Adulthood is one of those mythical stages of life like finding a unicorn or being able to eat pizza without gaining weight. We all know it's supposed to happen but no one really knows when or how. Society tries to convince us that adulthood starts at 18, 21, or maybe 25 if you’re feeling generous but let’s face it, those are just numbers. At 18 you’re legally an adult and are allowed to vote, drink alcohol and get a credit card or a loan but many of us still have young adult children at that age and older who need us to help them book a doctors appointment or help with finances.
So what actually makes you an adult? Here are some fun, tongue in cheek markers that might indicate you’ve reached that elusive stage:
You have a favourite ring on the cooker: When you start feeling a sense of loyalty to a specific ring on the cooker you know you’ve reached a new level of adulting. My favourite it the front right one. hehehe
You get excited about fresh produce: Remember when you used to roll your eyes at people going about their day shopping for fresh fruit and vegetables. Now you’re one of them lovingly squeezing avocados and chatting about the freshness of veg!
Winning at laundry day: Getting all your clothes washed, dried, and folded in the same day? That’s a win worthy of celebration! It doesn't happen often here but when the washing basket is empty I feel so chuffed with myself!
The supermarket epiphany: You’ve made it as an adult when you realize the highlight of your week is a well stocked fridge. Not just any fridge, though one with actual vegetables. You also start noticing the price of butter and muttering things like £5 for Lurpak! Outrageous!
You consult Doctor Google: You Google symptoms at 2am convincing yourself you either have a mild cold or a rare tropical disease or a simple headache or a brain tumour.
You sort of enjoy cleaning: When you were younger, cleaning was the punishment for existing. Now, you find an odd sort of zen in scrubbing the sink or hoovering the living room.
You get excited about kitchen gadgets: Remember when the idea of a new video game or concert tickets gave you a thrill? Now nothing beats the excitement of an air fryer on sale or a garlic press that actually works.
The big night out has changed: Remember when a big night out involved a dodgy club, overpriced drinks and regrettable dance moves? Now, the ultimate night involves pj's, a scented candle and a gripping TV series you can’t stay awake to finish.
You have a bedtime: Gone are the days of pulling all-nighters. Now staying up past 11pm feels like a wild night out.
You budget for fun: That thing you used to think only boring people did. It turns out budgeting for a holiday is the new rock and roll.
You accept that fun is subjective: Adulthood teaches you that fun isn’t just about adrenaline or chaos. Sometimes it’s a good cup of tea, a quiet afternoon or finally organising that cupboard. Is it boring? Maybe but it’s your kind of boring, and that’s what matters!
Most days I don't feel like the responsible adult that I should be and I think that is fine. It's all about balancing responsibilities while still having fun, making mistakes and still learning things.
When did you first feel like an adult?
I'm not exactly sure when I first felt like an adult. But to add to your list (what you've listed are funny and true!), I would say my interest in discussing and writing about the weather definitely makes me feel like an adult!
ReplyDeleteIn the US you can't drink at 18 but the other labels apply (my boys and I find it interesting that they can be drafted and fight in a war but not drink for another 3 years). These are all so fun. I definitely feel like an adult when I'm complaining about a body ache or notice those odd little noises coming out of my mouth when I move a certain way (that I remember my parents and grandparents making).
ReplyDeleteThese are all spot on Kim! I don't think I have ever truly felt like an adult and at 47 I don't think I ever will.
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