* Absolutely save money. Trust me, life won't be getting cheaper as you go.

* Take care of your body by developing a lifestyle of exercise, good diet, smart sexual choices. This all may sound cliché, but it really does pay dividends when you're older.

* See the world decidedly on the cheap. Not only can putting yourself in foreign environments -- not just luxury vacation resorts, but nitty gritty foreign environments -- teach you about humanity, but it can cultivate a certain sense of self-sufficiency, humility and appreciation for what you have. And you may not have the opportunity to do this later.

* Run off and pursue adventure all you want, but identify and develop at least one bankable skill now that will always save your *ss in a crunch. This could be mastery of an instrument or foreign langauge that you can teach, bartending, cutting hair, a construction-related trade, babysitting, exotic dancing ; any honest work, really, that can buy you a meal, a simple roof over your head, or an emergency plane ticket somewhere.

* Shop around for romance. I'm not suggesting you be a whore. In fact, I'd recommend you keep it in your pants until that rare person comes around who really deserves it. But don't rush to give your youth away to one person. If you concentrate rather on cultivating yourself as good future partner material, you likely will have increasingly better options for a fulfilling love later in life.

[Edited 4/24/13 20:29pm]

Gunsnhalen said:

imago said:

1. That job, house, and kayak that you love so much? That shit doesn't make you happy.


2. Also, use sunscreen every day, and make sure you moisturize.


3. Those Thai guys you like so much? They will cheat on you. Simply enjoy them for what they are--cute little pets that will never be properly house trained. Love yourself above all.

4. Live outside the country for a couple of years---it doesn't matter where, but just do it. With your skills, I'm thinking Singapore would be an easy place to work and get a visa--not to mention it's one of the most modern cities I've ever been to.

5. Always play safe, always wear a condom, and it's ok not to constantly be looking for sex--the sex is like the job, house, and kayak--completely meaningless in the end.

6. You don't need a car--especially in L.A. Get a bike, an e-bike, or a motorbike.

7. Stop going out so often, put some of that money away, and use the rest to travel. I can't remember where I read it, but I love the saying that 'Nobody ever dies regreting that he didn't own more things."

This is great i will abide by many of these. (1) And well my ex never cheated on me and he was thai...

But yes some just wanted me for money or sex... ( 2 ) but that can happen with any race of male out here in Los Angeles

( 3 ) My EX also warned me to not go stay at a young gay guys house in Thailand cause they willw ant favors i figured he meant sex at first.. but he told me like ''life'' favors

[Edited 4/24/13 16:01pm]

1. Your ex is either second generation Americanized, or he lied.

2. Yes, it can happen with any race, but Thailand ranks #1 (As it does every year) with rates of ifedelity--both male and female. Don't expect or hope for 'completely faithful'. These people are charming as hell (I love them to bits), but they're probably the worst buddhists in the world.

3. Staying at any Thai person's house will eventually place them in a position of asking you for favors. I had a student that I taught 2 semesters ago call me and ask me for money to help her pay her rent--I mean, seriously? I didn't even know the student all that well.

The thing about Thais is that I love them. They are charming, in the sense that they remain child-like throughout their entire lives. This means, that they are so much fun as a whole. They really are just playful, roll-with-the-punches type of people. But, this translates to less-than-desirable traits under certain circumstances. The employment turnover rate at companies is astounding because they're such lousy workers. They're even lousier students. (and this is coming from a guy that flunked his way through half his high school classes)

I guess, what I'm trying to say, is that I know you like Thais (I like Thais). But, if commitment is something that is important to you, then date them for fun--do NOT marry one.

.

[Edited 4/24/13 20:30pm]

imago said:

Gunsnhalen said:

This is great i will abide by many of these. (1) And well my ex never cheated on me and he was thai...

But yes some just wanted me for money or sex... ( 2 ) but that can happen with any race of male out here in Los Angeles

( 3 ) My EX also warned me to not go stay at a young gay guys house in Thailand cause they willw ant favors i figured he meant sex at first.. but he told me like ''life'' favors

[Edited 4/24/13 16:01pm]

1. Your ex is either second generation Americanized, or he lied.

2. Yes, it can happen with any race, but Thailand ranks #1 (As it does every year) with rates of ifedelity--both male and female. Don't expect or hope for 'completely faithful'. These people are charming as hell (I love them to bits), but they're probably the worst buddhists in the world.

3. Staying at any Thai person's house will eventually place them in a position of asking you for favors. I had a student that I taught 2 semesters ago call me and ask me for money to help her pay her rent--I mean, seriously? I didn't even know the student all that well.

The thing about Thais is that I love them. They are charming, in the sense that they remain child-like throughout their entire lives. This means, that they are so much fun as a whole. They really are just playful, roll-with-the-punches type of people. But, this translates to less-than-desirable traits under certain circumstances. The employment turnover rate at companies is astounding because they're such lousy workers. They're even lousier students. (and this is coming from a guy that flunked his way through half his high school classes)

I guess, what I'm trying to say, is that I know you like Thais (I like Thais). But, if commitment is something that is important to you, then date them for fun--do NOT marry one.

.

[Edited 4/24/13 20:30pm]

My ex was born in Thailand but he was a lot more amaericanized.

At this moment i am not looking for anything serious.. but in the future i will. I will hear this warning though

But also to be somewhat fair... most gay guys my age can't seem to be faithful.. especially here in LA so trying to find a serious relationship at this age in the gay world is a myth here

Lammastide said:

* Absolutely save money. Trust me, life won't be getting cheaper as you go.

* Take care of your body by developing a lifestyle of exercise, good diet, smart sexual choices. This all may sound cliché, but it really does pay dividends when you're older.

* See the world decidedly on the cheap. Not only can putting yourself in foreign environments -- not just luxury vacation resorts, but nitty gritty foreign environments -- teach you about humanity, but it can cultivate a certain sense of self-sufficiency, humility and appreciation for what you have. And you may not have the opportunity to do this later.

* Run off and pursue adventure all you want, but identify and develop at least one bankable skill now that will always save your *ss in a crunch. This could be mastery of an instrument or foreign langauge that you can teach, bartending, cutting hair, a construction-related trade, babysitting, exotic dancing ; any honest work, really, that can buy you a meal, a simple roof over your head, or an emergency plane ticket somewhere.

* Shop around for romance. I'm not suggesting you be a whore. In fact, I'd recommend you keep it in your pants until that rare person comes around who really deserves it. But don't rush to give your youth away to one person. If you concentrate rather on cultivating yourself as good future partner material, you likely will have increasingly better options for a fulfilling love later in life.

[Edited 4/24/13 20:29pm]

Already started all of those the 4th one eh./. kinda but the others yes 100%

LAMMASTIDE CURSE TRANSLATION FOLLOWS (in RED):

Lammastide said:

* Absolutely save money. Trust me, life won't be getting cheaper as you go.

Translation: Bitch, you better save your cheese.

* Take care of your body by developing a lifestyle of exercise, good diet, smart sexual choices. This all may sound cliché, but it really does pay dividends when you're older.

Translation: Motherfucker, beauty may be on the inside, but unless you wanna turn you ugly middle aged ass inside out, take care of youself.

* See the world decidedly on the cheap. Not only can putting yourself in foreign environments -- not just luxury vacation resorts, but nitty gritty foreign environments -- teach you about humanity, but it can cultivate a certain sense of self-sufficiency, humility and appreciation for what you have. And you may not have the opportunity to do this later.

Translation: Bitch, hitchhike! It don't cost a damned thing.

* Run off and pursue adventure all you want, but identify and develop at least one bankable skill now that will always save your *ss in a crunch. This could be mastery of an instrument or foreign langauge that you can teach, bartending, cutting hair, a construction-related trade, babysitting, exotic dancing ; any honest work, really, that can buy you a meal, a simple roof over your head, or an emergency plane ticket somewhere.

Translation: If you wanna be a pimp, yo azz better learn something.

* Shop around for romance. I'm not suggesting you be a whore. In fact, I'd recommend you keep it in your pants until that rare person comes around who really deserves it. But don't rush to give your youth away to one person. If you concentrate rather on cultivating yourself as good future partner material, you likely will have increasingly better options for a fulfilling love later in life.

Translation: Bitch, get yo some hos in different area codes.

[Edited 4/24/13 20:29pm]

This is exhausting.

imago said:

LAMMASTIDE CURSE TRANSLATION FOLLOWS (in RED):

Lammastide said:

* Absolutely save money. Trust me, life won't be getting cheaper as you go.

Translation: Bitch, you better save your cheese.

* Take care of your body by developing a lifestyle of exercise, good diet, smart sexual choices. This all may sound cliché, but it really does pay dividends when you're older.

Translation: Motherfucker, beauty may be on the inside, but unless you wanna turn you ugly middle aged ass inside out, take care of youself.

* See the world decidedly on the cheap. Not only can putting yourself in foreign environments -- not just luxury vacation resorts, but nitty gritty foreign environments -- teach you about humanity, but it can cultivate a certain sense of self-sufficiency, humility and appreciation for what you have. And you may not have the opportunity to do this later.

Translation: Bitch, hitchhike! It don't cost a damned thing.

* Run off and pursue adventure all you want, but identify and develop at least one bankable skill now that will always save your *ss in a crunch. This could be mastery of an instrument or foreign langauge that you can teach, bartending, cutting hair, a construction-related trade, babysitting, exotic dancing ; any honest work, really, that can buy you a meal, a simple roof over your head, or an emergency plane ticket somewhere.

Translation: If you wanna be a pimp, yo azz better learn something.

* Shop around for romance. I'm not suggesting you be a whore. In fact, I'd recommend you keep it in your pants until that rare person comes around who really deserves it. But don't rush to give your youth away to one person. If you concentrate rather on cultivating yourself as good future partner material, you likely will have increasingly better options for a fulfilling love later in life.

Translation: Bitch, get yo some hos in different area codes.

[Edited 4/24/13 20:29pm]

This is exhausting.

My body is ready.

imago said:

LAMMASTIDE CURSE TRANSLATION FOLLOWS (in RED):

Lammastide said:

* Absolutely save money. Trust me, life won't be getting cheaper as you go.

Translation: Bitch, you better save your cheese.

* Take care of your body by developing a lifestyle of exercise, good diet, smart sexual choices. This all may sound cliché, but it really does pay dividends when you're older.

Translation: Motherfucker, beauty may be on the inside, but unless you wanna turn you ugly middle aged ass inside out, take care of youself.

* See the world decidedly on the cheap. Not only can putting yourself in foreign environments -- not just luxury vacation resorts, but nitty gritty foreign environments -- teach you about humanity, but it can cultivate a certain sense of self-sufficiency, humility and appreciation for what you have. And you may not have the opportunity to do this later.

Translation: Bitch, hitchhike! It don't cost a damned thing.

* Run off and pursue adventure all you want, but identify and develop at least one bankable skill now that will always save your *ss in a crunch. This could be mastery of an instrument or foreign langauge that you can teach, bartending, cutting hair, a construction-related trade, babysitting, exotic dancing ; any honest work, really, that can buy you a meal, a simple roof over your head, or an emergency plane ticket somewhere.

Translation: If you wanna be a pimp, yo azz better learn something.

* Shop around for romance. I'm not suggesting you be a whore. In fact, I'd recommend you keep it in your pants until that rare person comes around who really deserves it. But don't rush to give your youth away to one person. If you concentrate rather on cultivating yourself as good future partner material, you likely will have increasingly better options for a fulfilling love later in life.

Translation: Bitch, get yo some hos in different area codes.

[Edited 4/24/13 20:29pm]

This is exhausting.

RodeoSchro said:

Long hair.

yep

tinaz said:

Deadflow3r said:

I am 51 and I can tell you what I would do differently.

People are eager to help young folks that are bright or at least give them a chance.

I would have traveled more and stayed in youth hostels.

I would have absolutely learned a second and a third language. LEARN SPANISH

Lived by the motto "it is better to be disliked for who you are then liked for who you think other people want you to be".

Start saving at least a little bit. I don't know how your relationship is with your family and such( would they help you out of a bind) but I stayed in situations far too long because I didn't have the money to walk out.

I don't think anyone I have ever met anyone who regrets traveling.

I also think that it is silly to get in a monogamous relationship at that age that is suppose to last for a lifetime. I have met quite a few people that regret getting tied down to one person at your age.

[Edited 4/23/13 15:38pm]

Not everyone regrets doing this..

I don't regret getting married young at all.
I just regret getting married to the wrong person.

It's all a matter of personal preferences really.

I would say...find out what inspires you/makes you happy, and go for it. Is it music? Is it dating? Is it art? Is it Travel? Is it fitness? Is it making money? Is it something else?

Go for it. Pursue it. Get it out of your system before you decide to "settle down".

Personally, I would have liked to have traveled extensively when I was younger. Travel has always been something that I enjoy, and I wish that I had made an effort to do it. ALOT of it.

Of course you don't have much money when you're younger - which is where making money becomes a priority - but if this is something that you desire, then make EVERY effort to travel.

Once you've gotten whatever you want to do out of your system, definitely start saving money.

Also, stay in shape. You're already on your way...stay on that track. When you get to be 40 and decide to "get in shape" it's a thousand times more difficult that if you had just kept in shape all the while.

One more thing: I am going to disagree with the "drugs" thing. I personally enjoy sobriety. The few times I've been high or drunk (which have been FEW), I didn't enjoy being "out of control", being "somewhere else", not really being fully aware of my surroundings. This world is crazy & stressful & wild & boring & dangerous & whatever else you can say about it...but I personally rather face it with a clear mind.

Get as many dicks as you can before you get old and wrinkled and it becomes impossible to get them.

being young is the RIGHT age for being in jail

you know, a young healthy juicy prison bitch with a hard-rounded ass, you could be protected by your prison pimp and make a fortune while serving your sentence + free gym (4-5 years, you should deal with drugs first: jail time guaranteed + big money)

JoeTyler said:

Gunsnhalen said:

JoeTyler said:

being young is the RIGHT age for being in jail

you know, a young healthy juicy prison bitch with a hard-rounded ass, you could be protected by your prison pimp and make a fortune while serving your sentence + free gym (4-5 years, you should deal with drugs first: jail time guaranteed + big money)

You will be a great father.

over my dead body

JoeTyler said:

Gunsnhalen said:

JoeTyler said: You will be a great father.

over my dead body

PurpleJedi said:

tinaz said:

Not everyone regrets doing this..

I don't regret getting married young at all.
I just regret getting married to the wrong person.

They are both right.

That is why I used the work "I".

Notice other places I did not use the "I" word.

I never met anyone who said that they wished they watched more T.V..

When we were coming up there was just T.V. to absorb our brains and not video games, facebook, computer sludge etc. My guess is that 20 years from now there will be more people who regret spending so much time alone doing these things then there are people who wished they had spent more.

Many people desire to fall in love A.S.A.P. If I was in love I would pursue a relationship. What I saw happening in the 80's (when I was your age ) was people falling in love with the idea of love and marrying people just so that they could say they were not single, alone, a future old maid etc.

Now that gay people can marry also, I can see this problem spreading.

There is nothing wrong with finding your partner early (I know people who met their life partner at 12 and married before age 21-happily). HOWEVER, CONVINCING YOURSELF that this is the one because you are tired of dating or being alone, in "my" opinion is a large and costly mistake.