There are some things you won’t understand until you’ve matured past your twenties and thirties and have the benefit of both experience and hindsight.


That in mind, Professor and writer Nyasha Junior put out an open call for advice on Twitter, saying she only want to hear from women who have put in at least four decades on this little blue planet. She asked, “If you are a 40+ woman, what one piece of advice would you give to your 20-something self?”

The advice that came rolling in in regards to relationships, jobs, self-care, and the absolute certainty that you should wear sunscreen every damn day.


He’s Not Worth It

Everybody seemed to want to tell their younger self that the person they’re agonizing over and waiting on will almost certainly not be The One. If someone is giving you the run around, it’s because they’re not moving towards you. Let them go, and concentrate on yourself. It’s easy to get caught up in the drama of it, but if someone is making you feel small, unimportant, or messing with your head, they’re demanding too much from you and not giving back. DUMP HIM. OR HER.


Careers Count

A lot of women say stand up for yourself early and often, and don’t be afraid to to list and guard your accomplishments. Too many young women give away credit and don’t even get it. Your career path may change and shift a lot over the next few decades, but know what you do has value. Also, save some money. Even if it’s just a tiny amount, start saving now. You’ll learn to manage money better as you age, but even a small nest egg could make a big difference in the future.




Have Some Fun

More than anything, it seems like women over 40 recommend you travel in your twenties. Things will get even more complicated, and seeing the world is a great way to broaden your horizons and build depth in your character. It’s also very fun, which you should be having. Take photos! That doesn’t seem like something a woman in her twenties needs prompting on, but it’s a nice reminder that all these selfies you’re taking now will be cherished memories in future.


Take Care Of Yourself and WEAR SUNSCREEN

Whether it’s eating well, exercising, or going to therapy, the sooner you start working on yourself in a healthy way, the better. But you should enjoy where you’re at, too. It’s cool to love your body and your brain, so start now. The flaws you think you have will not be a big deal to you one day very soon, so enjoy yourself. Get naked. Every woman had a different idea of caring for your body looks like, from yoga to vegetables, but they all seemed to agree that you should protect your skin:



Trust Yourself

After you turn 40, you’re in many ways the same person you were in your twenties. The core of you, anyway. Lots of women said to trust that person. She knows what’s up. This is your only life and you don’t need permission to enjoy it or pursue what you care about:


Good advice all around. I am getting naked immediately.