While parents and grandparents could argue, by the time a person hits the age of twenty-one all important birthdays are over. At that point, you can drive, drink, smoke, and are considered an adult. Because there are no more birthday perks to look forward to, each year either becomes an exciting milestone or a foreshadowing of your tombstone. Rather than celebrating youth, we dwell on the fact that we are getting closer to our parents' age. More often than not, your twenties is where you begin to realize that childhood is over and you need to get your life together.
Age 20: You beat teen pregnancy!
Congratulations! If you made it to the age of twenty without getting pregnant, you have avoided ruining your twenties with a baby. Plus, you can stop being called a teenager and start being called an adult.
Age 21: You can drink!
Hooray! You can purchase your own booze. Most of your money will be spent at various bars and clubs while you get wasted in public, possibly losing your phone, your wallet, or your dignity.
Age 22: At least you can sing that Taylor Swift song now.
By now your local bartender knows your name and has your favorite drink ready before you walk through the door. While all of your younger friends are downing shots, you're sitting in the corner sipping a beer and reminiscing about the days when your tolerance was low enough to leave the bar with money left in your bank account.
Age 23: You are closer to the age of 30 than the age of 13
At this point, you are more than likely in adult mode. You're out of college, you have your own apartment, and hopefully you have a job. Even though you're only three years into your twenties, you are feeling especially old.
Age 24: All of your friends are getting married![]()
This summer, be prepared to witness the majority of your friends say "I do" and to get hit on by all of the single bridesmaids and groomsmen. If you're lucky, open bars should keep you distracted from the fact that your plus one is your roommate's brother.
Age 25: Halfway to 30
You made it! You've settled into your job, upgraded your apartment, and found a group of friends that haven't gotten married or had kids yet. Adult life is great...
Age 26: You have to get your own insurance![]()
Unfortunately, you get kicked off of your parents' insurance. The reality of adulthood is sinking in and even though you still call your dad when there's something wrong with your car, independence is a nice feeling.
Age 27: You can't party like you used to
In your early twenties, going to work hungover seemed like a common occurrence. Now, every morning after a night out feels like waking up from a comma. Ibuprofen and coffee become your best friends and sunglasses convince you that it's never too dark to be cool.
Age 28: You've got to pull yourself together![]()
All right! No more all-nighters, no more walks of shame, no more waking up on the bathroom floor. It is time to fully embrace adulthood...or cram in as much fun in the last few years of your twenties as you can.
Age 29: 30 doesn't seem so bad.![]()
Even though the end of your youth seems like an overbearing future, 30 could be a whole new adventure. Lots of people didn't have successful lives until their thirties. If Leonardo DiCaprio didn't win an Oscar until his forties, just think of how much opportunity you have left in your thirties!
