11 Things To Know By 30 To Make Your Life Easier

Aging isn't necessarily the big deal it used to be. The fact of the matter is, many of us will continue to figure out a lot of important life lessons, no matter how old we get. But that doesn't mean there aren't a few things every woman should know about herself by 30.

You've had the benefit of an entire decade worth of experiences since you were a teenager, and while there's certainly a lot most of us don't know about the world, there's likely a ton we've learned about ourselves that would totally awe our younger selves.

I used to feel utterly depressed when I thought about the kind of things I thought I'd know by the time I hit the big 3-0. You know, like how to perfectly file my taxes, how to parallel park, and the capital of basically every country. However, even though I sometimes feel like I'm still that clueless 22-year-old just out of college, when I actually think about it, I realize I know a ton compared to what I knew ten years ago. It's just that because I now take certain information for granted, I don't even really think of it as the valuable knowledge that it is.

So for the sake of helping others approaching this particular milestone, here are 11 things I think every woman should know about herself by the age of 30 to make her life easier.

1. Your Bra Size

According The Huffington Post, a whopping 64 percent of women surveyed are wearing the wrong bra size. I've found that knowing my bra size — or rather, how to figure out my correct bra size (since it can change year-to-year and brand-to-brand) — has been kind of life changing. And whenever I'm in the market for new bras I always try on a range of options and sizes to make sure I'm getting the absolute best fit.

2. Your Favorite Wine

It took me far too long to figure out what I actually enjoy drinking when it comes to wine, and so I spent way too much time being disappointed by my random selections at bars and restaurants. I finally decided to undergo a "self-training" course of sorts, in which I'd pick up a bottle of something I hadn't tried every week and would try a glass with dinner. I found that when I had selected a bottle on my own and paid for the whole thing I was better at actually remembering what I did and didn't like. After a few months, I had found a few go-to favorites and now know exactly what I like.

3. The Time Of Day You Work Best

Knowing when you're most productive — and being honest with yourself about it — is one of the most valuable things you can know about yourself. If you hate getting up early and it takes you forever to wake up, don't tell yourself you're going to get up at 7 a.m. on a Saturday to file your taxes; odds are you're just setting yourself up for failure. Instead, know yourself and when you really get into the zone, and schedule tasks around those times.

4. What You Like In The Bedroom

According to a study featured on ABC News, 75 percent of women don't achieve orgasms through intercourse alone. This means most of us have to figure out what others bedroom activities get us going. And don't fear if you haven't figured it out yet — according to a piece in Women's Day, sex absolutely gets better with time for most women.

5. When You're Wasting Your Time

On a piece for TheBolde.com on things to know about yourself at 30, writer Amanda Chatel noted the importance of knowing when you're wasting your time — whether it be on a relationship or an endeavor. If you've been on a few dates with someone and the spark just isn't there, don't feel bad about calling it quits. By now you know the best thing for everyone is to just be honest.

6. How You Like Your Vegetables

True story: I used to think I "just wasn't a vegetable person" well into my 20s. I had never liked them growing up, and the idea of a salad was just never all that appealing to me even in adulthood. I then got a roommate who actually knew how to prepare them and my world was turned upside down. I suddenly not only liked, but craved things like brussels sprouts, asparagus, and broccoli, and it turned out it all just came down to how they were prepared (i.e. not over-boiled and covered in salt).

7. Your Deal Breakers

Much like knowing when you're wasting your time, it's super helpful that you know your deal breakers by the time you're 30. Is someone rude to waiters? Do they only talk about themselves? Do they always expect you to make time for their friends and social obligations, but never make time for yours? Know what just isn't going to work for you, and don't feel bad about it.

8. When You Owe Someone An Apology

This is a tough one, but by the end of your twenties you should definitely be able to swallow your pride and apologize when needed. It's an important life skill to have, and will always serve you well (even if it doesn't feel great in the moment).

9. The Clothes You Want To Wear Versus The Clothes You Actually Wear

OK, this one is kind of huge. According to a study featured in the Daily Mail, about half of women don't throw away clothes that don't fit in the hope they'll fit someday. Not to mention the clothes that do fit, but that you just truly never wear because they aren't true to your personal aesthetic (straw fedora, I'm looking at you). By 30, you should be able to get real with yourself when it comes to style and avoid those impulse buys on pieces that you'll never wear again.

10. Your Foot Situation

Do heels kill your knees? Do flats hurt your back? Much like with clothes, it's important to be realistic with your footwear by the time you're 30. No more wasting money on those super cute stilettos that also make you walk with a limp.

11. What You Actually Need In Your Refrigerator

By this point in your life you should be able to gauge what you actually need in your fridge, as well as the quantity you need. You've spent enough years having to throw spoiled food away because you had convinced yourself you'd make a green smoothie every single morning this week, or because you misjudged how much you'd actually need for that chili recipe. It's time to be realistic about your patterns and routines.

Thirty might not be the mark of maturity it used to be, but that doesn't mean there aren't a few things that are super helpful to know should know. And remember, this doesn't mean you have to have it all together, because no one does (and if they do, they're faking it).

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