As 20-, and maybe even 30-somethings, we have realized that the process of becoming a real and established adult is a gradual one. Having a career, owning a home, and filing your own taxes are what we think adults do in their free time, but who knows? Honestly though, have you ever wondered what it's like to be a "real" adult? Because I sure have, and no one really talks about it. Car insurance, a 401k, how to get an oil change?! Please, someone help a girl out. It is a goal in my life to eventually become someone who is established and financially stable, but we will see if and when I even get there. But for those of you who are also wondering what it's like to be a "real" adult, follow these 20 steps and I can assure that you will be financing your own car and filing your own taxes at the appropriate time this year (or pay someone to do it; who cares, really).

1. Use the term “adulting,” even when you go grocery shopping for the first time in a month.

2. Fill the Brita water filter and whisper “I am the backbone of this household” to yourself.

3. Cook your own meals, for the most part, and only go out for one meal a day (primarily brunch because that’s what all adults eat).

4. Cook with a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc because that’s what you see in the movies, or maybe it just looks fun?

5. Own a onesie, but only justify wearing it on Halloween or Christmas morning with your siblings.

6. Avoid anything childish at all costs, but watch Disney movies in your free time (Frozen, if you had to choose).

7. Remain ignorant to that one “up-and-coming” indie band that your best friend's younger sister is raving about. You prefer to stick to the classics.

8. When your German aunt you see once a year asks if you have a boyfriend when you're home for the holidays, reply, “No, Aunt Ida, I am still single at 35. Thanks for asking though.”

9. Ask family members for practical gifts on your birthday instead of clothes and shoes because, you know, a crock pot will be a lot more beneficial than a pair of fuzzy socks. (Thanks anyway, Mom).

10. Go on vacations that aren’t to theme parks, or with your parents.

11. Pay attention to that blinking red light on your dashboard that may or may not say “oil change needed” in the upper right hand corner.

12. Cuddle up with a classic novel. "Grapes of Wrath," anyone?

13. Attempt to write in your journal daily because that’s what all adults do (but really end up writing three submissions at a time).

14. Splurge on that Tiffany blue Kitchen Aid mixer you see on all of those trendy cooking network shows.

15. Shop at Anthropologie and Nordstrom without feeling bad about yourself (and your wallet).

16. File your own taxes, or pay that nice tax lady that your parents use to do it for you.

17. Get as many credit cards as possible with the highest limit possible so you don't have to worry about money for a little while.

18. Get rid of your debit cards -- those things are useless.

19. Invest in a 401k because you know established adults have one.

20. Call your Dad and ask what a 401k is.