How to Avoid Getting Into Trouble

Getting nowhere, finding yourself in the same place in your life every 2-4 years, try these rules for actually growing up and moving on........

Steps:

1. Everyone you associate with should know that work is a necessary 'evil'. Abide by your work schedule. Friends want to come over? No can do! Your boyfriend wants you to break your schedule just for him? Heck no! You have work to do!
2. Set your priorities. Family comes first. Return home after leaving to see friends; try to stay for a meal or a conversation before rushing out the door. This shows family you thought of them, it may comfort them in knowing where you are, that you're OK, and that you're not out getting' stupid.
3. Keep your friends while fullfilling your other responsibilities. Go have fun, but make sure you have already done all your work! Find new friends, and ask questions about them. WIll associating with them help you, or hurt you in achieving your ultimate goal of independance?
4. Tell your parents the half truth. First off, Don't use going to a movie as an explanation of what you're doing unless you are actually going to a movie!! This leads to troubles. If you are doing naughty things, tell your parents where you were and who you were with, but not what you did. They get the basics, and you are spared from disappointing them. This also makes it impossible for them to say you lied or question what you told them later in time and risking you forgetting your made up story.
5. Don't be afraid to tell friends you need time to spend with family or that you have work to do. After all, family and work is your priority and YOUR responsibility.
6. Don't mix up your family relationships with your friendships. Your friends don't need to hear about your family or any of your other troubles.. don't talk about little cousin and grandma... they really don't care (no really, they don't).
7. Avoid gossiping and lying. Doing either will guarantee that no one will respect you, or what you're saying, ever.
8. Think of the consequences before you take any actions. If you're just not bright enough to know the consequences, better not take the action.
9. Work as hard at work as you do at having fun. 3 hours a day on facebook, 20 minutes on jobs.com? You may have found a reason why you can't afford an apartment, or a cookie.
10. Respect yourself, respect your friends, family, and work. The more you know about them the better they work for you. Always enjoy what you are doing. You don't have to like your job, but respect what having it allows you to do.
11. Don't get a boyfriend or girlfriend until you are fully settled in life. If you sacrifice your family or your work for a boyfriend, you will end up right where you were when you were 15 years old (living with your parents with no money, no transportation, and no chance for being a productive member of society). Eventually you will not be able to find a job, and your family will hide from you.