Though often a toxic place, the internet can be a positive resource that benefits human beings. A recent Reddit thread, in its own small way, proved the point.
The question revolved around life lessons. Anonymous folks across the internet were asked to share the most important truths and lessons that they'd recommend other people live by.
But there was one additional element that made the thread all the more compelling: a tinge of yearning and regret. These weren't just life lessons, but life lessons learned too late. That frames all of these good bits of advice as the fruits of strife endured for far too long.
It's good to know that these Redditors made it out of the valley. Hopefully we can listen enough to avoid it altogether.
rockothewallabee asked, "What is a lesson you learned too late in life?"
Practical
"I can do it myself. Now that we're in the digital age, I learned how to change my windshield wipers, trim my rabbit's nails, repair screen windows, replace my sub pump, etc."
"I always felt like I missed out learning hands-on thing because my dad checked out early. N'ah, girl, you can do that sh** on your own!"
-- LuckyShoe123
Lonely in a Pair
"Being alone is less lonely than being married to the wrong person." -- RonSwansonsOldMan
"I'm going through the initial process of a divorce right now. We just listed our house for sale, and a wave of the painful reality just hit me. Been sitting here doubting myself as to whether I'm making the right choice."
"Might sound stupid, but this actually made me cry. I really needed to read this right now. Thanks." -- relationshipranttawy
Don't Over Invest
"You can't really help people who don't truly want to help themselves."
"Unless a person realizes, admits, and is receptive to being helped and helping him/her/itself, you're just wasting your energy and probably adding to your own stress."
It is YOUR LIfe
"That the disappointment of your parents will be far shorter lived than the unhappiness you'll endure by trying to make your life fit their perfect picture." -- BJntheRV
"This, this, this, and this. I used to feel guilty and diminish myself for not living the life my parents had envisioned for myself. But I luckily learned to let that sh** go" -- Mariamichelleevans
Head on a Swivel
"You can be the best driver on the road, but you can't control everyone else. Always keep your head up and drive safe." -- Strik3rr
"Use your turn signals, but do not trust anyone else using their turn signals. Lesson I still remember from driver's ed 30 years ago: there's only one thing you know for certain when you see a car with its turn signal on. They have their turn signal on. That's it."
"You have no way of knowing if they plan on turning, if they change their mind at the last second, if they just forgot to turn it off." -- John_Wik
A Resource to Love
"Listen to your grandparents' stories and ask them as many questions as you can about their lives and family history, etc."
"All 4 of mine passed when I was too young to truly appreciate any of the above."
Don't be Cocky, but Don't be Intimidated Either
"That I am capable of success. I spent so long doubting myself and not doing things because I didn't think I could." -- SexualMastery
"I'm guilty of this. I have a hard time picturing myself succeeding or accomplishing things, that I give up before I even try. Extremely defeatist. Its something I need to work on because its a terrible way to live." -- Bro_Hammer_5000
You Are Not on Their Minds
"That other people don't care what you think. They're more worried about themselves, and you aren't the first thing on their priority list."
"Could've saved so many headaches if I knew this years ago."
It's All Hanging On By a Thread Out Here
"That EVERYONE is making it up as they go along. Your teacher, parents, pastor, Army Generals, CEO's, everyone. No one has 100% true answers."
"However, success in life IS about being decisive. Get enough information to make an intelligent decision then confidently act on it. Others will THINK you have all the answers."
-- ChmeeWu
Let Them Go
"DONT BEG SOMEONE TO BE IN YOUR LIFE. PLEASE DONT!!!" -- rosyrosess
"Not in words, nor in actions."
"I've never begged verbally, but I absolutely have through actions. Staying with people through them being completely shi**y to me, allowing them to choose other people over me repeatedly. Allowing them to take advantage of me and always going back.. I wish I gave half a sh** about myself back then."
"Oh, the time and heartache I would've saved myself if I'd truly known better." -- Pennylick
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