23. Get a pet

When I was in my early 20s, I felt lonely to be living alone in a studio condominium. I bought a mini chocolate poodle, which I named Hyunwoo, after my brother. I had bought the dog for my loneliness purposes and had not once considered how the dog would spend the long hours alone at home when I was away at work. I loved my dog so much, but I was inconsiderate and selfish, and eventually (though the story is much longer), my irresponsibility lost me my dog. This is one of my most heartbreaking memories, hence my choice to not adopt any pets until I have completely settled in one location. Also, pet owners, adopt in pairs please! I often see my friends adopt pets and find it disturbing that they would take the very same steps I took when I was young. Although this was on my list and I fulfilled it, it actually is a scar and trauma for me. I hope pet owners adopt for the purposes of caring for their pet, and not to use them for the purposes of alleviating their voids or loneliness. On the bright side, my parents are settled in the countryside of Ganghwa Island and are proud owners of two husky mixes!