Lindsay Tigar is a writer, editor, and blogger. She started her dating blog, Confessions of a Love Addict, after one too many terrible dates with tall, emotionally unavailable men. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.

By Lindsay Tigar — Written on Jan 22, 2019
When you hear relationship advice from your mom growing up, you never really think about having to use it for the future. But whether you're still in the dating world or are in a long-term commitment, there are so many truths you should never forget.
My own personal adventure in love and dating has taught me so much! But here are just a few lessons that really stand out. The best part is, they are important lessons for life and relationships that you can apply to your own situation, for better or worse.
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Your phone. Your debit card. Your sanity. But don’t forget how to dream.
Sleep with him for two years, shame on you.
It just means something will someday matter more.
You might spend too much money. He could be really, really short. Your friends could make you take two more shots than you’d like. It doesn’t matter — say YES to life.
Work harder than what you have. Watch big things happen.
You’re human. You’re normal. You’re lovely. Forgive yourself.
No heartbreak, no love. No job, no savings account. No pain, no success. Savor it all. It goes so fast.
No one has their crap together. And that’s an awesome thing.
Kindness is even more powerful.
There are better frogs to meet.
And you should be, too.
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Isn’t that amazing to think about?
With men. With cities. With your job. With yourself.
It’s going to suck sometimes. But that’s the best part about life: it always, always changes.
Learning to be alone, and really enjoying it and owning it, is one of the most important qualities you’ll need in life. Even in marriage, you must know how stand on your two feet.
If you believe you can’t, you won’t.
You will never regret any money you spend on any trip you take. They have a way of making you a better person in ways you can’t understand until you leave.
Open your eyes. Look around. You’re missing so much.
No one notices a new pimple on your chin. Everyone notices a bitter woman. You get a pass for a while, but then put on some lipstick, smile (even if it’s fake), and get back out there.
When you find a kick in your step. When you let go of your umbrella and embrace the storm.
Or tomorrow. But you’re definitely not going to meet him sitting in your apartment, watching romantic comedies on Netflix.
...Or not at all.
And they usually come as a package deal... with wine. Love those ladies and don’t forget them when you fall in love with a man.
On your dreams. Your career. Your friendships. Your goals. Your heart. On love. And, most importantly, on yourself. Life has a way of continuously surprising you. You just have to let it.
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Lindsay Tigar is a writer, editor, and blogger. She started her dating blog, Confessions of a Love Addict, after one too many terrible dates with tall, emotionally unavailable men. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
This article was originally published at http://loveaddictnyc.com. Reprinted with permission from the author.