Being in your 20s isn’t easy. Infinite parties and late nights are accompanied by endless insecurities, self-doubt and bad decisions you can only hope to look back on fondly when you hit the big 3-0. What to wear, what to eat, omg, WTF is wrong with my hair? Checking isthelrunning.com to be able to plan an evening in Manhattan. Do you stay in Greenpoint for coffee or venture to the Grown-up Neighborhood of Cobble Hill? Then there is the constant struggle of keeping all of your friends as allies. Then, the linchpin that seemingly keeps all the planets aligned is how well you manage your romantic relationship(s). Here’s the HBO GIRLS (gif) guide to dating in your 20s.

1. Make sure you scope out a potential date location beforehand. You don’t want the place lit like a Nordstrom Rack dressing room.

2. Don’t wear something you bought off etsy on a first date, in fact, avoid wearing all etsy purchases until you know the level of kitsch and craft he’s willing to tolerate.

3. Sometimes it’s okay to date the crazy ones.

4. Just be prepared knowing that you will look and feel like crap day after the date.

5. Sometimes, in need, it’s okay to make out with your friends…in the sundries isle of your local bodega.

6. Know how to read a guy’s inferred messages. Basically, they all interpret into: let’s go back to your place.

7. Even though the person you’re with at this very moment is the only person you can imagine ever being with forever and all eternity, don’t be afraid to call a spade a spade – there will be more, and more, aaaand more.

8. Don’t douple dip. Some chips only have one bite in them.

9. Again, don’t be afraid of the crazy ones. Just mildly apprehensive and always know where all the emergency exits are located.

10. Just to be fair – be equally apprehensive of the normal ones as you are the crazy ones.

11. Lastly, BE WHO YOU IS!

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