10 things women in their 20s need to get over

JUST because we're not stressing about kids, a husband or mortgage doesn't mean we're not stressing. Here are 10 things women in their 20s need to get a grip on.

"I like my money right where I can see it ... hanging in my closet." Wise words, Bradshaw.

JUST because we're not stressing about kids, a husband or a mortgage doesn't mean we're not stressing. There are a raft of anxiety triggers for women in their 20s but here are 10 things we need to get a grip on.

1) Whether we are single or not: There are certain things in this world we have control over - like putting ourselves out there by going on dates, or saying yes to something we usually wouldn't do. But let's get this straight: being single doesn't necessarily make you the Sad Single Friend, nor are we defined by our singledom. So let's stop obsessing about it.

2) Whether or not we can really afford that pair of shoes: The reality? No, you most certainly can't. Do you need them? Probably not. Do you want them? Absolutely. So what are you waiting for? Who has heard this line from their mum - "Looking back, those phenomenal cork wedges that made my legs look fabulous really were a waste of money." Anyone?

"I like my money right where I can see it ... hanging in my closet." Wise words, Bradshaw.

3) Wondering if we'll be happier/more attractive/better at life if we lose those extra five kilos: If I had a dollar for every time a negative thought went through my head about my own body, let's just say I'd have a lot more pairs of shoes in my wardrobe right now. Most of us are never going to look like Gisele in a bikini, no matter how many crunches we do. But this is the body we may rely on to carry a baby one day, and it's the only one we've got, so let's be kind to it.

4) Social climbing: Your coolness is not defined by what bars you hang out at, where you check in on Facebook or who you follow on Instagram. We spend far too much time stalking the glam lives of models, fashionistas and the social elite. There are some social circles we are simply never going to circulate in, and that's OK.

5) Why that douche bag from the pub never called you back: You gave him your number and he was too stupid to pick up the phone. Why didn't he call? I have no idea. But don't pick up the phone and drunk dial him at 2am. Brush him and carry on living your life, because he sure has.

Justin Long gives Ginnifer Goodwin some invaluable advice: "He's just not that into you!"

6) Which of your friends are engaged/getting married: What is it about the announcement of a friend's upcoming nuptials on our Facebook news feed that sends us into an existential crisis? There is no need to be jealous that they've found their 'One' and you're still out at midnight on a Saturday hoping to meet a nice bloke. Let's just be happy for them and raise our expensive cocktails to the freedom of not having a wedding to plan.

7) Meticulous planning: Ah FOMO, look what you've done to us. We are constantly mapping out our days and weeks in a desperate attempt to have more control over our future. But seeing as life is probably going to throw us curveballs either way, perhaps we should try winging it - just once in a while.

8) Toxic friendships: Holding onto your dwindling relationship with the Regina George in your life isn't doing you any favours. You might have been besties back in high school, but you have nothing in common anymore. Cut her loose. Life is too short to waste time with people who make you feel like crap.

We all remember this piece of work from our school days. Picture: Paramount

9) Diets, food trends, #cleaneating: If there's ever a time when women can take it easy on the diets it's in their 20s. By all means, look after yourself, exercise regularly and don't over indulge, but the world is not going to come crashing down if you have a cheeky muffin for breakfast, or you don't sip on coconut water after a rigorous workout like That Girl at your gym. Food is not our enemy so let's kick guilt to the curb.

10) Negativity: Far too often I'm confronted by girlfriends who put themselves down in front of others. I want to shake them and tell them to stop being so damn hard on themselves because to me, they are all beautiful, brave and relevant in this world. When will we get it through our heads that it's OK not to take life so seriously ALL the time?

The best advice my mum has given me in my 25 years is to try not to sweat the small stuff, even if it seems like a big deal at the time. One big belly laugh a day does wonders for the soul, or so she tells me.

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