As I sit here at home, somehow surviving my second year of college, I have been reflecting a lot on what it means to be an adult. I am a firm believer that the word "adult" is a social construct that has been placed on society, and while there is no step-by-step manual or guidebook available on “How to Transition into Adulthood” or “Successful Secrets to Survive Life Post-Teenage Years” I do believe in that some ways, like it or not, I am slowly becoming society’s version of one.
Twenty Signs Of “Adulting”
1. You have to learn how to do the laundry. And then do it — by yourself.
2. LinkedIn and Tumblr creep their way into your phone.
3. You need to start learning how to cook (not just microwaveable food).
4. You meet people who change your views on life.
5. Jobs are an actual thing. You should also think about doing an internship (or three).
6. The desire to leave your hometown elevates more and more everyday.
7. You will want to get on a plane and travel the world.
8. Orange juice serves an additional purpose and you truly learn to appreciate the importance of water.
9. Family is forever.
10. You now realize that you have to learn how to do taxes and that already sounds super stressful and nauseating. Like, wasn’t there an all-purpose class on adult problems in high school? I can tell you that algebraic equation I don’t even remember is helping me out a lot right now.
11. You will lose friends, you will make friends, but overall you will be a stronger person. Cut out the toxic, learn to love yourself, and embrace others who make you feel happy.
12. Coffee becomes a staple drink of choice.
13. You have your own house. You can decorate it how ever you want and that sounds lovely to be honest.
14. You have absolute freedom to make your own choices over any aspect of your life.
15. You start to watch the news more. BBC, ABC, Telegraph, and CNN apps can also be a thing. They are, but the key is to actually use them and to watch the news.
16. You can vote. You also try to develop an interest in politics. I haven’t yet, but there’s hope.
17. Scheduling your own doctor and dentist appointments. Yeah, I still don’t know how to talk to a cashier at Weis without sounding like an awkward five-year old.
18. Waking up early. Not sleeping in. Managing your own sleep schedule.
19. Eating healthy and going to the gym should be ranked of a very high importance for you. If not, it should be. Your physical health is important, and does have a strong influence on your mental, social, and emotional health as wealth.
20. Remember to make your decisions for yourself. Live a life for you. Other people’s perspectives of you don’t matter. Try new things. Smile more. Stress less.
It is scary. It it fun. It is bland. It is freedom. It happens to everyone. It is life. It is okay.
