When growing up, we tend to fantasize certain ages. For example children cannot wait to become 13 because they will officially be a teenager. Then teens can't wait until they turn 18 because then they will officially be an “adult.” What they don't tell you is how awkward it is to be 18-20. You’re considered to be an adult but are you really? It's weird to be a 19 year old in what is honestly a 21 and up ruled world. Here is why it becomes different and odd when you go through ages 18-20.
1. Your friends may no longer be the same age as you.
Normally around 18 your high school life ends and your college life just begins. Friends are separated and for the first time the people in your classes are not your same age. You may become friends with people who are older than you and then you become the "baby" in the group. Lunches involve your friends slurping on their big kid drinks while you slurp up the salsa. Friday nights become your friends going out on the town and you watching netflix getting the snapchats and making sure they have safe rides home (I'm also a mom-friend).
2. People you know are starting to get married.
Wait, huh? Yep, and some friends you make will already be married. Within my first year of college I can count six (on the top of my head) couples, half I graduated with alone, who have gotten married. Although I am considered an adult it is a very odd feeling to still feel like a kid but have the same aged peers around you doing adult things.
3. You start getting invited to baby showers.
With weddings, or without.... comes babies. This is kind of the same feeling as going to weddings of your friends. One of those gosh I am at an age where my peers are starting families...
4. You can't go to teen clubs or 21+ clubs.
This one affects me when I go on cruises the most. Although I am a hermit and would never attend the "age designated" clubs onboard anyway, it is always nice to have the option. On cruises they have the kids club and the designated 21+ groups... So 18-20 year olds, you're on your own. Most "adult pool areas" are 21+... So an 18-20 year old is stuck lounging around with the loud crazy kids and stressed out parents. Relaxing!
5. You're a legal adult, but are you?
Yay, so you can go to Adult jail and have a permanent record, you can buy tobacco products and you can be legally kicked out and have to pay for everything yourself and yay, you can get legally married without your parents consent. Truth is that means nothing. You still have to be at least 21 in order to book many hotels or a rental car, to legally drink and hold certain jobs, to legally adopt and really have no restrictions unless you are planning to run for president in which case you have to wait until you are age 35.
