4 Types of 20-Somethings To Avoid Becoming

1. The One Who Is Constantly On The Lookout For “Their Other Half”

There is absolutely nothing wrong with identifying yourself as a relationship person. It is also entirely acceptable to prefer a quiet night in with your significant other over a wild night out at the club. The problems arise, however, when you become the type of individual who believes that they need to be in a relationship in order to feel complete. This way of thinking ends up potentially clouding your judgment as well. In other words, that guy at the bar who slurred “You’re hot” and asked for your number is not your future husband, and I wouldn’t start planning any wedding themes on Pinterest any time soon.

The point is, if you are constantly on the lookout for your “soulmate”, you are not necessarily expediting the process. In fact, there is a good chance that you are actually hurting your chances. Do your own thing, and the right people will make their way into your life in their own time. Good things arise when you stop spending all of your time searching for them. So instead of making it your sole mission to find “the one”, stay busy focusing on yourself. The truth is: If you can’t be happy on your own, you aren’t going to be happy with somebody else either.

2. The One Who Refuses To Grow Up

We all enjoy letting loose sometimes. Key word: Sometimes. While binge drinking five days a week in college was the lifestyle, in the real world it’s usually seen as more of a cry for help.

Referring to my college residence as a “party house” would be pretty much the understatement of the century. Considering that we were forced to walk through keg beer puddles and knock over empty handles of Smirnoff to make breakfast every Monday morning, we may have gotten a little carried away. Regardless, those 4 years were the time of my life, and many people have had similar experiences. At the same time, we all have to grow up eventually. That one unemployed friend, who has zero motivation or even the slightest idea of what they want to do with their life? Not exactly the best person to surround yourself with.

It’s all about balance. You don’t have to join your grandma at Bingo night every weekend, or to avoid the bar scene like the plague. However, you should also likely refrain from casually make yourself a mixed drink during your lunch break at work. Unless it’s Friday, of course. (Just kidding….maybe.)

3. The One Who Still Thinks That Everything Is A Competition

This is the individual that is somehow deeply unaware that high school is over. Contrary to what you may believe, nobody still cares about your SAT scores. (And really, nobody actually ever did.)

Being career-driven is good. In fact, it’s extremely commendable. I really admire people that have a clear vision of where they want to be, and are increasingly motivated to get to that point. However, I don’t particularly enjoy when people brag about their accomplishments to just about anybody that will listen.

Work hard, but stay humble. There is nothing wrong with being proud of yourself, but there is an issue when you’re telling everyone how much money you’re making at your new job. Once you learn to differentiate between serving as others’ motivation, and just being the bragger making others feel bad about themselves, you’ll become the type of person that others enjoy being around.

4. The One Who Routinely Hates On The Entire Male/Female Population

No, all men are not the spawn of Satan because you happened to get screwed over. And no, all women are not vicious creatures because just you can’t seem to escape the friend zone with one of them.

Therefore, there is really no need to do any of the following:

-Blowing up social media with your long-winded opinions on how “all guys/girls are the same”

-Displaying a picture of you with your cat/dog/fish/dad with the caption “The only man I’ll ever need in my life!” directly after a breakup

-My personal favorite: Tweeting “Ugh. I’m over guys. I’m becoming a lesbian!”

Yes, because that’s going to solve all of your problems.

Instead, it’s time to face the facts. You are not actually cursed in the game of love. You’re simply going for the same (and wrong) type of person each time. “All guys are assholes”? No, you’re just chasing after guys that still think they’re in their college fraternity, even though they graduated 5 years ago. “All girls are bitches?” Nah, you’re just pursuing girls that would rather be in a relationship with a bottle of vodka and bad decisions than an actual human being.

Obviously, we all enjoy a little challenge. Keeping it safe is pretty boring, after all. However, if you’re attempting to form a successful relationship with a guy you met on Tinder whose tagline is “Just looking for a good time”…. You’re on your own. The same goes for when your mentality is: “I’m going to chase the commitment-phobe and be the one to finally change their ways!” Well, good luck and Godspeed.