Here are some of the lessons I have learned over the years, more or less in the order I learned them.

1. Learn from every experience.
2. Life doesn't work like the movies.
3. Don't trust anyone unless they deserve it.
4. Always pay for the first date (if you're a guy).
5. When in doubt, overdress.
6. Always wear nice underwear. You never know.
7. If you have a big decision to make, and you don't know whether or not to do something, ask yourself this: would you regret not doing it? Live life with no regrets.
8. Long distance relationships suck.
9. Don't buy big, expensive furniture if you're going to be moving soon.
10. Amtrak trains leave on time.
11. Sometimes, you should bite the bullet and go for it, even if you don't really have to.
12. Perception is more important than reality.
13. Never take the people who love you for granted.
14. When you meet new people, talk about your dreams. You never know when you're going to bump into someone who can help you out.
15. People generally don't give a shit.
16. Don't count on anyone for anything, unless they have already shown you that they are reliable.
17. When you make a birthday wish, wish for something that is out of your control. Don't wish for something you can control. You can just DO those things.