What Life wisdom would you give to a young man?

r/

It’s my male cousins 18th birthday soon. Along with the usual money and whatever gifts, I wanted to give him a card but write some little bits of wisdom and advice I’ve found most useful over the years. Mindful that I only have the perspective as a women, wondered what men would have to say.

I know I’ll prob get a load of answers about always wear protections etc etc (which I agree with lol) but some other points would be nice to hear too 😅

Comments

  1. AutoModerator Avatar

    Since you shitlords like to delete your posts, here’s an original copy of /u/tsizzlemanc’s post (if available):

    It’s my male cousins 18th birthday soon. Along with the usual money and whatever gifts, I wanted to give him a card but write some little bits of wisdom and advice I’ve found most useful over the years. Mindful that I only have the perspective as a women, wondered what men would have to say.

    I know I’ll prob get a load of answers about always wear protections etc etc (which I agree with lol) but some other points would be nice to hear too 😅

    I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

  2. ThicccBoiiiG Avatar

    Don’t get anyone pregnant.

  3. JanitorOPplznerf Avatar

    The world will offer you very little. You will have to find what you need on your own. Your family will help as they can, but ultimately everyone is selfishly motivated.

  4. oddball667 Avatar

    you don’t have a place in the world until you carve it out for yourself

  5. Ordinary_Rent_6558 Avatar

    Be open to new experiences and people, don’t worry too much about zeroing in on a career right away.

  6. Scrizzle-scrags Avatar

    Think for yourself. Nobody can be right all the time and it’s on you to judge right from wrong.

    Also, you don’t have to make up your mind now. It’s ok to decide later. Take your time and be honest with yourself.

  7. _fwhs_ Avatar

    Avoid the clap – Jimmy Duggan

  8. icedcoffeeheadass Avatar

    Be a slut, the right woman will come along and you will no long want to be a slut. Or you’ll be sluts together. Mostly, enjoy being young

  9. CantankerousButtocks Avatar

    Have fun, be kind, and have empathy for people around you.

  10. Pure_Formal8154 Avatar

    Don’t use porn.

  11. Possible-Insect-42 Avatar

    Important for everyone, but in my experience especially for young men:

    Stand up for yourself.

    Treat yourself like the best friend you can imagine.

    Embody strength, but let violence be your last and most justified answer.

  12. Equivalent_Ask_1416 Avatar

    Lower expectations, watch your back, question everything and be happy with who you are.

  13. Striking-Rutabaga-87 Avatar

    The world is not black and white. It operates in the gray.

    and the life of a man is miles different from the life of a woman. The sooner you come to terms with that, the more of your sanity you get to keep

    Unless you think you have a shot with Taylor Swift, I would start learning about getting snipped. Then sit on it for ten years and see if it’s still for you. Because that is the single greatest investment a man can make in his life

  14. santoscolchonesbatma Avatar

    Life becomes so easy once you learn to control your lust

  15. ra__account Avatar

    Take care of your back and teeth, your future self will thank you.

  16. [deleted] Avatar

    If you want to know a person’s truth, don’t listen to what they say, rather watch what they do.

  17. Indotex Avatar

    Have a good work ethic: show up to work when scheduled, ask what needs to be done and don’t leave a task half finished.

    Don’t be afraid to show emotions with people you love. Real men cry.

  18. According_Crab_9106 Avatar

    Focus on yourself until you’ve built yourself into financial stability, mental stability, happiness in yourself then focus on women

  19. NiceCaterpillar8745 Avatar

    I’m only 19, but I’ve seen pictures of guys at this age and how much weight they gain over time despite little deterioration in lifestyle on their part. So I’ve taken it upon myself to enjoy the metabolism for as long as I have it.

  20. not_sick_not_well Avatar

    Take care of your knees and back. You might not feel it now, but in 20 years it’ll catch up to you real fast

  21. SenseTheVillen Avatar

    No one will truly care like you think they do.

  22. DescriptionOk683 Avatar

    If she offers to do anal, she’s a keeper

    gif

  23. GRIFFCOMM Avatar

    – Never be the shirtless one in the videos online

    – Go by actions not words

    – Look after yourself as no one else will

    – Dont fight life, if it shows your not getting something, dont ask twice, take the first answer and live with it

  24. Sufficient_Brain_2 Avatar

    Don’t marry before 35

  25. chunkylabrat Avatar
    1. Don’t have long relationships on ur 20s.

    2. Practice an sport or workout consistently.

    3. Read books about ur main interests.

    4. Be good at your job.

    5. Be kind.

    6. Make sure to take days off.

  26. Kobaka_FU Avatar

    Don’t isolate yourself from the world, try new things and create…

  27. Jabathewhut Avatar

    For the love of God, take care of your teeth

  28. gringoloco01 Avatar

    This was given to me by a friend when I graduated and it speaks to me on different levels all the time. I have it memorized now but the original was a poster I received. The book is Desiderata of Happiness. You can get the poem printed and framed or get the book.
    I know it is just a poem but if you really read the poem, it has some great wisdom.

    Desiderata by Max Ehrmann

    https://www.desiderata.com/desiderata.html

  29. jpsreddit85 Avatar

    Watch what they do, ignore what they say. 

    People’s actions will tell you more about them then their words. If they say they’ll do one thing but do another, then believe your eyes not what they’re saying. Doesn’t matter if it’s a girl that says she loves you then does stuff she knows you don’t like, or a “friend” who says he’ll pay you back but never does. How they talk about other people behind their backs is how they’re theyre talking about you. 

  30. Not_Sure__Camacho Avatar

    “After a piss, one shake is fine, more than one and you’re just playing with it”.

  31. Broad_Service9900 Avatar

    Put every paycheck into trading options

  32. BigBadBootyDaddy10 Avatar

    “To batteries and buttholes. Things we shouldn’t lick but do anyways.”

  33. KM_WIMD Avatar

    Try not to get distracted by a pretty face. Stay focused on your educational, career and financial goals

  34. Imperium-052 Avatar

    Ancient Chinese proverb:- Go to bed with itchy bottom, wake up with smelly finger.

  35. flipnitch Avatar

    “A ship doesn’t sail on yesterday’s wind”

    Don’t carry negative things into the next day and nothing positive you did yesterday means nearly as much today (if anything)

    “Cynicism is a disease”

    It starts off looking and feeling like practicality and defense mechanism, ends up robbing you of the ability to trust anyone’s intentions or find joy in any interaction.

  36. MidniteOG Avatar

    Wrap it before you tap it, don’t trust “I’m on the pill”

    You can retake a class, but you can’t retake a party

  37. Dr_Watson349 Avatar
    • Assume good intentions
    • Hanlons Razor -> Never attribute to malice what can be easily explained by ignorance
    • Be compassionate. The lady being a dick to you might have just been told her fucking dog died
    • Never start a street fight, but if one is coming, don’t wait to get swung on
    • Ask you partner if they are looking for a solution or to just vent
    • When asking open ended questions, shut the fuck up. Let the silence work. The other person will fill it
    • If a person gives your a problem or task, repeat it back to them. Ask if that is correct. 99% of the time, they will add more clarifying statements. Repeat as necessary. Whats in their mind doesn’t always make it to their mouth.
  38. Imperium-052 Avatar

    It is only when mosquito lands on testicles that man realised violence is not always the answer

  39. I_demand_peanuts Avatar

    Think about college very carefully. Practically as full of as much care as one can muster. Even more so if you don’t have well off parents to provide for you.

  40. raulsbusiness Avatar

    Try everything, only then will you truly know what you like and don’t like

  41. prenderm Avatar

    INVEST.YOUR FUCKING.MONEY

    r/bogleheads 

  42. HairToTheMonado Avatar

    Begin asking yourself the big questions. Who are you? And, what do you want?

    Take time, maybe years, to answer those questions. It’ll be well-worth the effort!

  43. Defiant_Sir767 Avatar

    Don’t listen to what society wants you to be

    Make decisions that your future self will thank for you later

    Before making a big decision involving women, jerk it, then let the clarity do its thing

    Prioritize male friends. They will give you camaraderie, companionship, and support

  44. SilentAirline6611 Avatar

    “If you wait until you’re ready to do something you’ll never get anything done.”

    “It’s never too late to stop making a bad decision.”

    “The biggest barriers are mental. Nothing is more powerful than a made up mind.”

    “Set your mind to where you want to be, instead of what you going through right now.”

    “You can find a lessons in your mistakes if you choose to or you can continue moving forward making the same mistake over and over.”

    “There is a price to pay for everything that you gain. Nothing in life if free everything comes at a cost and the price you pay is not always money.

    “When we want something, we must be willing to pay the cost to achieve it. And if you’re not prepared to pay the price, you don’t deserve the reward.”

    “Progress goes when you go & stops when you stop. You don’t get better without losing.”

    “Even if you believe that you don’t have any talent what you do have is time & the more time you spend on something, the better at it you’ll be.”

    “If you want something then do it and don’t let anyone tell you it can’t be done. However it will take a lot of hard work.”

    “There will always be a level of uncertainty when trying something new even if you’re “ready” learn to trust yourself, be patient with yourself have your own back & learn to adjust to chaos.”

    “Health and life are fleeting you do not have all the time in the world focus on what you want and what matters to you. You do not have as much time as you think. It’s scary, but that’s what also makes it special. Time is going to pass and you’ll either have something to show for it or not we are all on a crash course with death enjoy your ride.”

    Happy Birthday to your cuz!

  45. Ande138 Avatar

    Don’t get any advice from Reddit

  46. JesusFappedForMySins Avatar

    When you see a man of worth, think how to rise to his level. When you encounter an unworthy man, look within and examine yourself.

  47. noir_lord Avatar

    You are going to worry about what people think of you – the actual answer is both disconcerting and reassuring, most people don’t think of you.

    When you look at someone and think damn he/she has their life together – you are seeing things from only the outside, you aren’t seeing that they have all the same insecurities/doubts that you do – this also applies to social media.

  48. spaham Avatar

    Don’t listen to random people from Reddit

  49. luckymountain Avatar

    Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can put off until the day after tomorrow.

  50. BSnappedThat Avatar

    1.) Don’t sweat the petty stuff and don’t pet the sweaty stuff

    2.) Time is the real currency

    3.) invest 1/3 (33%) of your paycheck into savings every payday

  51. Level37Doggo Avatar

    Never go ass to mouth. That’s medical advice not a joke.

  52. -malcolm-tucker Avatar

    Look after your teeth and if you’re curious about trying it, make sure it’s got a flared base. Unless you like telling tall tales to paramedics, nurses and doctors.

    We find them rather amusing.

  53. Funny_Stock5886 Avatar

    You can never be ready for life’s challenges and events. If you have to do it, you have to do it. And figure things out later.

  54. JimmyB264 Avatar

    What you give your attention to expands.

  55. GreenForThanksgiving Avatar

    Learn to not give a fuck without being careless.

  56. NastyOlBloggerU Avatar

    Don’t get to the end and wonder ‘what if I had’ve’, get to the end and wonder ‘’what haven’t I?’ I missed so much from being fearful and hesitant.

  57. Taarn01 Avatar

    Be yourself and pay no mind to what others think but listen to constructive criticism

  58. A_Peacful_Vulcan Avatar

    Put a little in savings every paycheck and don’t touch it.

  59. Brutact Avatar

    Move your body every single day. Doesn’t matter what you do but get moving.

    Save early. Even small amounts early on can compile over time.

    Never stop learning. No matter the profession, knowledge is power.

  60. Task_Defiant Avatar

    There are 3 things you never lend anyone:

    1. Your horse,
    2. Your wife,
    3. Your gun.

    If you ever find yourself the big fish in a small pond, it’s time to find a new pond.

  61. Chggy317 Avatar

    All the lyrics from Simple Man

  62. HeavenBlade117 Avatar

    “Don’t chase women.”

  63. Obscurm1 Avatar

    EVERYBODY is going to tell you how to live your life.
    EVERYBODY is going to have an opinion of you regardless of how much they know you.
    Your life begins when you choose who to listen to and who to walk away from.

  64. Geeko22 Avatar

    Love is spelled T-I-M-E. Spend time with the people you love because you never know when you might not be able to again.

  65. VivaIlSesso Avatar

    Don’t waste your time chasing women. At the first sign of trouble, walk away from a woman!
    Start investing now!

  66. cracksilog Avatar

    —Save money. Like literally do a direct deposit of a portion of your paycheck to a savings account. That way you won’t yearn for it.

    —Set aside one hour a day to work out. Be it cardio, lifting, martial arts, whatever. But make sure you do it.

    —Set aside another hour to do something intellectual. Maybe an instrument. Reading, Writing. Exercising your mind is just as important as your body.

    —If something takes less than five minutes to do, do it immediately.

    —Do. Not. Get. A. Tattoo. Yet. Wait until you’re 21. And never get one on your face, neck, hands, throat, or fingers.

    —Do. Not. Get. A. Piercing. Yet. Either.

    —Do not chase trends. Baggy will be out, skinny will be in. Skinny will be out, baggy will be in. Wear straight cuts.

    —Get rid of any graphic tees. Start wearing shirts and t-shirts that are plain and without logos. It makes you look much more mature.

    —Stop being so picky with women! Short, tall, skinny, big, shy, loud, dark, light, nerdy, goth — date them all. There’s lots of men out there who complain about loneliness and only want to date one kind of woman. Date them all.

  67. ildadof3 Avatar

    Nobody remebers cards, let alone from a loser. Write ‘shave ur balls weekly’ or something like that. Otherwise quit being a fuckin’ pussy douche

  68. Tokogogoloshe Avatar

    Follow your gut. Your instincts. They’ll be more right for you than wrong.

  69. Wise-Dinner-6885 Avatar

    Eyes, ears and fingers, you only ever get one pair of each so take care of them best you can.

  70. Illustrious_One9088 Avatar

    We live in a world with nearly any information available through a simple Google search. You can learn anything in mere moments. Try doing things yourself before paying someone to do it for you.

  71. Ok-Caramel3812 Avatar

    you need friends, the world is not survivable alone.

  72. vince_venk Avatar
    1. Don’t chase woman
    2. Consistency is the key
    3. Master small talk (Networking matters)
  73. Any-Mathematician951 Avatar

    Success isn’t amassing wealth, sleeping with 1000s of women, acting “alpha” or driving a nice car.

    It’s being comfortable with you, supporting loved ones, being dependable, being true to your values and trying to do some good in the world.

  74. Alx123191 Avatar

    You are what you eat, find a friend in a woman first (friend zone is a myth), your action define you not your world. Making a choice is not a problem you can always reverse it. Changing direction all the time will lost you, Take a decision and if you are wrong change otherwise stick to it, it takes time to see result. When older people tell you things it is not to piss you off but to help you see what you don’t, the truth sometime hurt you must learn to don’t act on it aggressively. When life give you lemon make lemonade, means : when something happen to you that change your plan, don’t fight it and make the best of it. When you don’t know what to do,$ control the way you act instead. When something bad happens, try to see that there is always worst. It will help you adapt your reaction to the event.

  75. flag-orama Avatar

    spend less then what you earn.