#1. Everything Works Out
Howard envisions himself 17 years earlier, during his first semester at college, worrying if he would flunk his philosophy course. To him, that would mean returning home to the family landscaping business with his “tail between his legs.” Howard did manage to graduate from college, got married, had two kids, bought a modest home, and an aging minivan.
The 35-year-old dad would advise his 18-year-old persona not to worry. He realizes that it wouldn’t be an option considering his personality, though, and he tells Howard’s younger version to at least take solace in the fact that everything would work out in the end. Being healthy and happy at the age of 35 is no small achievement.
#2. Fraternities Are a Good Idea
Howard remembers contemplating pledging a fraternity. Looking back, he finds that he made a good choice by doing so. Some of the guys Howard met there stood beside him in his tuxedoes on his wedding day. He also made other lifelong friends in college, and he kept his high school friendships too.
#3. Becoming a Dad Is a Lifechanging Experience
This may be a well-known fact, but Howard finds it to be particularly true for himself. He didn’t regret it, not for a minute. He gives his younger self a clue about the future mother of his kids. She is someone closest to him, but as often happens – most difficult to see. Howard admits that he’s learned important lessons from all the women he attempted to woo along the way.
#4. Looking Better May Not Happen
Howard Ludwig does not have a dad body at the age of 35, still, he wants his younger self to know that the way he looks then won’t improve all that much. Ludwig at 35 is in decent shape for his age but doesn’t have the ripped stomach and buff arms he had hoped for.
#5. Not All Risks Are Worth Taking
