Men over forty share 10 valuable tips for men in their 30s and it's good advice

Important advice for men in their 30s

Men who enter their 30s often find themselves navigating a unique set of challenges that shape this significant phase of their lives. Unlike the more carefree days of their youth, this period brings new personal and professional responsibilities that can surprise most people. In such situations, some men want insightful advice from others who have gone through this phase. u/AdAstra2806 asked the community, "Men in their 40s and above, what are the life tips/advice that you will give for the men in their 30s?" Here are 10 of the most helpful answers that they had to share. 

1. Start doing things now 

Start now. Whatever it is, start now. Running, learning a new skill, life insurance, speaking to a therapist, saving for retirement. Just start now. Life can start after 40, it did for me, but you don't need to wait. u/Bearded_Pip. I needed to read this. This is confirmation. My 32nd birthday 2 weeks from now. I have been wanting to get into boxing. Also, I have been dragging my feet on getting a good electrical apprentice job, trying to find the right fit. I need to just start somewhere. Thank you. u/Stunning-Fill758

2. Staying in toxic relationships 

Do not stay in a bad relationship just because it is scary to be alone. u/imonaboatrightnow. I was with my ex for 4 years because I knew it'd be my last chance to be in a relationship and so far, I was right. Post-college dating just isn't for me. But I wonder if it was a self-fulfilling prophecy and maybe I would have met someone else if I just broke up with my ex as soon as I realized we weren't right for each other. u/OprahNoodlemantra

3. Exercise regularly 

Eat well. Exercise. Take care of your teeth. Be kind. u/colnago82. Exercise! It's a lifetime habit. Gross over-simplification coming up: If your job is already physical, being fit and strong will help with it - heavy things aren't so heavy when you're strong. If your job is sedentary, the gym will help you stay alive longer. Your cardiovascular system, circulatory system, nervous system, bones and of course, muscles will all be better for regular workouts. u/thaaag

4. Knowing that your kids will grow up quick 

Kids grow up quickly. No one ever went into their grave wishing they called in sick less. u/MarchingPowderMick. I read or heard a comment somewhere explaining how little time you actually have with your kids. I’m paraphrasing, but it goes something you only have 6-8 attempts to make Santa special, 12-16 attempts to give them a great birthday, 1 high school graduation, etc. u/Same_Lack_1775

5. Social health is important

Learn to maintain your social connections and form new ones, like calling and messaging friends out of the blue and organizing outings. Also, be able to open up with your feelings to them. The number one indicator of your health is your social health, more than diet or not smoking or anything. Loneliness will destroy your body and soul and it gets easier and easier to become isolated and disengaged as you age, especially as a man. u/extropia

6. Relationships require effort 

Relationships are work. If you don’t work, you don’t flourish. If romantic, actually get to know someone. Wait four seasons before you take the next step. Also, love isn’t 50/50. It’s 100/100. Forgive often, laugh often and don’t stop dating the person you are with. u/riotstopper. Always date your spouse!! u/AnonymousLilly.

7. Take care of your knees and back 

Be good to your knees and your back and start getting in better shape now. u/thedevilyoukn0w. My neighbor is about 5-6 years older than me and has continually reminded me to “take care of your back.” But I’m strong. Didn’t think much of it. Well, we just had our first kid here in my 40th year and my back hates me. Between lifting a 12-pound human off the floor and hunching over cleaning bottle after bottle, I need some pain meds and a heating pad regularly. u/BiggsDB

8. Choose your partner carefully 

The biggest decision you will ever make in your life is who you have a kid with. You can undo everything else. You can get married, you can get divorced. You can buy a house. You can sell it and pay out the mortgage. But you can't undo the parent of your child. You are locked in with that person for life. Get it right and life will be good. Get it wrong and your life will be hell. Choose very carefully. You do have control. There's a gadget called a condom. Always have some around. If you're committed to not having kids, then get a vasectomy. u/PhilMeUpBaby

9. Stop being friends with deadbeat people 

Dump your deadbeat friends as soon as possible. Start exercising and being active. It is easier to maintain the lifestyle later on if you start earlier in life. Look into keeping a healthy diet, but don't be afraid to eat what you want once in a while. You are still young. Don't waste your time chasing women. Enjoy what you like and someone might show up. Don't be afraid of being alone. Consider planning your retirement. Put some money away and formulate a plan. You may be able to retire 10-15 years ahead of others if you have and stick to a plan. u/allgravy99

10. Enjoy the time that you have with your partner

If you are married or have a partner you are going to stay with, enjoy your time together as much as you can. Take that trip, do the thing. Their health can fail quickly and unexpectedly and you will wish you’d done it when you had a chance. The same if you’re single, but when the person you love suffers, it will tear you up and fill you with regret for the things you were going to get to later. u/Euryheli