We all know the story of Peter Pan who never wanted to grow up and spent his days in Neverland, forever a child, unchanging. Many of us really took Peter's motives to heart; although we continue to physically age, we resist growing up as much as we can. And it seems the older we get, the more we turn to our childhood comforts to help relieve the impending doom of car payments, student loans, and retirement funds. If you're one of those people, chances are you'll identify with the following:
1.You are ALL About Those Snacks
Whether your weakness is Fruit Gushers, Danimals, Dunkaroos, or Capri Sun, you just can't seem to keep your hands off of these lunch box classics. They are as much a staple in your house as bread, milk, and eggs are.
2. You Glance Longingly Down the Toy Aisle
You know you have aged out of most of the items on these aisles, but something about the flamboyant colorful displays makes your heart skip a beat. You can't help but peak around the corner at everything you're missing out on.
3. Buying Yourself That ONE Thing You Always Wanted
Now that you're an adult with a job of your own and expendable income, you can finally indulge in the finer things of life... Like tiny cakes.
4. Eating Way Too Much Sweets
This is to make up for all of the Halloween nights when your parents told you not to eat all of that candy. Now there is no one to stop you and you will discover more than once exactly the reason why you shouldn't eat that much sugar in one sitting.
5. Naps are a Daily Ritual
I just need to rest my eyes for 20 minutes... or maybe I meant two hours.
6. You're Very Tempted to Buy Matching Necklaces for You and Your Bestie
How can you resist falling into this trap when they have so many great designs now! Plus are you really best friends if you don't do something like this?
7. Stuffed Animals Give You Life
Nothing quite fills the void in your bed (and in your heart) like our cute little fluffy friends. Your collection may consist of old friends who have been here for ages or some irresistible new finds from Walmart during Valentine's Day, or maybe a bit of both.
8. You Prefer to Order Off the Kid's Menu
Your date shouldn't even bother to take you to that white table cloth restaurant, all you need is a plate of chicken fingers and you are in heaven.
9. You're So Glad that Coloring has Become an Acceptable Adult Hobby
Now you can work on your activity books in public without getting weird looks. Besides, you never had the dexterity necessary to color these masterpieces when you were five.
10. You Still Can't Seem to Keep Your Room Clean
Despite the countless lectures from your mother on the values of keeping your room organized, you still can't seem to put things back where they came from. Now where's that red shirt I love so much....
11. Keeping Christmas Presents a Secret From You is Virtually Impossible
Yes, you seriously still look for your Christmas gifts, and every year you have to feign surprise when you open them on Christmas morning. It's a tradition at this point.
12. You Jump at Any Chance to Spend Time with Kids
Babysitting? Sign me up! Watching kids means getting to play hide and seek, hi-ho cherri-o, legos, and all of the things you never get to do anymore. Because when you're with kids, you can truly release your inner child that the rest of the world wants you to keep hidden.