Just dropped my son off for a few days away from home. I have no idea what adventures he will encounter or who he will befriend along the way, but I really want him to know the things I know now that I wish I knew when I was younger.

In no particular order:

No one is so important that they’re more important than you.

No one is so smart that your opinion doesn’t matter.

No one is so popular that they don’t have to earn your friendship.

No one is so pretty, handsome or hot that you should compromise your values.

No one is so ugly, unpopular or irrelevant that it’s okay to treat them poorly.

No one is so wise that they can predict your potential to succeed or fail.

No one is so rich that the rules don’t apply.

No one is so privileged that they can ignore science.

Thank the people who stop to help. They had a choice.

The only thing that is gone forever is time. Don’t let anyone steal it. Share yours with people who want to share theirs.

Ask that girl on a date. The worst she can do is say no.