For the first 19 years of my life, I never really thought that I was dependent on anyone but myself. Sure, my parents bought me clothes and food, paid all of my bills, and loved me when no one else would, but, in my mind, I was as independent as they came.
I moved into my very own big-girl apartment about a week ago and I have never felt more of a culture shock. I was flabbergasted when I realized that my clothes wouldn't fold themselves and that ordering food out cost an exorbitant amount of money.
I also completely forgot to put water in the pan when I tried to cook rice for the first time. The joke's on me (and everyone on the floor who heard the fire alarm go off).
Below, I've chronicled the seven most important lessons that I've learned from living alone thus far.
1. Groceries cost a ton of money.
The bill from my very first shopping trip in which I bought all necessary supplies (i.e. ketchup, bread, ice cream, cleaning supplies, etc.) totaled $385.72. I actually think that I had a minor heart attack when I saw that number on the pin pad. Thankfully, I opened up a Tom Thumb Card and saved $24.65.
2. Laundry accumulates quickly.
Before I lived on my own, I never understood why my mom did laundry every single day of her life (literally every single day). However, after a mere seven days in my new humble abode, I have a pile of dirty clothes the actual size of my laundry room waiting to be washed.3. Cooking is difficult.
After nearly burning the place down while cooking chicken breasts and having spaghetti sauce blow up all over the microwave, I've come to the simple realization that I cannot cook. My friend came over, started chopping up an avocado, sliced her hand open, and proceeded to faint in the middle of the kitchen while cooking dinner.4. I might be a grandma.
I'm convinced that my parents think that I've been throwing down since I moved in. In reality, I've finished three seasons of "Gossip Girl" in the past two days and my average bed time is 9:30 p.m.
I don't think that I'd ever leave my apartment if I didn't have a job.
5. I hate wearing pants.
It's so much easier to slip on a giant t-shirt to clean the house/cook/watch Netflix instead of having to coordinate an entire outfit or worry about what pants are most comfortable. Without roommates or parents around, pants become an optional piece of clothing that I much prefer to leave out of the equation.
6. I love being alone.
I never thought I was that introverted, but living on your own makes you realize that independence is one of the greatest freedoms that you can have.
It's also made me question whether or not I'm a certifiable hermit and if I need human interaction.
Who needs friends, anyway?
7. I still need my mom.
I can't tell you how many times in the past week I've wished that my mom was here with me. If you searched my call history, it would probably give you an idea.
I've called my mom 42 times in a week.
Most of those calls were to ask small, stupid questions such as, "What brand of pickles do we buy?" and, "Does mustard go in the refrigerator?" Nevertheless, my mom still has all of the answers to any question that I could ever ask.
Moral of the story: living on your own will teach you a lot about yourself and you'll always need your mom.
