Ten things you should never do

In no particular order, though I'll number them because that's what you do with these lists:

10. Change your clothes or your haircut because someone tells you you're too old for that anymore. Screw them.

9. Forget you were a teenager. (Or, if you were a teenager, pretend you're not.) That intensity you feel now: it's hard to manage, sure, but it's a good thing.

8. Stop cutting children some slack. You were one of them once. Okay, maybe you don't have to make exceptions for every kid, but most of them.

7. Stop reading. Sure, this is self-serving, but reading is good for you--and it tastes better than vegetables.

6. Stop laughing. Humor heals.

5. Treat an innocent server badly. Anyone can be nice to someone with power over him. Be nice to those over whom you have (temporary) power.

4. Decide you're too old to exercise. The research speaks for itself on this point, but the exercise is also often its own reward.

3. Stop loving at least a few people so much your heart sometimes hurts with how strongly you feel. They don't have to be lovers; family and friends will do nicely.

2. Stop listening to new music. Another great song is always awaiting you.

1. Stop having dreams you may never achieve. They light the way, lead us forward, make us better than we could ever otherwise be.