Shoulds

“In your 20s, you should…”
CUT THAT.

Because I’ve been told to—
travel,
see the world,
experience different cultures,
backpack through SEA to “find myself,”
but also stay at home,
save money,
invest in your future,
start trading—
stocks,
crypto,
take risks,
but don’t take too many.

Have you invested in real estate yet?
Buy a house,
get a mortgage—
you know what,
that condo along EDSA looks perfect.
When was the last time you bought yourself a gold piece?
Honey, you gotta do that more often,
I’m telling you it’s the safest asset.

And wait,

Where are you in your career now?
Do you even have a career?
Don’t you want to study again?
You should get your master’s.
Have you considered law school?
How about getting 18 units—
teaching’s a lifetime.
Oh, it’s not what you want?
But you love to write and speak—
you’ll eventually love it.
That’s just how it is.

Okay, fine.

But are you getting married now?
Are you even finding a man?
You should be putting yourself out there more.
What do you mean you’ve never been on dating apps?
Enjoy, have fun, you’re young,
but make sure to stay traditional.
Meet people,
have real conversations,
but don’t go on a date with someone you don’t know.

You know what, crap that.

Why don’t you just live abroad,
work abroad,
love abroad.
You could meet someone there.
Don’t you have an American dream?
Canada has way nicer people,
but yeah, their weather sucks.
How about Singapore?

But you know what?
Don’t leave the country.
Live with your parents.
No, definitely move abroad because you can always return, but you won’t be young forever.
But don’t move away because people age, and you won’t have them forever.

Alright then,

Just at least be healthy.
You look fat.
No, not like that.
You look sick.
Are you eating enough?
It’s good that you’re hydrated.
But don’t you know cold water can make you fat?
Okay, up to you.
But at least don’t forget your ashwagandha, magnesium, fish oil.
Skip protein and creatine—
those are bad for kidneys.
But what’s the point of working out if not?
Oh, wait, you go to the gym?
That means you might end up in a wheelchair one day,
Worse, make yourself look like a man.
Just eat clean.
Meal prep is crap.
You’ll develop gout.
Just eat whole foods.

Hay naku,

You’re old enough.
Just be who you wanna be.
I’m tired.
I’m hungry.
Honey, can you get us some Jollibee?