So, you’re almost 26, huh? Welcome to the age of adulthood, where you’re expected to have your life together, or at least pretend to. While growing up, there are certain things you are supposed to know because they are very much needed in your everyday life.
Someone asked, “What are some things one should definitely know by the age of 26?” Now, this thread has received thousands of comments, and we have listed the most interesting ones for you!
1. Asking For Help
Trying to do everything on your own can lead to burnout and increased stress. Asking for help distributes the load and can make tasks feel more manageable.
A discerning Reddit user commented, “How and where to ask for help.”
Another replied, “Depends on the issue/ situation. A lot of people either shy from help or ask before even trying to. You gotta be smart to know when to ask and whom to ask.”
2. Saving Money
Life can throw curveballs, like unexpected medical bills or car repairs. Having savings gives you a safety net to fall back on during tough times.
A Reddit user wrote, “How to save money/budget.”
Someone else added, “Google “how to budget.” There are endless resources out there, and at the end of the day, it’s just basic maths.”
3. Learning To Cook
Eating out or ordering in can get pricey. Cooking at home is generally more cost-effective and budget-friendly. One said, “How to cook for yourself. Let you save a ton.”
Another person agreed to it and said, “Yes! My buddy always complains how expensive takeout is, but when I suggested he learns how to cook (scrambled eggs is the most “complex” dish he can make), he says that it’s “too intimidating.” I guess being broke from all that takeout isn’t intimidating somehow…”
Another added, “Have a few staple recipes memorized and the means to make them on hand if possible. Knowing the recipe forwards and backward means you’re that much more able to experiment with them (and folks love a potential partner that can cook).”
4. No One Has It All Figured Out
Life is unpredictable. And if everyone had life figured out, there would be no room for growth and learning.
One stated, “That nobody has life figured out. Everyone is just trying their best. Try not to worry about things that are out of your control. Worry about what you can control and do your best.”
Someone commented, “I don’t really blame people because we simply don’t make this a required skill, and I have no idea why. We should be teaching basic logic in high school.”
5. Comparing Yourself to Others
A discerning Reddit user commented, “The biggest one is do not compare yourself to others. We are all on our own path at our own pace. Comparison destroys happiness.”
Another replied, “Not comparing to others is huge. Compare to past you.”
When you stop comparing, you embrace who you are. You’re not chasing someone else’s image of success; you’re crafting your own.
6. Basic Economics
Learning basic economics leads to understanding how the world works financially.
One said, “How things like health insurance, credit cards, and mortgages work. You don’t have to have them, but if you do, please learn them.”
Another added, “I still don’t know why there isn’t an economics class until high school.”
7. Rejection
A Reddit user wrote, “How to maturely and politely respond to a decline of your advances.”
Someone else added, “Be a decent human. But should know how to say… no.”
Remember, saying no isn’t selfish; it’s an act of self-care and self-preservation. It allows you to show up fully for the things that matter most to you.
8. Car Repairs
One stated, “Basic car maintenance. How to change a tire or at least how or who to contact if you’re stranded with a flat. Knowing your tires need rotating, oil changes, etc.”
Another person agreed to it and said, “If you drive or even ride in a car, how to change a flat tire.”
So now, you won’t need to wait for an appointment at a repair shop for minor issues. You can fix them on your own schedule.
9. House Chores
Having a routine of house chores helps you maintain structure in your daily life. It’s a foundation for a well-organized day!
A discerning Reddit user commented, “How to do laundry, how to iron your clothes, how to cook a good meal, the difference between parsley and coriander. I think those skills will get you through life.”
Another added, “Have some base-level discipline because filth accrues interest. You don’t need to live like Gunny’s about to come crashing through your door and tear your rack apart for the slightest infraction, but definitely make sure you keep up with cleanliness and maintenance. Dishes, laundry, pet care, etc.; don’t let what could be a five-minute chore now become a five-hour ordeal later.:”
10. Investing
One said, “How compounding interest works, and to start investing now.”
Another replied, “This is so critically important. I wish someone would have guided me to open a cheap brokerage account and start contributing when I was in my early 20’s. Even if it would have only been $20/month into VOO or other similar index fund, the difference it would have ultimately made in my retirement picture would be substantial.”
Now, this will help you to grow your money and make your money work for you.
11. Linguistics
A Reddit user wrote, “There, their, they’re Your, you’re Desert, dessert Its, it’s Lose, loose.”
Someone commented, “Then/than, Breath/breathe, weary/wary.”
Another person agreed to it and said, “The effects may affect you whether the weather is tepid or frigid.”
Who wants to confuse others using all the wrong homophones or homonyms?
12. Voting
One stated, “You should know how to vote and how to determine if a candidate is worth voting for.”
Another added, “Whether or not a vote is worth casting is as simple as supporting them.”
Do you vote at every election, even when your favorite political party is not in the final lineup?
13. Love Life
One said, “How to be honest with yourself about what you want out of the people you date.
If you want to fall in love, don’t stay with people who clearly aren’t going that way. Move on, even if they are super fun, even if they are better looking than you thought you could even land, even if it just seems like the timing is off, even if it’s the best intimacy you ever had.”
Another replied, “Similarly, if you’re the person who doesn’t want something serious and you get the feeling the person you’re with does, move on. People will often tell you they also want something non-serious or are willing to wait seemingly endlessly for you to make up your mind. But don’t take advantage of people when your gut is telling you they don’t want the same thing you do.
Honestly, it really doesn’t take that much time to know you are in a situation where you don’t need to play games with each other, and there is potential for something serious. Don’t waste each other’s time saying you need to figure things out or waiting for the other person to come to a decision. Too many people waste their late 20s in these relationship dead ends.”
Without honesty, you might deceive yourself into believing things that aren’t true. This can lead to denial of problems or settling for less than you deserve!
14. Not Everything Goes Your Way
Life is full of ups and downs. Learning that not everything will go as planned helps you develop adaptability and a positive mindset in the face of challenges.
A discerning Reddit user commented, “Know that sometimes stuff just plain isn’t going to go your way despite your every plan and precaution. Such is life.”
Someone else added, “You don’t need to be on Batman’s level when it comes to plans and contingencies all the way to Z, but when something inevitably goes sideways, knowing when to pivot and how to do so will save you a ton of stress.”
15. Health Insurance
A Reddit user wrote, “You now need to have your own health insurance. Don’t go without it cause these hospitals, ambulances, and doctors can ruin your life with medical bills.”
Another added, “Also understanding how it works and cost and such. If you are in the U.S., you are just one accident away from possible bankruptcy. Basically, don’t be afraid to pay an extra $20 a check to have a $3k deductible versus a $10k.”
And let’s talk about emergencies. You never know when you might end up in the ER. It could be a crazy flu, a broken bone, or even something worse. And with health insurance, you can focus on getting better instead of counting your cash.
16. Sleep Patterns
When you mess with your sleep patterns, that internal clock goes haywire. Ever felt like a zombie after an all-nighter? Yeah, blame it on that. And it’s not just feeling groggy. Your mood, focus, and even your immune system take a hit when you’re shortchanging your sleep.
One said, “Their sleep patterns and how to adjust them for things. I can now work days and nights if needed. It’s not true that you have trouble sleeping. Most of the time, you have trouble waking up.”
Another person agreed to it and said, “The importance of a Good Night’s sleep and how to get it consistently.”
17. Make Good Friends
Friends can introduce you to new opportunities, whether they’re social, professional, or personal. Your network expands with each meaningful connection you make. One stated, “How to drop toxic people from your life and cultivate good, meaningful friendships with quality people.”
Another replied, “Up to about your mid-20s, I think there is a lot to be said about quantity over quality for friends, especially when you’re in school.
But at 26, you should get a good idea of what you really want in a friend and how to be that kind of friend as well. Don’t waste time flakes, users, insecure people who want to bring you down, those who are always too busy for you, or people with mental health problems who use you as a substitute for a healthcare professional.”
18. Self-Reflection
When you reflect on your values and aspirations, you gain clarity about your goals, making it easier to align your actions with your desires. A discerning Reddit user commented, “How to look at things through someone else’s eyes. Honestly, self-reflection in general.”
Someone else added, “If someone snaps or gets angry at you, it’s not up to you to be bitter about their outburst. No, take a step back and think about what you did to work them up. People appreciate growth and accountability, and being stubborn and deflecting blame doesn’t get you anywhere in life.”
19. Sewing
Basic sewing skills can come in handy in everyday situations. From sewing on a button to fixing a small tear, you’ll be surprised how often you can use this skill.
One said, “Basic sewing: Putting buttons back on, patching seams, hemming pants.”
Another added, “Buying clothes and getting alterations can be expensive. When you can sew, you can mend, alter, and even replicate clothes at a fraction of the cost.”
20. Plumbing
Calling a plumber for even minor issues can be expensive. When you know how to handle basic plumbing repairs, you can save a ton of money by DIY-ing it.
A discerning Reddit user commented, “Basic plumbing: Fixing the toilet, fixing the faucet, how to turn the hot water heater on and off.”
Another replied, “If you own a home, plumbing issues are bound to pop up sooner or later. It’s a skill that can help you and even be your source of income if nothing works out.”
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