Don't repeat social events you dislike

AAt the end of a boring social event, someone may say, "We must do this again." Usually, nobody really means it. If you did not enjoy the event, there is no need to repeat it.

Marry someone you admire

BThe writer jokingly says that you should marry someone "above your station." In simple terms, choose someone you admire and respect. However, the writer admits that people often cannot control who they fall in love with.

Give people confidence

COne of the best things you can give someone you love is confidence. When they are nervous about an exam, a speech or another difficult task, tell them, "You can do it." Helping someone believe in themselves can be more valuable than simply saying that you love them.

Learn from the moth

DThe writer refers to an essay by Virginia Woolf about a moth fighting to stay alive. The small animal continues struggling even though it will eventually die. The writer believes there is beauty in this fight. Life is valuable partly because it does not last forever.

Don't give all your sadness to others

EFriends may want to help when you are unhappy. However, the writer says we should not always ask people we love to carry all our sadness and problems.

Don't compromise too easily

FThe writer advises people not to give up part of what they believe just to make an agreement. If you give in a little, he says, you may eventually give up too much.

Allow yourself to make mistakes

GPeople often think mistakes are always bad. The writer disagrees. In jazz music, a musician can sometimes turn a wrong note into part of something creative. Life can be similar. Some mistakes can lead to something new and interesting.

You don't need to understand everything

HAs people get older, the world can seem more full of surprises. Sometimes something beautiful happens during a difficult period. The writer says we do not always need to question or analyze these moments. Sometimes we should simply be thankful.

Take opportunities

IWhen the writer was young, he was having a picnic with friends. He was holding a chicken leg when a little boy suddenly took it from his hand and walked away. His wife joked that the boy thought life was like a chicken leg waiting to be taken. The lesson is simple: when a good opportunity appears, take it.

Focus on your goal

JAt college, the writer played basketball. He was not an excellent player, but he often scored points because he focused on the basket instead of worrying about the other players. He believes life can work in the same way. Do not focus too much on problems. Concentrate on where you want to go.

Don't try to live forever

KNobody can live forever, and achievements cannot make a person truly immortal. However, the love people have for each other can continue after someone dies. For the writer, love is more important than fame or achievements.