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by Orange Mango on April 19th, 2006

Orange Mango

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If you could go back in time 15 years, what advice would you give yourself? How old are you presently?

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Answers. 61 helpful answers below.

  • by Orange Mango on April 26th, 2006

    Orange Mango

    I'm 34 years old, this is my advice for anyone around the age of 20.

    1) Follow your dream, don't let anyone tell you it's a waste of time or energy or that it is a dead end if it is something you love in your heart & soul. The next 30 years is a long time to spend doing something that you find unfulfilling because the money is good, don't settle for the job that pays the most until you have a family, mortgage, car payment, etc., then you may have to suck it up & take one for the team...but until then, chase your dream.

    2) Go to school, the year break I took coming out of high school turned out to be 10, the first four of which were spent partying it up with people my own age who were in school. The only difference is they had a nice useful piece of paper at the end of that fourth year. It felt good to be working & having some money while all the poor students were scrounging, but they are definately in a better financial situation today

    3) The large circle of friends you have today will diminish drastically, of that circle only 1 or 2 are as close to you as you think they are, it's harder to make friends (true friends) as you get older, still possible but harder, try to stay in touch with some of the closer friends you have today, you could miss them later if you don't. People change as they age, if you try to reconnect with an old friend you may learn that they are not the same person (or worse, exactly the same person, the last thing a 40 year old wants, is a 40 year old friend who thinks he's 20), try to evolve as a person with your friends. At the very least stay in touch.

    4) Do everything in your power to maintain the body you have today, play sports, try to eat healthy, be an athlete! Lay off the booze, dope & smokes, as much as you can! I know we all have our vices, moderation is key, there is no need to be indulging yourself any more than a night or two a week, and even then there's no need to go overboard, a little buzz is sufficient, you will learn as you get older how unattractive a slobering idiot really is, there's no need to get hammered, there really isn't.

    5) Learn to be diplomatic in all your relationships. There is a very thick political undercurrent to everything you do. I was completely oblivious to this at 20, I thought things evened out in the end, they don't. The rules for just about anything you encounter are open for interpretation, rules can be easily bent to help a friend, its better to be that friend than the one being left out in the cold because the rules are being bent to help someone else. This is true at work with job positions, in your family when someone is giving away a piece of furniture, as you're reading this a friend of yours is sitting on a spare ticket to game three of the semi-finals. No one wants to do anything for someone who is a drag to be around. We all have a limit, you can't avoid being confrontational all the time, but you should make an effort to minimize it as much as possible. Don't think that your position at work, in the family, or in your social circle is etched in stone, it's not, people skip the line all the time, most of the time you wont even know you were skipped.

    6) Don't underestimate yourself, I'm not going to say you can accomplish anything because you can't...but damn near near it! Even if you can't reach your ultimate goal, you'll never regret an honest effort, you could regret a poor effort or not trying for the rest of your life! I'm telling you, if your goal is reasonable, and by reasonable I mean nearly anything you choose, you can do it!

    If someone could have run these points by me at 20 (I say as if I would have listened, which I wouldn't have) I would be leading a more fulfilled life today. All this sounds like I'm leading a difficult life, I'm really not, I have the most wonderful wife & 3 kids, my financial situation is getting better & better, I'm healthy and physically fit, but in the last 5 or 6 years a lot of time and effort has been expended by me trying to straighten out my situation which was caused by a lack of action on my part in my 20's.

    ...and a personal piece of advice to myself at 20:
    Do not ...and I cant find words to adequately emphasize how important this is ...DO NOT believe the red-headed girl at Lollapalooza who says she dosn't have a boyfriend...He's massive, and well trained in some form of martial arts!

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  • by Anonymous on April 28th, 2006

    Anonymous

    1. Don't worry so much about how other people perceive you. Particularly the popular girls at school- they'll all be overweight and on benefits in 10 years time anyway.
    2. Don't be embarrassed to work hard for good grades, it'll pay off in the end.
    3. Don't start smoking. It'll cost you a fortune and make all your clothes smell.
    4. Purple hair is not a good look.
    5. Don't be in such a rush to grow up. You'll miss your childhood once it's over.

    I'll be 26 this year.

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  • by Answers101 on April 24th, 2006

    Answers101

    Don't be overly sensitive and be careful how often you compliment people because they may take your comments to mean something else.

    I would also tell myself to always think positive thoughts because nothing is a waste of time as being negative or depressed, so put on your dancing shoes because life is a party and live life to the fullest!

    Finally, I would tell myself don't worry so often. Worry doesn't add an ounce to your life. If anything it adds a pound!

    Regarding, my age--that's private and confidential information! (LOL)

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  • by Grandma Roses - my avatar is my real dog on April 21st, 2006

    Grandma Roses - my avatar is my real dog

    I would tell myself not to get so addicted to Answerbag!

    ---

    To the person who asked the question:
    Don't you know that you NEVER ask a lady her age?!?

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  • by anonymous on July 7th, 2006

    anonymous

    i would tell myself that woo, you're getting born in six months, but why not hang in until your due date new years eve/day. then people will not feel obliged to give u one present for christmas and birthday. i'm 15

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  • by LynfromNM on April 25th, 2006

    LynfromNM

    I would:
    1. Stop smoking a lot sooner than I did!
    2. Carpe that ol diem!
    3. Recognize the virtues of selfishness
    Carpe, carpe and carpe some more!

    I am 52. Now how old are YOU???????

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  • by Veterinary Pathology on May 21st, 2006

    Veterinary Pathology

    You don't have to make your life perfect. Just try to make it as good as you can. Focus on both the present and the future while not forgetting your past. A little hedonism a day keeps the doctor away. You're smart enough to achieve all your goals with a healthy dose of effort. Happiness can often be found in making others happy.

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  • by G_tech on May 17th, 2008

    G_tech

    Lets see that would put me at about 35 so what advice do I have for myself:
    Go back a few more yrs say 10 more and learn to be more assertive and stand up for myself
    Let my hubby share more of the raising of our kids
    Go back to school way sooner than I did for something I really enjoyed
    Taken better care of myself health wise
    Spent more time with my parents before they pasted away
    Started putting something away for retirement alittle sooner
    I'll be 51 in sept. of this yr

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  • by pinkpiggies on September 5th, 2006

    pinkpiggies

    After a tough marriage, having only bad credit, and nothing to show for almost 20 years of marriage, other than the love of my life, which is my daughter, I would say, divorce him now. I know it sounds mean, but it is what I would tell myself.

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  • by Mr. McClister on September 5th, 2006

    Mr. McClister

    Well seeing how I would be 4...I probably wouldn't listen to anything I would have to say...so I guess I would tell them..."Find anserbag early"

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  • by hemiman on September 5th, 2006

    hemiman

    1. Stop smoking
    2. Realize there is more to life than sitting around a smoky bar watching football on Sundays.
    3. Give 10% of what I made to the church and put back 15% and live on the other 75%.
    4. Realize that beer does more harm than good and Harleys arent all that they are cracked up to be.
    5. Dont wait any longer to start your walk with Jesus Christ.
    6. Go ahead, buy that '49 Mercury while they are still realatively cheap.
    7. Get rid of the pony tail, goatee, and earrings.

    I am 53 as of August 3, 2006

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  • by hershey_squirter_ on August 18th, 2006

    hershey_squirter_

    I refuse to give out my age on account of I'm a feared of having my identity thefted. But I would tell myself to go ahead and screw Michelle Vanderford when I had the chance.

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  • by Moriah on June 8th, 2006

    Moriah

    I'm 13, so I couldn't go back in time 15 years and give myself and advice because I wasn't even a figment of my parent's imagination yet. I think I was a "spur of the moment" sorta thing.lol

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  • by CAPTAINBOB on October 12th, 2009

    CAPTAINBOB

    Time is your only asset, don't sell it cheap. You can't buy more.

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  • by MrJosh on December 16th, 2008

    MrJosh

    I am now 30, and if I were to ignore the paradox this would create, I would tell myself to beware of a certain Vietnamese woman I would meet in 2000, and suggest that I start studying the martial arts earlier.

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  • by Jane on December 16th, 2008

    Jane

    "Hi Sara, its me, Sara...I'm 26 and not married, I dont have kids. Dont waste your time trying to find a family....have fun. Go out. Go to school....its worth it. I pinky swear"

    oh wait....15 years? i'd be 11

    "Sara, Its me...Sara. Dont smoke, dont do drugs. Go to school. Visit your dad often. Get a tutor and get good grades. Go to college. Stay away from boys until you are 16 because nothing good will come out of it. and I love you. you're awesome."

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  • by Aero is back and wiser on December 15th, 2008

    Aero is back and wiser

    I'd tell myself not to chew through the crib again. My parents just love to tell that story. I'm 15 years 4 months old.

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  • by ChelseaMark on May 17th, 2008

    ChelseaMark

    Not to listen to idiots that go " a coochy coochy coo " to you . They are idiots. I'm 16.

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  • by Lovehearts on May 17th, 2008

    Lovehearts

    Well. I'm sixteen. So I was one. I wouldn't give advice, I'd just give myself a lollipop.

    But if I had to, I'd tell myself that good essays are never written on the bus in the morning.
    And to visit your gran, because she won't always be there.
    Look after your dad, when he needs looking after.
    And be a bit better than you turned out to be.

    Then the one year old me would give me a strange look and start to cry. So it would've all been a bit pointless...

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  • by DA BEN DAN yanggui zi on August 26th, 2007

    DA BEN DAN yanggui zi

    I'd tell myself that getting older is only getting better...I'm 58.

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  • by tiberseptim on August 26th, 2007

    tiberseptim

    I'd tell my 8-year old self to stop spending so much time at my grandmother's house. I grew up spoiled rotten thanks to that overbearing psychopath. Also, I'd tell myself to give up on my dad ever acting more like a "dad". It would've saved me a lot of grief later on.

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  • by Sarita1 Goes Bollywood on March 16th, 2007

    Sarita1 Goes Bollywood

    Have a kid! I am 48.

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  • by Penny The Wise on March 16th, 2007

    Penny The Wise

    I'm 22, so I would tell the 7 year old me that this too shall pass, and it won't always be so bad. Oh, and that boys are the devil.

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  • by anonymous on November 14th, 2006

    anonymous

    Stay the course.
    More work done early means less later.
    Fight when you should, there is a time for it.
    I am 19.

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  • by Miss. Tandra on November 7th, 2006

    Miss. Tandra

    well im only 13 lol.. but the advice i would give myself was to not becomes friends with one of the people im friends with. she caused me and my friends alott of pain with things shes done to other and herself even tho its not fifteen years into the past cause i havent even been alive that longg

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  • by Anonymous too on October 12th, 2006

    Anonymous too

    I would be more mindful of maintaining good health by eating the right foods, exercising and getting enough rest. When you're younger you tend to take it for granted. I'm old enough to know better.

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  • by Rottweiler on October 12th, 2006

    Rottweiler

    Assuming I didn't create a paradox outright, I'd tell myself to never, EVER start biting my nails.

    I'm 19 now, and I CAN'T FREAKING STOP!

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  • by The Wraith of God is Coming on September 14th, 2009

    The Wraith of God is Coming

    Buy microsoft & Exxon.

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  • by iandme on September 14th, 2009

    iandme

    Well I'm 22 right now so that would make me 7. I would say don't be so emotional, stand up for yourself more often, don't bully people, pay attention in school, and try new things. Good question +3.

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  • by still stephanie. on September 20th, 2009

    still stephanie.

    I would only be one, so most likely I wouldn't remember anything I would tell myself.

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  • by Alvin on September 14th, 2009

    Alvin

    I would be a baby :)! Stop crying!

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  • by Yeahwell... on September 20th, 2009

    Yeahwell...

    1. Get out now!
    2. Don't quit college!
    3. Stay focused on the right things!

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  • by Craigor on December 16th, 2008

    Craigor

    I don't think I could give advice to a 1 year old!

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  • by Scorpio7 12 hours ago

    Scorpio7

    I'm 62 now, and if I could go back in time as you describe, I'd give myself ALL of the winning lottery numbers for the next 15 years.

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  • by Scorpio7 on April 12th, 2012

    Scorpio7

    I'm 62. If I could go back in time 15 years, I'd advise myself on which numbers to play on certain lotteries.

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  • by punished? on March 16th, 2007

    punished?

    i am 25. i would tell myself to travel after high school cause you wont do it later. and that broken hearts heal dont let one guy ruin you for that long (not that i have found my guy yet but i beleive one day....) and to complete the teaching degree i started along with my current degree as it would open more doors.
    i wouldnt let myself change anything that has happened to me except for one guy i dated thatwas abusive i would fore warn myself on that one!

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  • by Someone on August 26th, 2007

    Someone

    I would be 2. I wouldn't understand the advice given. If I could give myself advice and remember it, I'd say brace yourself. Do not attempt to change what will happen for fear of throwing off the greatest thing that has happened to you. But beware of the pain you may have to suffer to get there.

    I'd so be ominous like that =)

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  • by TorbyCat on October 26th, 2007

    TorbyCat

    I would tell myself not to be as concerned about being popular and to work harder in school and to mind my parents more. I would also tell myself to take more risks in high school and to work harder in college. I am 26, so this would be the advice I would give myself at 11.

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  • by SASSYWI-Q-Sassia-Jetpacking with NASCAR on August 26th, 2007

    SASSYWI-Q-Sassia-Jetpacking with NASCAR

    Think instead of making snap decisions and consider future needs more deeply!!!!

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  • by THE SHADOW on October 11th, 2010

    THE SHADOW

    i'm 62 if i could go back 15 years i would take my advice to quit smoking,now i have copd,emphysema,and 1 lung left and only working at 47%capacity.and hoping to get a double lung transplant in the near future if i were to have quit 15 years ago i wouldn't be in the shape i'm in now

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  • by breakstress on February 1st, 2010

    breakstress

    Don't stop being a nice person.
    Keep reading books, and try not to get angry over small stuff.

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  • by in_sree on December 19th, 2009

    in_sree

    i'm 24 , I'd tell myself that Everything is happening for some reason.....

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  • by Phrenia on December 17th, 2009

    Phrenia

    Don't be such a brat.
    Fifteen years ago I was four, so chances are I wont listen to myself anyways.

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  • by doesnotmakesenseatall on December 21st, 2009

    doesnotmakesenseatall

    Not to expect anything from parents as it is not a compulsion that all parents have to take care of their children. It would help me enormously. *smiles*

    Lets say I would have been too young to even understand any advise even if it was from myself. *smiles, again*

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  • by usedandbroken on December 31st, 2009

    usedandbroken

    I am 35 years old and i would have said Dont marry him he will leave you for another woman And he did. I'd say stp drin king all tha alcohol it will fuck with your head And it has Stop wasting all your time worrying about getting old it comes too quick. Dont eat all that cake you might be able to do it now but give it a few more years it'll all settle on your hips. So many things

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  • by charlamain on January 14th, 2010

    charlamain

    That would make me 25. I would say...

    You are going to meet some-one next year who you could fall in love with - either don't, or be stronger with them from the start - don't let them make you dance to their life's tune so that you miss the boat re family and lose yourself. If they don't listen leave and leave for good. Go back to uni and stick at it this time! It doesn't matter what course you do as long as it interests you. Stay close to your dad - he loves you most and you love him most - so trust your instincts and prioritise him - you will be so glad you did when he has passed away. Tell him how much you love and appreciate him now. Don't start smoking - or if you have stop young before it does too much damage. Look after your health. Love those who care for you - don't waste time on those that don't. Maintain a sense of social justice. Don't judge and always seek to give something back... to the environment or to those less fortunate. If you could do all this I think you have a good chance of being happy - you lucky thing. What a good question OM

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  • by Imphamous on May 17th, 2008

    Imphamous

    Let's see I would have to say, "GET OUT NOW WHILE YOU STILL HAVE A CHANCE!" :}

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  • by VS Angel aka Mrs. Stealth Intelligence on May 17th, 2008

    VS Angel aka Mrs. Stealth Intelligence

    Actually, I can't think of anything. I'm pretty happy.

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  • by bigd012904 on December 16th, 2008

    bigd012904

    I would tell myself at a young age of 13 to do my best in school or you will be 28 when you graduate from college.

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  • by michael43 on December 16th, 2008

    michael43

    Stop looking at her butt and look at her face.

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