To all youth about to go out on their own

A list of tips for when you go out on your own.

• Your parents don't want what's best for you, they want what's good for you, which isn't always the same thing.
• Alarm clocks need a backup battery in case the power goes out.
• Try not to judge other people, but especially those people whose shoes you have not walked in.
• Run the hot water in the kitchen sink before running the dishwasher. The load will have much hotter water, which will possibly let you do without the heat boost from the dishwasher.
• Laughter is one of the most powerful medicines and the prescription is practically free.
• There are possibly more varieties of bread than chips. The breads with grains are the best ones for you.
• When you listen to someone, focus on what they're saying as if there will be a test afterwards.
• Peanut butter keeps a lot longer than the date on the jar. Go by smell and taste.
• When driving, always be prepared for the worst in the other drivers. Don't expect it, just be prepared.
• Hold the door for other people. Just do it.
• When cooking, make a lot, eat some, freeze the rest.
• You need much less perfume than you realize. Is there perfume in your deodorant? That's all you need.
• The quicker a food can expire, the better it is for you. If it comes in a box, avoid eating it.
• Soup, stew, it always tastes better after a second day of slow cooking.
• Even if she insists, pay for the meal.
• Prepare a list for packing luggage. You start with the ultimate list and pare down depending on the trip.
• Always be 15 minutes early for any meeting or appointment. No exceptions.
• Going to school does not guarantee you a job in the career path you chose - especially if there are no available jobs in that path.
• Never miss a payment on any credit or bill. Banks will use the next 7 years to remind you of it and they will hold it against you.
• Butter over margarine. Trust me.
• Sometimes, you can find decent, almost new second-hand clothing at the local thrift store. $5 versus $75.
• Flowers only mean something if they're UNexpected.
• Never underestimate the cleaning power of vinegar.
• Don't compromise your principles or opinion just to please someone.
• Learn to make a great soup. Make a lot and invite your friends over to share it with them.
• Every time you say 'no', an entire reality is crushed into oblivion.
• Toilets, dishes and clothes will not clean themselves. Don't worry about the cats.
• Your intuition should be followed. I can't stress this enough. Learn to tell your intuition from your ego.
• Buying a house typically earns a crap-load more as an investment than any other savings strategy.
• Once meat reaches 160F, it's safe to eat. Invest in a meat thermometer, then you'll know for sure.
• Unless it interferes with your ability to earn money or retain a great friend, try to accept all invitations.
• You'll have way more fun if you're NOT drunk at the party.
• Clean clothes can be achieved through less detergent and a longer laundry cycle.
• Never leave food on the floor. Unless you want to share your home with ants.
• Chocolate is meant to be shared, not hoarded.
• You'll always do better to get your vitamins and minerals from real food than from pills.
• Any clothing not worn in more than a year would be best given to a charity.
• It's not what you know - it's who you know.
• Never trying is so much worse than failing. 
• First 3 kitchen tools to buy: church key (bottle opener), can opener, a good knife.
• Every day you begin with joy in your heart and a smile on your face will be much more energetic, productive and fulfilling.