Last year at this time, I was all about 2017 being my year. In fact, each year in December, I become all about the next year being my year. But I haven’t yet had one year where I’ve actually looked back and been like YES, so much happened this year, this was the best year. Years go by quickly. Twelve months start and end just like that.
Rather than leaving myself disappointed next December when I don’t accomplish certain goals and encounter tons of change in a span of only 12 months, I’m going to do something different this year. I’m going to focus on what I can do NOW to make the most of next year. So what can I do? I can decide what to take with me—and what not to take with me—into 2018 in order to live my BEST life. Some things I won’t be taking into 2018: shitty people. Instead, I’m going to surround myself with positivity because good vibes can literally change your life.
Here are 10 types of people we should all leave behind when 2018 begins.
1. People who are nice to your face, but mean behind your back.
There is no way these types of people are going away, but you can stop playing their game in 2018. As an adult, that means being cordial, not starting/engaging with drama, and perhaps even pretending one does not exist if you have that luxury. Just don’t assume someone is talking shit behind your back if you’re not 100% sure!
2. Negative, angry people who complain about their situation, but never do anything to change it.
Hate your job? Apply for a new one. Not thrilled with your friends? Go meet different people. Unhappy with your relationship? End it. I absolutely hate hearing people complain about things, but never do anything to change their situations. In 2018, we all need to realize that life is a gift, and you have the ability to DO WHATEVER THE FUCK YOU WANT. Don’t let someone else’s negativity make you believe otherwise.
3. Suck ups who you can tell are being fake.
AKA “the adult teacher’s pet.” 2018 is the year we stop letting these people manipulate us. Instead of wondering how so-and-so got promoted, let’s shine the light off them and focus on ourselves. Instead of feeling like so-and-so is being a little *TOO* nice, let’s accept that this person is actually being fake as shit. No one is *that* nice. As humans we all have the ability to see through bullshit. Take advantage of it.
4. Judgmental people who don’t want to judged.
These people don’t want to be like everyone else, and they don’t want to be judged for it. However, they then go and judge others for not conforming to also being different. Like, if you want to be unique, that’s awesome. But don’t go and hate on people for liking mainstream (or dare I say it: “basic”) shit if you don’t want them to judge you for being you. This year, if someone tries to judge you for anything—being different, being “basic,” being whatever—remove them from your life. We’re all allowed to like whatever we want. Unless you like Donald Trump. Then you deserve to be judged.
5. People who are too cliquey.
Here’s a brief look at cliques over time:
Grade school: Kids you play with at recess
Middle school: People you sit with at lunch (also, the initials in your AIM profile)
High school: Whoever you drink with (or don’t drink with) on the weekends
College: Literally anyone you exchange phone numbers with
Post-college: Your friends, your friends’ friends, your friends’ friends’ friends… AKA as many people as you can find to fill a party bus on the cheap
Mid-late 20s: Your friends… you don’t need anyone else in your life anymore
Late-late 20s and beyond: You don’t want a clique anymore. Sure you have your friends, but you would also appreciate new friends who are at the same place in life as you right now, but you can’t find any new friends because EVERYONE IS SO GOD DAMN CLIQUEY.
Maybe if we stopped being so cliquey, we would think people are nicer and people would be happier and life would be better? Maybe.
6. People who whine.
The only ‘whine’ I want to deal with as an adult is wine, please and thank you.
7. People who don’t reciprocate whatever you’re giving.
If someone isn’t giving you back what you’re giving them—love, free food, friendship, even a text message—say goodbye to these people in 2018. You don’t deserve to be the one always making the first move. You don’t deserve to be the one always spending money. You don’t deserve to be the one always cooking dinner. This year, end your one-sided relationships. Relationships between people are a two-way street.
8. Anyone who is holding you back.
Whether it be a friend, family member, significant other, or co-worker, if you feel like you’ve been stuck in the same place with someone forever, you need to ask yourself: are they holding you back? Are they keeping you from advancing in your career? Are they keeping you from getting your finances together? Are they keeping you from growing up? Life is going to keep moving whether you like it or not, so it’s time to stop letting anything or anyone hold you back. 2018 is your time to move forward.
9. Those who don’t respect you.
Read this as if clapping emojis were in between each word: You don’t need anyone in your life who doesn’t respect you.
10. Anyone who doubts you.
If you have a dream, don’t let anyone tell you it can’t happen. Instead of focusing on ‘proving these people wrong,’ just remove them from your life. You should only surround yourself with people who believe in you. That’s what will help you achieve your dreams.
