I am a junior in college: only just able to buy alcohol, no credit history, still living with my parents until I can afford to move out and get my own place. I have only been able to vote in one major election, and I just recently learned the difference between "alright" and "all right." I am happy with myself, but I am still trying to get established, trying to find my place in this world. I am the walking definition of the struggling college student.
However, when I am not working or going to class, I am not going out with my friends to the local college hangouts. Despite my young age, I feel much older than I actually am. Maybe it is my recent fixation on my own mortality, (I turned 21 and suddenly freaked out about the limited timeline of my life) or my deep consideration for my future. If anything I live in the future more than I live in the present. Yes, I do things in the now, but I do the things I do to guarantee a satisfactory future for myself and my future family.
I am 21 years old, but sometimes I feel like I am 61 years old.
This article is for all the other old souls out there, because I know I am not the only one. These are some ways you can know you are older than your age.
1. You want to go to Cracker Barrel to play checkers and the peg game!
For your information, I can end the peg game with only two pegs remaining. Try to beat that.
2. You hear a college classmate's conversation and have to look up the slang words on Urban Dictionary.
You said what about my eyebrows? They are on fleek? That sounds like an insult, how dare you?
3. You have a strict bedtime of 9 p.m. and you get cranky if you stay up later than that.
"Guys, it's been fun and all, but I am super sleepy. I have to go to bed now." - Actual quote from me
4. You see young children walking around with smartphones nicer than your own and judge their parents.
I thought my basic phone at age 15 was the coolest thing ever.
5. You would rather smoke a tobacco pipe and drink a cognac than play beer pong and smoke a vaporizer.
This picture looks just like my boyfriend, who is also an old soul. Together, we are about 120 years old.
6. You tend to be solitary.
It's not that you hate being around people (well, it's only partially that). You just have trouble making friends your own age.
7. You are plagued by your own mortality.
I just turned 21, in four years I will be a quarter of a century old. The clock is ticking. I don't have much time left.
8. You watch your salt intake, it's bad for high blood pressure and kidney stones.
"Mom, I bought unsalted vegetables. Too much salt will cause calcium build-up in my kidneys."
9. You turn on the popular hits radio station and don't know a single song.
"They let this song play on the radio? It's garbage."
10. You feel like the mom of your friend group.
"Guys, quiet down - you will disturb our neighbors. They might be trying to sleep."
11. Your ideal weekend involves getting the carpet vacuumed and buying more evaporated milk for your coffee.
The carpets are filthy! I will not stand for this!
