Tomorrow I turn 31, and while last year I treated you to some reasons why I am in love with getting older (and they still hold true), this year I am sharing some of the things that I am pretty sure I know with all the accumulated wisdom of my 31 years.

1. Applying a full-face of make-up that gives the illusion you’re wearing none is both incredibly time-consuming and immensely satisfying – just be ready for people to tell you you look tired on the days you can’t be arsed.
2. An aggressive hypothetical is a great defence in any argument- ‘Would I do something like that, though? WOULD I??!”
3. If your hair is prone to frizz then feel no shame in whipping out your umbrella at the slightest hint of a shower. Hair is more important than not looking like a wuss in front of strangers on the street.
4. Coffee after lunch probably does interfere with your sleep no matter how much you believe caffeine ‘just doesn’t affect’ you.
5. You can’t make an old friend. (OK, I stole this one from Kenny Rogers but it’s wonderful and true.)
6. Literally NO ONE cares about your stuff as much as you do and this is mostly a good thing.
7. Everyone’s acting most of the time (aka no, it isn’t just you).
8. You will never ever ‘feel’ as old as you are, which I think just means age isn’t something you feel. It’s just a fact.
9. Early nights are good but nights when you get off to sleep easy are even better.
10. People will let you down most often by accident not intent and so should usually be forgiven.
11. Exercise is fun and makes you feel good. Actually, I think this is a thing we discover as children and then forget and then remember.
12. Unfortunately, you have to learn your own lessons. No one else can learn them for you else we’d all be practically perfect by now.
13. Kindness is the single most beautiful quality in another human.
14. There is no such thing as a ‘guilty pleasure’.
15. Life is everything that happens to you, not just the best bits, so stop feeling like you’re on a detour. You’re not.
16. It’s very unlikely you’re going to fall in love with someone you meet on a train/plane, but this will not stop you thinking this is definitely going to happen to you each time you travel.
17. Don’t try and save calories with your choice of milk – just buy the blue top.
18. Always keep a pair of trousers that are slightly too big for days when you want to feel thin and have people fussing that your clothes are ‘hanging off you’. It’s amazing what people fretting over you like this does for your mood.
19. Disliking certain foods is pretty obnoxious so maybe just try to like eggs, OK?
20. Strictly Come Dancing is indisputably a great piece of television.
21. Weekday hangovers are NEVER worth it. Weekend ones should be reserved for special occasions: Christmas, weddings, karaoke, etc.
22. Years pass quickly so just keep an eye on them and make sure you’re not putting off too much stuff or being put off by too much stuff that takes a while.
23. Accept compliments with a simple ‘thank you’ instead of batting them back in the giver’s face.
24. People you love will make choices for themselves that you strongly disagree with – remaining supportive and honest is a tricky trick. Do your best.
25. It’s almost never shorts-and-sandals weather in the UK, so unless you’re leaving the country, don’t bother buying any. Also, shorts are the worst unless you literally don’t have any thighs, so just wear something else.
26. Words are nourishing so find someone who puts them in an order that makes sense to you and gobble them up.
27. Always apologise.
28. Don’t start smoking/give up now.
29. Finding words for your feelings is sometimes so frustrating you want to tear your own skin off – don’t. Just practise and you’ll get better.
30. Change your mind as often as you need to.
31. Watching television is a legitimate hobby.

What do you think of my list? Any you want to add? Please do leave your own learnings/wisdoms below!

P.S. 4 reasons why turning 30 is great, 7 things Nicky will never do again now she is out of her 20s and  10 things she’s learned since turning 30.

P.P.S What do you do on your 31st birthday anyway?