Things you did in your 20s that you no longer do in your 30s

For many millennials turning 30 this year, it’s hard to believe that they’ve finally reached this milestone age. Society places so much emphasis on what it means to make it into the golden age of the big 3-0 and what you should achieve by that age. 

If you are in your 3-0, it is just another version of your 20s, but more stable, not just financially but mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Hey, at least that is what the vibe is supposed to feel like. 

This is a time when you should feel more at peace. You’ve spent much of your 20s in that trial-and-error phase. You’ve taken risks and made many mistakes, and your 30s are a time to be confident and reassured of the new adventures that await you. 

Now here is a question I pose to all of you. What are you not doing in your 30s that you did in your 20s? Here are a few ideas that came to mind: 

STAYING OUT PAST 10PM

This isn’t Block Party 1, 2, 3, 4 till infinity. If the party starts at 12 AM, most likely, some of y’all will be comfortably snug in your bed watching Netflix and munching on snacks with the face mask on, then disrupt your sleeping pattern for some trap music, bottle girls, and a hookah party. Rest hunnay. Get your beauty sleep!

NOT GIVING A DAMN

People pleasing in your early 20s can be daunting. You are coming into your individuality and independence from the parents. You were probably getting ready for your new life in college and navigating the different clicks on campus. Trying to figure out where you belong and then dealing with the unnecessary drama of finding who and where you fit sounds crazy now. As a whole 30 something year old, adulting will humble you. There are too many fish to fry than to have people play with your time. 

ENGAGING IN HOOKUP CULTURE

This is a judgment-free zone. Some men and women will live out their younger years well into their 30s for a good old time. If you have explored the various options of the dating pool in your 20s and realize that it’s time to get out of the water to find other options for stability in your 30s, then I don’t blame you. Times are hard, and there is no time to play games. In your 30s, you have a better idea of what you want out of life [hopefully] and are working strategically to make that happen, especially in the love department. 

‘NO NEW FRIENDS’ ERA GONE

How many of y’all watched that viral interview with First Lady Michelle Obama with Oprah talking about how she slowly ghosted some of her friends on the way to the White House? I’m sure there was a time in your 20s when you thought your circle of friends would ride with you until the wheels fell off. Some folks are lucky to have grown with their close friends as they elevate in their careers and relationships, but there are some who, no matter how much you elevate, are leveling up at your pace. Some friends don’t change behaviors or negative characteristics about themselves that will impact them in the long run, and that is when you have to decide to cut the dead weight. It’s life, but you will always make new friends when climbing the ladder. 

BEING CARELESS WITH YOUR HEALTH

Remember those days when we could drink all the time, eat what we wanted, be outside all types of hours of the night, and think that because we’ve got one life to live, it wouldn’t catch up with us? In your 30s, you must be hypervigilant and mindful about your lifestyle if you want a long, flourishing life. If you have a gym membership, start today. If you haven’t seen your doctor or visited your therapist for a check-up, do that ASAP. You only have one body. Take care of it like you would for a newborn baby. 

What other things did you do in your 20s that you don’t do in your 30s? The Defender wants to hear from you.