If you’ve been on facebook recently you’ve probably seen the blog floating around touting the “23 Things To Do Instead of Getting Engaged Before You’re 23.” It’s full of suggestions that read like commands- some like, “get a passport” (checked that off the list at 14, thanks) and “cut your hair” are obviously completely unrelated to marriage; and some like “date two people at once” and “make out with a stranger” reek of an immature person trying too hard to be “edgy.” It’s like the opposite of slut shaming, but just as gross in my eyes. I would link back to the original, but I’m hesitant to drive more traffic when such an intentionally inflammatory post was obviously written purely for that purpose. Google if you must.





Since I’m 23 now and have been married about 4 years, you might think I have a case of butthurtitis. It’s an easy conclusion to jump to, but really I’m just like





Because, really? Who are you again? Why does traveling the world on your Daddy’s dime and making out with strangers give you the right or even the desire to wax philosophical about all the things you think I’m missing out on? Methinks it doesn’t. So here’s my list of things to do if you’ve REALLYFUCKEDUP and found yourself engaged or married before your 23rd birthday.





1) Go on a Honeymoon

Kickstart your marriage with an adventure! Go somewhere YOU want to. What’s not to love about a honeymoon? The whole point of it is to travel with your honey and have lots of sex! Matter of fact, take a honeymoon every year on your anniversary if you can swing it.





2) Travel

Obviously this is similar to the honeymoon suggestion, but it bears repeating. Thankfully, we don’t live in a universe where ninjas repel down from the ceiling to confiscate your passport and sense of adventure the minute you say “I do.” Getting married doesn’t mean you have to stop traveling, it just means you have a companion. Traveling is better with a companion, just ask The Doctor.



3) Make a Will

Perhaps a bit morbid to include on a list like this, but it’s an important one. You’re not playing house anymore- buck up and be smart. Make a will, you’ll be glad you have one for #4.



4) Skydive

Because, why not? Do a tandem jump with your spouse and drink champagne when your feet are on the ground again.



5) Face Your Fears AND Flaws

The original list talks about “knowing yourself” before getting married. HA. Wait until you have your first married fight- you’ll learn more from that exchange than half the shit on the original list. Be brave. Be willing to look at yourself and find your part- placing blame won’t help YOU grow.



6) Follow Your Dreams

I always wanted to be a writer. This year I started writing and getting paid for it. So now I’m a “real” writer. BOOM. Shout out to my husband for encouraging me to chase that star and making sure I had the time to do it. See? It’s not all bad, this marriage gig. ;)



7) Learn Why Fat Shaming Makes You an Asshole

This one’s self-explanatory. Put on your BGPs and figure out why being young and thin and pretty doesn’t give you license to be a douchebag. Fat people are still people and joking about the fear of getting fat keeping you from marriage is fucking GROSS.



8) Eat Ice Cream in Bed

It can be foreplay if you want! You don’t even have to split a pint, get your own bowl so you don’t have to argue about which flavor to get. Lick it when you’re done if you want. Who cares? Spoon with your spouse afterward- the ice cream will make you chilly!



9) Be Selfless

The original post listed being selfish as a MUST DO. If you’ve made it to 23 without ever being selfish, my hat is off to you. If you’re a normal human being though, it probably takes a little more effort to be selfless. Go volunteer somewhere. Do something worthwhile. Contribute as a citizen of the world.



10) Do Something Nice and Don’t Tell Anyone About It





11) Make Sex Art Not even your spouse. You don’t need any credit! Ride that glow, girl. It feels so gooood.

This one needs no explanation. Hang it in your living room and try not to giggle when your Mother In Law comes over.





12) Learn What Feminism is Really About

Pro-Tip: shaming other women who WANT to get married and have babies isn’t part of it



13) Grow up. Learn that some jokes aren’t funny.

For example, referring to women as getting “knocked up and fat” is pretty hurtful. Reach out to someone who has had a miscarriage or experienced infertility. Find out how your words make them feel.



14) Write a Blog

Because no matter how awesome of a match you’ve found, it’s unlikely ONE person wants to hear every one of your thoughts and ideas. Make an outlet, use it.





15) Protest Something

There is plenty of shit in the world to be angry about. Get angry! Make a sign, exercise your right to peaceably assemble and make some fucking NOISE.





16) Go Somewhere Fancy Just Because

and if you can’t afford it, just dress up like you’re going somewhere fancy and have a picnic. Or go to Waffle House. Whatever!



17) Try ALLTHEHOBBIES

Have fun figuring out what you really enjoy. I thought photography would be a blast, but I hated it. I’m giving weaving a go. I do what I want!



18) Coordinate Your Halloween Costumes

Because how fun is that? Besides, being legally bound to someone forever means they kind of HAVE to let you dress them up in ridiculous costumes for Halloween… right? Right?



19) Make a Time Capsule

On your first anniversary make a time capsule and bury it somewhere meaningful to you both. Dig it up on your 10th and laugh at how much you’ve grown together.



20) Buy a House

Buy a house and decorate it however you want. Acknowledge that arguing over yardwork is just part of the deal. It’s the good stuff.



21) Walk the Walk

Don’t just tell facebook how awesome you are. Just go. Do it. BE AWESOME.



22) Ignore Lists Written by people who don’t know you

Including this one. You’re a grown up, you got this! But you’re almost done, so you might as well read the last one…



23) DO WHATEVER THE FUCK YOU WANT

Because this is YOUR life and YOU get to choose what to do with it. Whether you want to make out with a stranger on the top of the Eiffel Tower or eat ice cream in a snuggie with your husband. Whatever, y’all. DO YOU.