There are many lessons we are taught in life. You know, like look both ways before you cross the street or eat all your vegetables.

One that holds true for me, no matter how old I get, is trust your gut.

It’s simplistic enough, but it’s something many of us don’t do when all rational thought might conflict with what our gut is pounding into our heads.

It’s not women’s intuition – everyone’s got it.

Everyone knows when something doesn’t feel like a good idea or if something is bound to end badly – like thinking you have the right to park in a VIP spot. Let me explain.

Homecoming night – or rather my BFF’s birthday – all was going great. We had Beyonce’s “B-day” playing in the background as my friend blew out her candles on the delectable “coffin” cake I made her.

Everything was really fancy, and I was having a great time enjoying the $1.79 Tilt drink I bought.

Then a friend we adoringly call “Hot Mess” came in the door. He informed us he needed a ride to a gas station because he had no car – one of the many reasons his nickname fits so perfectly.

Anyway, being as I was not in top notch condition, I offered to let him drive my car to get to his destination while I rode shotgun.

We made our way to the gas station, came back, no problem – that is, until we arrived back at The Gables.

No parking spots were to be found. With much merchandise in hand, Hot Mess thought of what seemed like a brilliant idea at the time – park VIP (i.e., park in a no parking zone).

My gut was tied up in huge knots – giving me the stomach ache of my life.

Hot Mess assured me the car would be fine – besides, we were going to the bar in 10 minutes anyway.

My gut lost the fight to my intoxication and bad judgment. So I trusted Hot Mess, parked VIP and walked inside.

Only a matter of minutes later, the birthday crew was on their way out the door, ready to conquer the bar scene. Except there was one big problem – no car.

Let’s just say that it was a good thing I only spent $1.79 on my drink, because by the end of the night I was out 70 big ones.

Moral of the story: listen to your gut. My thinking VIP applied to me left me with a hole in my pocket and in my plans for the rest of the evening.

The idea of bar hopping was over, so over that I spent the rest of the night outside in the dark, freezing in my flip-flops, with nothing but a cell phone and mint mojito gum to comfort me.

I’m still kicking myself over not trusting my gut.

That is really the only thing you can trust. No matter who you know or who you think you can trust, the truth is people can mislead, mistake and sometimes just lie.

In this case, Hot Mess made an honest mistake.

Your gut won’t do that – it’s the only consistently reliable thing you have.

Next time, I know to take my own advice and when that pit in my stomach turns into a lump in my throat, I’ll listen to it.

Reach Heather Ryan at diversions@chherald.com.