lessons learned

1.  Never buy fish from unfamiliar fish vendors. Especially the fish, Mackerel. They may look deceivingly fresh. Check their eyes. Pry open and inspect their gills. Touch their tummy to see whether rotten. Better, don't buy at all from strangers.
2. Always buy meat from the same butcher. Loyalty matters. Who wants to lose a regular customer?
3. People tend to trick, deceive, swindle or cheat money out of women living alone. A sad and bitter truth in this part of the world.
4. Avoid Jack of all trades. Specialty is the key.
5. You should know how to manage your handyman/maid, or employ smart, no nonsensical hustlers.
6. Humans generally walk all over and take kind and generous people for granted.
7. You will suffer greatly if you are hesitant to use 'NO' often. 
8. There's no such thing as 'well-wishers.' Parents exist.
9. People won't change for you; why would they? Choose your people wisely.
10. If you are a private person and hate conversation fillers, ask questions instead. People love answering.
11. No addiction is forever; you'll get tired of it and find a new one, even googling your symptoms- Cyberchondria won't last; I just googled the term!