8 Things I learned from my parents

Never forget where you came from

No matter where you are in life, never forget your roots. Your family, your culture and your origins are part of what makes you who you are today.

Friends come and go, but family is forever

When you're younger, it's easy to forget this one, and it's probably one of the hardest lessons to learn. But while friendships may fizzle, family sticks by you through thick and thin, even in the hardest of times. Never forget and always appreciate this, and be grateful those family members who will always have your back.

Nothing good happens after 2 a.m. Ever.

For the most part, you should be in bed when night inches toward day. Staying out too late is just a recipe for sleeping in too late, missing work or waking up with a massive hangover. Generally, if you're up in the wee hours, you're going to pay for it one way or the other.

The Brooklyn Bridge

Just because everyone else is doing it does not make it cool. When you're young, this lesson is almost impossible to understand, but as soon as you grasp it, it's one you never forget.

Time heals all wounds...

Or at least makes them hurt a little less. Whether you're going through your first breakup or your 21st, time's ability to lessen pain is a universal truth.

There will always be another party/date/whatever

When you're young, Friday night seems like the Holy Grail. But we learn as we grow that skipping one event or party doesn't necessarily mean we're missing out.

Never fear

As grownups, this one is so much easier to preach than to practice. But it's a tried-and-true lesson: If you're too afraid to go for what you want, you'll never know what could have been. Never fear, take a shot -- it's always worth it in the end.

The golden rule

Treat others with the same respect and kindness with which you want them to treat you. Unfortunately, through life's hardships, many of us forget this one, and most of us could all use a refresher. "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you" is an extremely important life rule.