"It's the oldest story in the world. One day you're seventeen and planning for someday. And then quietly and without you ever really noticing, someday is today. And that someday is yesterday. And this is your life." -Nathan Scott

Growing up can be both the slowest and fastest processes in life. When you're young, it seems like life can just drag on. Middle school and high school can be some of the longest years of your life. And when you're going through them, you spend a majority of your time wishing it would end. But then it does. You realize just how much fun those years were, and start to miss how easy things used to be back then.

Fortunately, all the new and exciting experiences you get as an adult make it all worth it. Finding your true passion in life is a goal that we all have. So as much as we might long for our younger days, we also take pride in the mature and purpose driven actions we are taking today. There are some steps in life that make it very clear we're growing older. But there are also some very subtle signs that tell us we're becoming an adult without even realizing it.

1. You actually know how to grocery shop now

Your first few trips to the store alone may have lead to a lot of cookie dough and doughnuts. But now that you're getting older, you realize there's actually more useful ways to spend your money. The junk food will have to wait until your next pay check.

2. Summer break is anything but a break

Being an adult means summer internships and boring jobs just to make your rent. No more laying around and watching tv all day. Adulthood means summer break is the farthest thing from a break. Summer means sweating because of the heat and because finding a decent summer job is anything but easy.

3. You say no to the concert and pay your rent instead

Being an adult also means making some tough decisions. Sometimes you have to turn down the fun night out with friends, and live like a grown up instead. After all, having internet and electricity is more fun anyways!

4. Staying up late means barely making it to midnight

Because being an adult means becoming best friends with your pillow. There's no one that you love more, or who loves you just as much.

5. And sleeping in means 10am at the latest

Because as we become adults, our bodies unfortunately adjust to the early morning schedule. And that means no more sleeping in until noon and you're okay with that!

6. You realize eating healthy is actually not that hard

Once you learn how easy it really is, you just have to motivate yourself to actually cook.

7. You actually enjoy things like work and school

Now that you get to study the things that actually interest you, work and school can be really fun!

8. But exercise stops being fun, and turns into a daily battle with yourself

It's basically you versus the treadmill. And unfortunately, you will lose more times than you'd like to admit. But the real victory is in the effort!

9. You understand all the hidden adult jokes in your favorite kids movies

Now that you're an adult, I highly recommend re-watching Toy Story and Shrek. I promise they will both be funnier than you remember.

10. You also realize the music you listened to in high school was actually awful

Now that you're an adult, you listen to more mature music. So throw out the crazy rap music you used to listen to, and make room for you new refined taste.

11. And so was your wardrobe, your texting slang, and basically life in general

I think your high school year book basically speaks for itself.

12. But the idea of being married and having kids doesn't absolutely terrify you anymore

Because in the end, adulthood really is about living happily ever after!