II Elessar 4 years ago
Well obviously, everyone is much less important than me. Why would I be courteous to the peasants? /s
#6
Tell apart when calling the police is petty and when it's necessary.
Final score:
23points
#7
Read a clock. Use 24 hour time. Do basic math without the use of the internet or a calculator. Manage time properly. Know not to be racist, sexist, misogynistic, a rapist, discriminatory for any reason, and/or a complete motherf***** idiot, nor vote for someone who is any/all of those.
Final score:
21points
#8
Learn how to say NO and mean it.
Final score:
20points
Sara Rodrigues 4 years ago (edited)
I feel that the opposite is also true, some people need to accept a "No" when they hear it, and accept it with grace and understanding. I don't know how many times I've explained certain things to people and they kept insisting, as if I'm the stupid one... Sigh.
#9
Apologize. Not just give excuses.
Final score:
17points
Uncommon Boston 4 years ago
Yes, yes! Reading this just makes me happy!!! Our future is so bright if we can accept most of this
#10
HOW. TO. COPE. I'm in high school and i'm forcing good coping habits on myself so I don't have to replace the bad ones when I'm 30 or 40.
Final score:
16points
Spicy Noodles 4 years ago
This is so important, im learning to do the same in my youth .. you cant always count on people to support you emotionally .
#11
learn to cook before 30 my adivce learn as much as posable
Final score:
14points
Uncommon Boston 3 years ago
We had to learn how to cook, neither parent was home much. We also learned how clean up. My mother would scream if she thought someone was in her kitchen. We asked how she knew, and one by one, we fixed each, until there was no clues. We could whip up a good diner out of whatever there was.
#12
Properly, and regularly, brushing teeth. So many problems can be avoided with a little effort.
Final score:
14points
#14
Stay young and have fun but remember the important things in life.
Final score:
13points
#15
Change a flat tire. It is not that hard but many people have no idea
Final score:
13points
Sara Rodrigues 4 years ago (edited)
Not really a necessary skill, public transport takes you almost everywhere and it is more friendly for the environment :) so I guess I prefer not having a car. I say this even though my own father was a mechanic and I truly admired his job
#16
Take care of themselves! Financially, emotionally and physically.
Final score:
11points
Uncommon Boston 4 years ago
Self reliance gives you freedom. Knowing you can take care of yourself should increase your self-confidence.
#17
cook, take care of themself, drive, workout, wear a mask
Final score:
10points
Uncommon Boston 4 years ago
My mother was very busy. We figured how to take care of ourselves as children. It wasn't a choice, but we all benefited from learning
#18
30 is still young. You can still make changes if you need to whether it's related to a relationship, career, finances, or whatever else. Remember you only get one life and that one day that time won't be on our side.
Final score:
10points
#19
I don't think 30 is that old, so there aren't any prerequisites for stuff you SHOULD know for that age since you're still considered a young person. But still, by that point, you should probably figure out what you want to do and who you are (more or less).
Final score:
9points
Tiny Dynamine 4 years ago
I dunno, managing your money is pretty handy, as is how to cook for yourself.
#20
HOW TO TIE YOUR GOD DAMN SHOES, MY SISTER IS ALMOST 18 AND CAN'T TIE THEM
Final score:
9points
Uncommon Boston 4 years ago (edited)
Velcro? Slip ons? Did the parents fail or did she refuse to learn?
#21
How to be disciplined. Schools/parents teach you obedience, you are nice as long as authority figures are around. Discipline is when you are accountable to yourself and you are able to do what you plan. It's a learnable and the most important skill.
Final score:
9points
#22
How to end a relationship (friend or romantic) peacefully.
Things happen, life keeps going, people change and not all relationships last forever, and sometimes they need to end. It's a part of life and adulthood to end relationships that just don't work. Maybe they're toxic, maybe you just don't work anymore, maybe you outgrew eatch other, or a 1000 other reasons, but we need to learn how to gracefully and peacefully end relationships when they no longer work.
Final score:
9points
#23
To start a retirement plan and invest monthly, even if it's only $25 a month. It's never too early.
Final score:
8points
#24
Accept our differences. Instead of looking down at others and making snap judgements, have an open mind. Look for the good in people. The world is full of interesting people, why you limit yourself? People are often opportunities for future advancement, a smile or laugh when you need one, or a source of new information. Knowing how to interact with people in a sincere non-threatening way, so they relax and open up can be a thrilling experience
Final score:
8points
#25
- Speak
- Walk
- Hold items in their hand
- Distnguish between colours
....these are just some of the things we'd expect from a toddler; things we should expect from an adult are too numerous to list.
Final score:
7points
#26
"you can attract more bees with honey"... A smile and a few kind words go a lot farther in life.
Final score:
7points
#27
To not be rude to your server. Honestly, someone of ANY AGE should KNOW THIS! My mom is a server and she has seen some weird s**t, yet she still works every day. (not now cause of covid but before, you get what I mean)
Final score:
7points
Cadmar Orion 4 years ago
servers aren't servants, they're people and they deserve just as much respect as you
#28
By 30, you should learn first of all that there is no standard to what you should or shouldn't know. This question does not take into account people with disabilities, financial challenges and other differences from what is "normal".
Final score:
7points
#29
Learn not to dwell on the past. Everyone has overcome something by 30 and is going to achieve more. Never, ever live with ghosts.
Final score:
7points
#31
Not that I'm 30, but I think you should be able to admit you were wrong, or at any age really. Sounds simple, but it's apparently really hard for some people to admit they were wrong.
Final score:
7points
Uncommon Boston 3 years ago
Life is much more difficult if you believe you are right about everything.
#32
Wear sunscreen. If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists whereas the rest of the advice given here has no basis more reliable than peoples own meandering experiences. The posts will dispense this advice now
Final score:
6points
#33
Give yourself a break if you make a mistake. Realize that every choice you make is based on the information that you have at the time. And not knowing what will happen in the future, you must make a decision balanced on what you do know and your past experiences. A "bad" decision provides wisdom to make better choices later. Don't be so hard on yourself if you make a mistake, everyone else has made them, too.
Final score:
6points
Uncommon Boston 3 years ago
Why is this be voted down? I agree 100%. Life is difficult if you believe you don't make mistakes. Apologies end so many conflicts. Do you want pound away at the issue or move on!
#34
How to be nice. you’re an adult you can afford to be a decent human being
Final score:
6points
#35
Taxes, but dont worry, im 36 and still dont know how to do them properly.
Final score:
5points
Valerie G. 3 years ago
I worked in accounting and still got a professional to do mine, they are up to date on all the new things each year.
#36
Be aware of what gives you happiness, and that which gives you only a temporary high. Many people seem to spend too much time following that which t.v./society says will bring happiness, and not enough time watching their own feelings. Your mind controls the way you experience your environment. By 30, we should be aware of that, and working towards self acceptance, with a healthy diet and exercise. Then we can help others in our 40's :)
Final score:
5points
#37
Know how to read a basic contract. Cell phone agreements, rental/lease agreements, car loan agreements.
Know that payday loans are a scam.
Know the benefits of a good credit score.
Understand how to achieve a good credit score.
Final score:
5points
Uncommon Boston 3 years ago
Okay, still not there at 59, but it sounds good.Still working on a few of these.
#38
Know how to entertain yourself when you are alone. Besides TV. Have a hobby.
Final score:
5points
#39
Forgive their parents.
(Unless they are exceptional monsters)
Final score:
5points
#41
This is just me, but i think at least knowing some foreign language. It'll help you get a good job.
Final score:
4points
Tiny Dynamine 4 years ago
That is just to be an obedient player in the system. I learn languages to talk to people from other countries.
#43
How to balance a checkbook and budget yourself. As in, don't spend more than you make
Final score:
4points
#44
-Know how to differentiate opinions (and outright propaganda) from facts.
-Know how to take care of yourself (cooking, cleaning, laundry, transportation, finding a job, an apartment, etc.)
-Know that you don't know everything, and never will.
-But also know how to research and find pretty much any information you could ever need.
-Never stop learning, especially when finally out of school.
Final score:
3points
#45
finances, taxes, WEAR A MASK... BREATH
Final score:
3points
#47
Something that you should know at age 5.... how to lock doors, turn out lights, wash your hands and flush toilets. If you think I'm joking... look at how many people can't even do 2 of the 4. No kidding!
Final score:
3points
#48
By 30, everyone should know how to fight to the death.
Final score:
3points
#49
How would I know? I'm not 30. I guess you should know how to count by thirty.
Final score:
2points
#51
They should know how to cook an egg.
Final score:
2points
#52
This question depends on the fact if you have a mental or physical disability. I believe that people can do anything. But I would say read. I have no idea
Final score:
2points
#53
Should know what setting to put toaster on lol
Final score:
2points
Vanta Black 4 years ago
What? Everyone likes their toast differently. And we may not even want our toast prepared the same way every day. Sometimes I like mine a golden brown, other days I want it burnt.
#54
-how to say thank you
-to read
-drive a car
-clean your room
Final score:
2points
Vanta Black 4 years ago
I'm 33, and I don't know how to drive. I usually walk everywhere, or I take a bus/taxi if I'm in a hurry, or my destination is a bit further out. Until I actually need a car, I don't plan on learning to drive.
#55
Three things:
1) How to invest your retirement account in something besides a money market.
2) Recognize when someone is lying to you, particularly attractive people.
3) Accept responsibility for your own mistakes. Including trusting the wrong person.
Final score:
2points
#56
People should be able to. . .deal with Karens.
Final score:
2points
#57
Taxes, bills, and how to cook.
Final score:
2points
Valerie G. 3 years ago
My Home Ec teacher told us that "anyone who can read, can cook". Read the recipe, read it again to make sure you understand the directions and have all the ingredients on hand.
#58
Not to judge people by what they look like. (Skin, Race, Gender) Racism and Sexism have to stop
Final score:
2points
Cadmar Orion 4 years ago
We also need to learn wrong from right, good from evil, and just to have respect
#59
Borrow money and read the contract. Ask about things they don't understand
Final score:
2points
#61
How to get a job.
because no job = no money = unable to pay taxes/no food = homeless/bad house = bad life
Final score:
1point
Joanne Haywood 4 years ago
It’s that easy is it? You against 100+ other applicants. You get told you’re over-qualified; too old; too young, etc. Or how about you’ve worked for over 25 years with the same company. You’ve paid your taxes and National Insurance contributions then you get hit by illness, need to take time off for hospital appointments then operations and you find yourself sacked because the firm “cannot deal with your illness”.
#62
Balance your bank account(s). I was hired as a bookkeeper by a 35 yr old guy that opened his own business using a trust fund he received from a passed relative... And when I first tried to explain to him how we (the company) didn't have any money to do 'x' he didn't understand. I was trying to give him an example so I said "you know how to balance your checkbook, right?" and he replied with "I don't write checks".... *sigh*
Final score:
1point
Rosie Jenkins 4 years ago
Who writes cheques in this day and age 😂 banks haven’t issued chequebooks for well over ten years!
#63
You should know everything you have learnt in your life. I dont feel like its fair to say that at a specific age you should have done this and that and you should know who you are and everything that you want to do. Because everyones journey is different and unique and not everyone has equal oppurtunitties, (and yeah ik like a hundred peeps r gonna glare at me magically through their screens for being that person. But i dont care :) )
Final score:
1point
#64
Self care!
Getting old is unavoidable, but at least we can postpone these experienced to 10-15 years: dry skin, body ace, "the gut", hair loss, get breathy after short run
Final score:
1point
#65
Taxes
Final score:
0points
Cadmar Orion 4 years ago
why can't schools teach important stuff I'm actually gonna use? like taxes
#67
-Repair a hem that has come loose
-Sew on a button
-Prepare at least 5 balanced evening meals
-How to change a tire ... last year, at age 63, I changed a tire for a 30'ish year old. He had no clue even where the axle was located nor did he know why he needed to loosen the lug nuts before the car was jacked
-Make up a bed using proper hospital corners
-Basic table etiquette
-Drive a straight/stick shift
-Basic cleaning
-How to wash, dry and fold laundry
-When to be on your cell phone and when to put it away
Final score:
-2points
Bendy Rainbow 4 years ago
I am 12 and I can repair a hem, sew on a button, make a bed, use basic table etiquette, clean, and do laundry. I am only a child, so naturally, I do not yet know how to do the other things listed. I am probably part of a low minority, though. Most people my age cannot do sewing repairs. I agree that these are skills 30-year-olds should know.
What do you think ?
Susan Stead 4 years ago
You should know how to do all of the things your parents were doing for you at that age--cooking, cleaning, laundry, minor sewing, auto maintenance, all of that. You should have a budget and be able to stick to it (without emergency complications, of course). Lastly, you should know how to be the adult in the room. That means manners, peaceful conflict resolution, that sort of thing.
Michelle Katharina 3 years ago
After 8 years I am making my first comment on BP, just to pledge to fullfill at least one of these posts before my 30th birthday. Sigh. So little time, so much to do!
Susan Stead 4 years ago
You should know how to do all of the things your parents were doing for you at that age--cooking, cleaning, laundry, minor sewing, auto maintenance, all of that. You should have a budget and be able to stick to it (without emergency complications, of course). Lastly, you should know how to be the adult in the room. That means manners, peaceful conflict resolution, that sort of thing.
Michelle Katharina 3 years ago
After 8 years I am making my first comment on BP, just to pledge to fullfill at least one of these posts before my 30th birthday. Sigh. So little time, so much to do!
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