Let's face it. Growing up is hard. You suddenly have financial responsibilities and are expected to be mature. As a freshmen in college, I am inevitably being thrust into the complicated world of "adulting." How do you even do that? Well from what I've observed, I've come up with this list of tell-tale signs that you're an adult.

1. You Buy Things You Actually Need.

As my English teacher once said, "You realize that you have reached adulthood when you end up buying a couch." When you find yourself purchasing kitchen appliances such as toasters and salad spinners, you are an adult. Not to mention, you are also responsible for cleaning these appliances. For college, I ordered a Hamilton Beach blender because I love to make smoothies and protein shakes. I would have rather spent my money on something fun, but instead I put necessities first. Isn't that what being an adult is all about?

2. It Is No Longer Acceptable To Sail Through The Grocery Store On Your Cart.

Unfortunately, society thinks that this behavior is inappropriate for a true adult. Although I was recently shopping and saw an elderly man riding his grocery cart through the parking lot. I guess that being old is the only exception.

3. You Have To Make Your Own Decisions.

I'm pretty sure I'm not the only indecisive one here. I'm the type of person who likes to consider all options and alternatives when trying to make a smart decision. This can take awhile, but it seems like adults can make these decisions faster. Hopefully my indecisiveness is just a phase.

4. You Run On Caffeine.

Personally, I am not a big fan of coffee (unless it is so sugared down that it tastes like something completely different). However, I have a friend (you know who you are) that practically lives on coffee. It's like she can't function without it and has some killer mood swings when she hasn't downed her daily cup. I'm more of a tea drinker myself. That still counts as a source of caffeine. The SUNY Oneonta campus is home to the only Starbucks coffee shop in the area. Plenty of locals drive onto campus just to get their fix. Adults are basically caffeine robots. RIP.

5. More Decisions.

When you're an adult, you're going to need a habitat. By this I mean that you may have to sacrifice some space and move into a cramped apartment until you can find and afford a bigger place. Moving back in with your parents? That's an absolute no-no unless it's a last resort. Nothing says "adulthood" like independence.

6. You Want To Turn Back Time.

You just might be an official adult when you invest in some high-quality wrinkle cream and firming lotion. And sadly, age only increases by the day. With every birthday, you may find yourself wishing that you were younger again.

7. You Get Frustrated With Teen Drivers.

There are some experienced drivers that still are not clear on the rules of the road. Even worse? New drivers with music blaring, wide turns, and the inability to signal at a reasonable time. Only then will you realize that you were most likely one of those maniacs at one point.

8. Your Paycheck Is Almost Non-Existent.

If you were to name it after a movie, you could say it's Gone With The Wind. Bills and student loans need to be paid, food needs to be bought, life's emergencies happen. You may find yourself struggling to keep money in your wallet because it disappears so fast. Where did it go? Right out the window with the rest of your childhood. Reality is harsh.