Sometimes the simplest and most honest advice comes not from self-help books but from women who have already gone through experience and their own mistakes... They look at life more calmly, more wisely, and, importantly, without illusions - and that is exactly why their words sound so clear. No moralizing, no lectures, just observations that can help young women live a little more confidently and a little more peacefully. We’ve gathered the very best pieces of advice!

Your Skills Are Your Superpower - Build Them Early

Experienced women often say that independence begins not with relationships but with skills. When you have a profession, a skill, or a craft that allows you to live without anyone else’s help, you automatically choose better - in work and in your personal life. 

Independence gives you the freedom to walk away from any situation that breaks you or limits you. And most importantly - it gives you a sense of inner calm.

Strong Beats Skinny Every Single Time

Advice from the older generation sounds more and more alike: stop chasing the idea of being skinny. A healthy body is not a number on a scale but strength. Strong muscles protect your joints, good posture saves your back, and strong bones are the best gift to your future self. 

That’s why weight training is not about “lifting iron,” but about a long, comfortable life. And you really can’t argue with that!

Don’t Date Someone Whose Worst Habit Becomes Your Daily Life!

This advice comes from women who have seen how it ends — not romantically, not heroically, and not beautifully. Life with a person who is dependent becomes unpredictable, heavy, and often destructive. 

Love does not cure addiction, and no strength of character can save you from the horror that follows. The wisest choice is to set your boundaries and choose people who don’t need to be “saved.” Because that road leads nowhere...

Your Body, Teeth, and Mind - Treat Them Like VIP Guests!

As women get older, they realize that health is not a separate box but an entire system. Your body, your appearance, and your emotional state are always connected. Regular check-ups, good hygiene, sleep, therapy, rest, movement — all of this becomes your quality of life. 

And one more thing: don’t enter a relationship just because “it’s time” or because you want children. A family built out of fear or exhaustion rarely gives the warmth people dream about.

When Violence Shows Up Once - You Leave Once and Forever

Older women say this without softening it: if a man raises his hand or even attempts to hurt you - that is the moment to leave, not to “figure it out.” These stories rarely turn into “he changed.” 

Much more often — into repeats. Leaving immediately is not weakness but the strongest and most grown-up step you can take.

Love Deeply But Build a Life That Stands on Your Own Two Feet

Even the happiest relationship does not cancel a simple truth — the future is unpredictable. That’s why experienced women keep repeating: know how to rely on yourself, earn your own money, make your own decisions, and stay independent. 

This isn’t about lack of love, it’s about wisdom. As one husband said: “Choose wisely” — and this applies not only to your partner but to the life you build for yourself.

Sunscreen Today, Wealth Tomorrow!

Life gets easier when you know how to take care of yourself in small things and in big things. Sunscreen is prevention against wrinkles and oncology, investments are your future safety, and tax returns are freedom without extra explanations — you can’t really disagree with that, can you? 

And yes, traveling alone isn’t scary — it’s a skill that teaches confidence better than any training.

Make Men a Bonus, Not the Center of Your Universe!

Women of older generations admit more and more often: they wish they had built their lives less around men and the expectations they were taught. 

Men are not magical rescuers, not ideal partners “by default,” and definitely not the axis around which your life should rotate. When you put yourself at the center, life becomes so much happier!

Run, Even If He Is Handsome!

Any person who treats you from above is not romance but a straight road to losing your nerves. A man should see a partner in you, not a convenient option. And one more thing about adult life… Birth control is about peace of mind, and you should have enough of it so that you decide for yourself when and whether you want to become a mother. 

No accidents, no “well, we will see how it goes”... because you are the one who controls your body — and absolutely no one else has the right to decide for you.

Do Not Give Your Life Away To Someone Else’s “Traditions”

Patriarchy is a very sneaky thing: you turn away for a second, and it is already trying to explain to you how you should “properly” live. Older women say that protecting your rights is extremely important, always and everywhere, in any times!
If you want to keep your last name — keep it. 

If you want your own bank accounts — open them. If you want to build a career until you get tired — do it. The main rule is not allowing others to make decisions for you. The world is changing but freedom always loves to be valued, does it not?

A Baby Tiger Is Not A Pet

The internet makes predators look cute but real life does not. A puma in a video is “oh how adorable”, a puma in your home is “what if today she wakes up in a bad mood”.

If you do not plan to become “that girl who lives with a leopard”, it is better to choose a cat, a dog, or someone who does not eat raw meat by the bucket and cannot accidentally mistake you for food...

Never Ignore Your Own Comfort!

There will almost certainly be a moment when your brain whispers, “But I love them, I can tolerate a little.”
And that is a trap... A loving person does not ask you to sacrifice yourself.

You can be generous, kind, supportive — but only when you actually have the energy and the desire. Doing good when you are already “at zero” is a straight path to burnout, and that path never leads to anything good.

Live Now, Not “After Vacation”

You can start yoga today, even if you do not bend at all or simply want to take care of yourself. Sunscreen is necessary even on a cloudy day — your skin will always say thank you. “Everything in moderation” may sound boring but it works.
And most importantly: treat yourself. 

Buy good coffee, rest when you are tired, enjoy the small things. Life is too short to always “be serious”. And it is important to remind yourself of this even when your mood is at zero.

Love Yourself As If It Is The Main Romance Of Your Life

There comes a moment when you get tired of dating — tired of trying to impress, tired of endless “how was your day?” conversations, tired of this game where sometimes you are the star and sometimes the backup option. At some point, you go to a restaurant alone, order your favorite dish, choose the movie yourself — and you realize this is the best date you have had in ages.

When you fall in love with yourself, the feeling of lack disappears. You stop waiting for approval from the outside and start taking action. And when you love yourself — you are unstoppable! And yes, make a soundtrack of your life. The tracks that lift you on any day!

Intimacy Should Be Enjoyed By Both

Some things became trends just because the internet decided they “should” be done. For example, choking in intimacy or many other things. Yes, some people genuinely enjoy them but if it seems strange to you, never force yourself or anyone else!

Your body is not a field for someone else’s experiments. Sex should be safe, wanted, and understood. If something makes you feel “what the…?” — that is a red flag.

Become A Woman Who Has Everything Because She Decided To!

Stop dreaming about meeting a rich man — think about how to become rich yourself! How to build a career in a way that no one can say: “she only made it because she has a rich husband…”

Learn, take risks, accept new challenges, step out of comfort zones that have long become stagnation. Your success is not a man — your success is you, and it depends only on you!

Take Care Of These Things Right Now!

Moisturize your face and neck every day; it is your minimal investment in your future and beauty! And yes, start saving. Even $10 at a time — the habit is what matters, not the amount. A year from now, you will thank yourself.

And also enjoy your youth, every minute of it! It feels endless only until you realize one day that time flies too fast… Spend days with your parents, siblings — they will not be with us forever, no matter how strong they seem… and that is incredibly sad.

Do Not Fill Emptiness With A New Person

Jumping from one relationship to another is a way to avoid hearing yourself.

But if you stay alone at least once and endure the silence, you will see that it heals better than any “new feelings.” Learn to love yourself — and then no one can take the place you gave to the wrong person.

Always Find A Reason To Laugh

With age, you realize that learning something new is not a school obligation but a small pleasure. Today you learn how a mortgage works, tomorrow how to fry eggplants properly, the day after what birds’ knees look like. It all goes into your priceless experience!

And yes, always laugh! Even at a meme, at yourself, or at a weird advertisement! Laughter really pulls you out of many problems much better than “I will always be strong and collected.”

Do Not Believe Every Negative Thought In Your Head

Sometimes your brain switches into panic mode and starts telling you stories that you are “not enough,” “less than others,” or “everyone is better.” This is a lie!

Learn to catch this inner radio station and switch the frequency. Repeat to yourself every day: you are smart, you are beautiful, you are important! Because it is true!

Female Friendship Is Your Backbone

Friends are not just “pleasant evenings.” They are people who know the real you and love you sincerely. They will tell the truth when needed and support you when needed…

But most importantly — invest in female relationships yourself, because they provide the care and support that men in relationships often just cannot give.

Love Your Body Right Now!

With age comes the main insight: you are now in the best version of yourself. Skin, tone, energy — all of it is more valuable than it seems in the moment.

Do not criticize your body for centimeters or features! And support it: sleep, food, movement, water... It may sound too philosophically but your body is really your home, not a temporary “project for improvement.”

Healthy Teeth… How Important They Are!

This may sound boring but it is a truth of life: healthy teeth are comfort, confidence, and health, no matter what! Regular brushing, flossing, and seeing the dentist twice a year will save you from many problems — with both your health and your wallet! 

Prevention is always better than fixing something already gone wrong.

Look As Good As Your Mood Allows You To Look

Her mother always repeated: “Take care of yourself, wear clean clothes, keep your hair in order, be neat — and do not forget about little beauty injections.” Because the older she became, the better she understood that it was never about “being perfect,” but about self-esteem and self-love.

When you like what you see in the mirror, that is already half the success. So being well-groomed is not an obligation but a form of respect for yourself that works better than any motivation.

It Is Better To Think Ahead

Compound interest sounds like something boring, accountant-like and absolutely unrelated to real life but in reality it is the peaceful sleep of your future self. You may not be thinking about children, a home, or any serious partner yet but reality loves throwing surprises, and usually they happen at the most inconvenient moment. 

That is why it is better to have a reserve — even if small, even if you still do not understand “why,” but one day it will turn out to be the smartest decision you have ever made.

Live In A Way That Makes You Proud Of Yourself

If your soul burns for a career, traveling, new cities and freedom — go boldly where you can breathe easier. If you dream of a home, comfort, peace and children — go there. The main thing is to choose honestly, without trying to please the world, your relatives or the idea of “what is customary.” 

Much worse than making a mistake is waking up twenty years later, looking at your reflection and realizing that some other woman lived your life, not you...

Allow Yourself To Understand What You Like In Intimacy

A woman who is older will say it most simply: have intimacy exactly as much as you want and always listen to your body. It is not about “being liberated,” but about knowing yourself normally and without shame. 

The better you understand your own desires, the fewer awkward situations, strange partners and disappointments. This is not a game and not an exam — it is an ordinary part of life that you should feel, not guess.

They Are All A Fiction Anyway

Probably the most important advice is to stop measuring your life by someone else’s pictures. What you see on social networks is not reality but a “presentation” created under pretty music. 

No one shows mascara smudged by tears, failures, or real relationships where there are fights and boredom and days when you simply sit in silence next to each other. You are you — alive, real, with your flaws, strengths, mood swings and even your little habits. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Do Not Endure What You Would Never Allow For Your Own Child

There is a very simple test for any situation, person, or attitude toward you: imagine this happening to your child. If everything inside tightens and you want to intervene immediately — then you should not be there yourself under any circumstances. 

A woman who is older will say it without extra words: love yourself at least as much as you would love your future child. Your value does not depend on someone’s mood or character, and the earlier you understand this, the fewer problems you receive.

Sort Out Your Mind Before It Sorts You Out

The psyche is a tricky thing: it can stay silent for years and then give terrifying consequences. And this is not weakness, not “I will cope myself,” not shame — it is just a normal part of human life. 

A woman with experience will say it directly: if there is anxiety, panic attacks, depression — treat it. Therapy, sports, and support from loved ones can literally return your quality of life.

Never Apologize For What Is Not Your Fault

Women apologize far too often — for someone passing by, for someone else being late, for asking a question, for their opinion, for simply existing. 

And when someone tells you: “You know, you have apologized almost five times in one minute,” there comes a funny but very sobering moment. Mistakes are a part of work processes, not a reason to repent as if you spilled borscht on a white carpet. Apologize only if you were truly rude, everything else — do not take it personally.

The Only Thing No One Will Ever Take Away From You

Looks change, skills improve, work comes and goes but your character is your constancy. Do what is right, not what is easier, and then you will always be able to look yourself in the eyes without awkwardness. 

And yes, value begins with where you set the bar — for yourself, for relationships, for your environment. And by the way, kindness and firmness coexist perfectly. The main thing is not to become the kind of person you yourself would never want to reach toward.

Think Ten Times Before Deciding Who You Will Have Children With

This is not romance and not “love will conquer everything” — this is a lifetime project. The person with whom you have children determines your everyday life, your sleep, your psyche, your financial stability, your feelings, your plans and sometimes even your health. 

A co-parent is not just “a beloved person,” it is someone who will be there in the hardest moments, and it is better to choose someone with whom it is not scary to grow old, get sick, argue, reconcile and raise children — and not someone you would need to escape from.

Be A Little More Selfish…

Many women were taught from childhood that they must be convenient, flexible, understanding and ideally always on standby, as if we are a 24/7 humanity support service. But the truth is that constant self-sacrifice does not make you a saint — it makes you a doormat that everyone wipes their feet on. 

People, even the ones you love the most, treat you exactly the way you allow them to treat you. That is why personal boundaries are not a whim but an instinct of self-preservation. Put your needs at least on the same level, and better a little higher, and never agree even to the smallest bit of disrespect.

Sometimes Parents Really Do Know Better

There is an age when mom and dad seem like heroes, then in teenage years — like strange people who understand nothing, and later — like the wisest and calmest advisors fate could ever give you. 

They have lived longer, seen more, made louder mistakes, and love stronger than anyone. This does not mean you must obey them in everything like when you were five but sometimes their advice truly saves you from very painful lessons.

Do Not Disappear Into The Role Of Mother And Wife

Family is wonderful, children are beautiful but stopping your development and becoming financially dependent on a partner is a ticket into the risk zone. Not because men are bad but because life is unpredictable. 

Illnesses, divorces, crises, changes — all of this happens, and to avoid one day finding yourself with nothing, you need to have your own money, your own knowledge, and your own tools. Work, grow, understand at least the basics of finance and investments.

Learn Those Very “Manly” Things

Insurance, taxes, basic investments, fixing small things, choosing insurance, checking contracts — everything that is often handed over to men for no real reason, even though a woman can easily handle it herself. 

This is not independence for the sake of independence but confidence: when you understand how the world works, it becomes much harder to scare or deceive you. Taking care of yourself is not a manicure on schedule, it is the ability to hold your own life in your hands.

Asking For Help Is Not Weakness

In the dark periods of life it feels like you must hold on until the very end, until you fall apart into pieces. But strength is not when you drag everything alone — it is when you can honestly say: “I feel bad, help me.” 

People around are often ready to support you, they just are not mind-readers. And yes, even in difficult moments it is important to find something to thank the world for — sometimes it is gratitude that brings back the feeling that life is filled with wonderful things and people.

Sometimes Connections Matter More Than Hard Work

You can be the most hardworking and talented girl in the world but if no one knows about you — all of it will stay a secret. Older women often say — don’t be shy to talk about yourself, to network, to make new connections, and to keep in touch with people who inspire you. 

The world often works by the rule: “it’s not what you know, it’s who knows you.” So — networking and the ability to be an interesting conversationalist truly work wonders!

Learn To Be Happy On Your Own

Real maturity begins when you feel equally good in a loud crowd and in complete silence. Sometimes it’s meditation, yoga, a walk in the park, or just an evening without your phone. 

The main thing is to listen to yourself and not be afraid of quiet moments. When you’re comfortable alone, you don’t cling to toxic people just because you “don’t want to be alone.”

Know What You Bring Into A Relationship — And Don’t Expect Perfection

Women with experience laugh and say: “Stop looking for a prince on a white horse — he’s been stuck in traffic for about twenty years.” None of us are perfect, and relationships don’t have to begin like a movie or a Pinterest board. Fairytale proposals, fancy weddings, perfect pictures — that’s marketing, not love. 

The strongest couples go through struggles, fights, compromises, and shared growth. Just be honest with yourself — know what you want, what you can give, what you’re ready to accept and what you absolutely are not.

Don’t Rush Through Life

Youth isn’t a phase you need to “get through quickly.” It’s the time to look around, make mistakes, learn about yourself, change plans, and enjoy the moments. Don’t chase results, houses, or social status — everything will come in time. 

Every encounter, even a random one, teaches you something. And as your mom would say — don’t rush to grow up, baby, it’s going to happen anyway…

Don’t Lose Yourself, No Matter What Happens

Life really does go in waves — up and down, and sometimes it feels like everything is falling apart. But if you stay connected to yourself, to your values, and don’t dissolve in other people’s expectations — you’ll always find your way out. 

Happiness isn’t about never falling, it’s about getting back up and staying true to who you are. And loving this life — because there won’t be another one!

Trust Your Intuition

If something feels off — it probably is. Female intuition isn’t a myth, it’s a radar that often saves you from trouble. Listen to that inner voice, especially when it comes to people and situations. 

Don’t doubt yourself: if something feels wrong inside, it’s usually not for nothing… and yes, “I don’t like this” is already a valid reason to walk away.

Learn To Recognize Manipulation

With time comes the understanding that “he talks beautifully” and “he behaves with dignity” are not the same thing. What once seemed like gentle care can actually be control or emotional pressure. 

Older women laugh and say: “You look back and think — how did I not see it?” So remember — if someone makes you feel guilty for their emotions, or blames you just for being yourself — that’s not love, it’s manipulation.

A Few Words About Social Media

Your personal pages are your business card, and not everyone needs to know what kind of humor you have or see your live stream from a drunk night out…

Make a private account for all the fun stuff that shouldn’t be seen by your boss, relatives, or future employers. The internet remembers everything — especially the things you’d rather forget...

You Are Unique — And That’s Already Enough

There’s no one else like you! No one with your smile, your view of the world, your habits, or your weird little quirks. And the most important thing — you don’t owe anyone happiness. 

Not your collegue, not your boyfriend, not your friends — no one can demand that you live for their expectations. This is your life, and only you get to decide what it’s going to be like!

A Matter Of Finding What Fits

For many women, discomfort during their period can really ruin life, and yes — it’s frustrating! But it can be changed. Many women recall: “When I finally tried a menstrual cup or a disc, my life just changed.” 

Confidence skyrockets instantly — no more “ugh” feeling, less pain, less restriction. It’s not one-size-fits-all but it’s important to explore your options. Especially when it comes to health and comfort.

Don’t Get Stuck On Your First Love

Try, laugh, date, meet different people — honestly, it’s a great piece of advice! Life is way too long to spend your youth repeating the same stories with different faces. Don’t jump from one long-term relationship to another just because you’re afraid to be alone. 

And definitely don’t marry the first person who gives you attention. It’s much better to use those years to figure out who you are, what you want, and what truly fits you.

Control Is Not Love

If someone starts deciding who you can be friends with, what to wear, where to go, or what to be interested in — run. No “let’s talk,” no “maybe I misunderstood” — just run. Love is about choice, not submission. 

You don’t have to live by someone else’s rules to earn affection. Healthy relationships are built on respect, trust, and freedom — and if one of those things is missing, it’s not love, it’s a trap.