As teenagers, we rely on the thickness of textbooks and wisdom of teachers in classrooms. We are told that this is how we’ll succeed in life. But after we grow up, we’re going to realise that while we may not have been taught the wrong things, we certainly failed to learn a lot of the right things. At age 18, we are asked to choose something to major in. Only a lucky few will know from the bottom of their heart what they are passionate about. While the rest are left to stumble and pick something for the sake of making a choice. Here are 5 important things everyone should learn at a young age to help them become a better functioning adult: 

1- Treating Others Based On Our Values Not Theirs

People, like the world, aren’t what they seem. Even if they really really seem that way. It’s only natural that you will meet a lot of people throughout your life who will let you down and disappoint you. When this happens, don’t strike back! Don’t hurt them the way they hurt you because hating yourself is way worse than hating them. And you will hate yourself if you allow them to change who you are, because how you see yourself is what matters most.

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2- Dealing with Emotions 

It’s become a habit for people to suppress their emotions due to others telling them to get it together or that it’s not okay to cry. It’s especially worse for guys because society deems them less than “men” for expressing any kind of feelings. But what the world needs is more men with flowers in their hearts. More women who don’t apologize for being soft. It’s important we all learn how to deal with our emotions constructively, instead of letting them destroy us from the inside out.

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3- Saving Up 

As a golden rule, always spend less than you earn. It’s the easiest concept in the world and there’s no difficulty adhering by it from a young age. Whatever money you make, save some of it. It doesn’t have to be a lot and you don’t have to be frugal with yourself if you don’t want to. But, you will thank yourself for it one day!

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4- Reading 

Reading builds character, widens the imagination, enhances empathy, improves concentration, leads to a more highly-developed language skills, teaches us about the world and boosts our creativity. These are just some of the reasons why people need to instill in themselves passion for the written word. Need I say more?

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5- Self-Awareness 

According to research, people who develop self-awareness are more attuned with their surroundings and their emotions. Self-Awareness allows people to make better decisions and doesn’t allow for other people to tell them what’s good or bad about them. If you know who you are, no praise can make you conceited and no criticism can slow you down. Meditation, journaling and therapy are three ways to reach self-awareness. And if you’re not comfortable with any of them, you can always pretend that a friend is your therapist!

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These kind of things won’t be taught in lectures or classrooms. They can only be taught through conversation, by trying and failing, by parents setting an example and showing their kids how to do these things and letting them try doing it on their own!