Hezah, 26

To preface this, let me just catch you up to speed about one of my best friends, Brandy. She is insanely smart, laid back, fit, independent, gorgeous, has an ass that just won’t quit….oh and she’s a NBA cheerleader. If she’s going to die alone, then we are all fucked.

Brandy, you will absolutely not die alone. This isn’t a prediction just based the aforementioned list of compliments. I say this because you just turned 26 1/2 last week, and you are still so very young.

(Brandy and I on my 23rd birthday. I am pretty sure we’re saying, “Hey life, slow your roll. We’re still young)

We’ve entered a strange twilight zone era of our twenties where all of a sudden, out of nowhere, everyone is getting engaged. I don’t know what it is about your late twenties, but it feels like the shotgun went off and the race to the alter has begun. In all reality, a very minority of people in their mid to late twenties are actually getting married, buying homes, settling down, and *gasp*making babies.

It only feels as though everyone is doing the time warp because we have a constant barrage of people to compare ourselves to via social media outlets. We are even alerted through several mediums every time someone we know acquires a boyfriend, receives a diamond ring, ties the knot, gives birth, grabs the keys to their new home, and is bestowed that coveted promotion.

Here’s the thing, we only hear about the amazing BIG news. Aside from the few overly self-deprecating people you’ve hidden in your news feed, most people don’t tell you about their really hard days. They don’t post a status that they are crying and eating a tub of ice cream watching Lifetime because they feel hopeless, hate their job, wish they’d finished school, never fallen for that person, regret letting someone go, or even feeling bad about the fight with their mom. We just don’t get told that other people have the same rational or irrational fears and insecurities to make us feel a little less alone. Most people don’t have it anywhere near together, and we’re all just floating around in the same sea of uncertainty.

Also, we fixate on what we don’t have. The grass is always greener. Everyone is different, and as such, life paths can come in all shapes and lengths. What’s right for one person isn’t necessarily a truth for others. So Brandy things will happen for you and you won’t die alone, but until someone else makes you truly believe this, here is the love/life advice you asked for:

Stop worrying if he will call you.

Boys are simple. If he wants to see you, he will find a way. If not, move on.

Be forward and ask him out.

Boys are just as afraid of rejection as you. Go after what/who you want.

Realize that you might be very intimidating to boys.

Uhhh…you’re a cheerleader; nothing’s changed since high school. Sorry kiddo, I don’t care how nerdy or oddly obsessed with bad TV you are, you’re considered hot and unattainable.

Embrace this time in your life.

You might meet your husband tomorrow and have the rest of your life to be with him. Enjoy being single and fabulous (drunk) today.

Make career moves.

You don’t have anything or anyone to tie you down. Work late, and forget to eat dinner; get ahead while you can.

Travel.

There’s no one to compromise with on destination plans. Go wherever you want, without worrying about a boy complaining about his fair skin or digestive issues.

Spend your money on shit.

You have no one depending on you, but you. Buy some goddamn shoes.

…and my super cheesy advice,

Don’t be afraid to love.

Even if it isn’t reciprocated, it’s worth the risk to find out.

Don’t be afraid to be loved.

You deserve it. Yeah, YOU.

…and most importantly,

Believe that whatever your path is supposed to be, you’re already on it, and you’re doing everything right.