26 Things You Need To Stop Apologizing For By 26

1. Not using your degree. So what if you aren’t in a career that you thought you’d be in at the age of 18? You’re following a different passion, and that’s okay.

2. Not owning a car, a home, etc. Face it – you probably have student debt, there’s no way you can take on more than you can afford. That would be irresponsible.

3. Your relationship status. Maybe you’re married, maybe you haven’t found your person, or maybe you never want to. That’s up to you. You can’t rush love, but you can be your best self for you and your possible partner in the future.

4. Not having your dream job. We grew up in some of the worst economic times in the U.S. If you have a job that pays the bills and maybe a little extra, you’re lucky.

5. Having too many side gigs. You’re busy – there’s no doubt about that. You take the “dreamers never sleep” approach and follow your passion. Good for you! It’ll pay off one day.

6. The number of children you do or don’t have. Whether you have them or not, that is your choice. Period.

7. Having sex. It’s natural. Humans need it. Stop feeling ashamed for wanting it.

8. Things you can’t change. You obviously can’t control certain things, so why apologize? Just react and move forward.

9. Having a mental break. You’re stressed. You’re upset. You went through a traumatic life event. Or maybe you’re more susceptible to this kind of thing. Whatever it is, just say it with me: “I will be okay.” *deep breath*

10. Having a messy home. Things come up! The last thing on your mind is that pile of clothes in your closet that you’ve been meaning to donate for the last four months.

11. Having a clean home. On the flip side, you do not have to apologize for asking your roommates to wash their dishes that have been sitting there for three days.

12. Being different. If we were all the same, what kind of world would that be? Celebrate your differences and the differences of others. It’s what makes life interesting. Who made up the standards for normal anyway?

13. Not having a skincare regimen. That stuff is expensive. But honestly, maybe pick up some drugstore retinol…you’ll thank yourself in ten years.

14. Taking time to travel. You saved and saved, and you’re doing it. You’ve taking the time to explore the world, to see new perspectives, and to experience new things. When you come back, you’ll be a more well-rounded person. I promise.

15. Ordering too much Grubhub. You *clap* can’t *clap* get *clap* enough *clap* pizza *clap*. No one should apologize for that, but make sure that fits into your budget, okay?

16. Your past. Everyone has one. Accept what has happened to you. Learn from it. Grow from it. Be a better person because of it.

17. Changing your beliefs. Whether it’s political beliefs, religious beliefs, or the belief that you have to drink the whole bottle of vodka otherwise it goes bad, you don’t have to apologize for having a different outlook or a different belief system than what you were raised with. You might have a new perspective, and it’s okay to have a difference in opinion than those who raised you.

18. Staying in for the weekend. Practicing self-care is very important. Stay in. Get some sleep. Allow your body to reset. Everyone needs a little R&R sometimes. There will always be parties.

19. Following trends, no matter how dumb they are. Trends are fun! Who doesn’t want to try the latest and greatest? Hell, that’s how you find a new hobby or passion, or maybe a new haircut or style that you can totally rock!

20. Watching Keeping up with the Kardashians. Or any other reality show for that matter. We all need a break sometimes.

21. Using your ex’s Netflix login. Consider it severance for all the garbage they put you through.

22. Having feelings for your ex. We all have the one that got away. Just accept it, but move on with your life already.

23. Showing any kind of emotion. People love to shame emotions. If someone pisses you off, you’re allowed to be mad. If someone makes you feel special, you’re allowed to feel loved. Start accepting your emotions as a natural thing your body processes. You’ll be able to make smarter decisions because of it.

24. Selfies. Enough with the selfie shaming. We all take them. We all love them. They’re here to stay.

25. Wanting to settle down, if you haven’t. So maybe you’re very single, but you want the whole husband/wife, 2.5 children and a golden retriever. Who is to say that’s anything to be ashamed of? If that’s what you really want, set your intentions and date the kind of people that want that, too.

26. Being you. You, yes you, are one of a kind. You’re wonderful and awful in all sorts of ways. There are things you can and cannot change. There are little habits, little things that you do that make you who you are. So, be okay with that. Stop apologizing for being awkward, shy, reserved, loud, dramatic, happy, content, or whatever you are in any given situation. Embrace yourself with open arms.