We used to have fun once upon a time, frolicking through the fields of Gameboys and Tamagotchi’s, reveling with the wind on our backs as we ran around, eating enormous amounts of junk food, and the many other things we did in our younger years. But what happened to those things we used to enjoy once we reached that wall of adulthood? Did it vanish into the air on the eve of our 18^th birthdays? Was it squeezed out of our minds as new responsibilities were welcomed? Was it forced out by society’s manacle grip on the do’s and don’ts of adulthood? That raises another question: What does it mean to be an adult?

It means you have to pay for the chocolate you once got for free. Don’t get me wrong, there are many other aspects to being an adult, like the whopping amount of responsibilities you now have, like doing taxes and taking accountability for your actions, and other things. However, the only thing that seems to be missing from the list is fun. Sure, adults have fun. We like going out to bars or partying with friends, but that’s not the fun I’m talking about. I am alluding to the personal kind of fun that you enjoy but seems childlike to others, like playing videogames, running around, watching cartoons, etc. Yes, some of these activities are done from time to time, but as an adult, it’s looked down upon if it serves no purpose. Let’s say you loved riding your bike in your youth. You rode it every chance you got, sometimes with your friends, sometimes by yourself, though just for the thrill of riding your bike. You’re older now and you still love riding your bike. Sure you can’t ride it as much as you used to, but you still love it nonetheless. On the other hand, you’re now an adult. You have other responsibilities to take care of, and when you have a bit of free time, it’s suggested that riding your bike for the thrill of it is pointless, something a child would do. The simple act of wanting to ride your bike is deemed meaningless unless it’s used for a purpose, like as a means of transportation or to get in a good amount of exercise. Sure, you’re an adult but just because you have to pay for your chocolate doesn’t mean you should enjoy it any less than you did when you got it free of charge. That goes to say that you shouldn’t have to give up what you like doing because you’re a certified adult.

I loved playing games. As far back as I can remember, my days were filled with everything Nintendo and Pokémon and watching t.v. was a staple in my childhood activities as well. I also enjoyed some of the glorious games that children played: tag, manhunt, hide and seek, jump rope, etc. Of course, when I got to my teens, my tastes began to change as other forms of entertainment entered my life. I read manga and watched anime, played soccer on my own time and even became a part of a dance company, though my love for my past activities never dissolved. The same goes for my entering adulthood. Some of my happiest days are those where I can go on Netflix or Hulu and watch the many 90’s cartoons I used to as a kid. However, the only difference is, as an adult, I’m expected to leave behind the fun of my youth for something more “adult-like” since in our society, we’re expected to uphold the expectations of image. We’re told that as adults we’re supposed to be affirmative, health conscious, hard-working and serious, to live the lives of more work and less play (there is much more that can be added to this list, of course). For some reason, the thought of “play” doesn’t apply to adults because it’s irresponsible, immature, and downright foolish. Why? It could be for the purpose of maintaining a good image. Image is important in the society we live in, sadly enough, and it is a deciding factor on the do’s and don’ts of our lives. The perception other people have on us definitely takes a toll on our personalities, and sometimes, turns us into people pleasers.

Every so often, the thought “I'm an adult now” crosses your mind, and you search for reasons as to why you should abandoned the things you like to do. Reasons like “I need to focus on my health” or “I’ll get too distracted” are great things to consider, of course, but it doesn’t have to result in you denying yourself the space or the time to enjoy the things you like for the sake of your image or other’s perception of you. People’s perceptions of you are just that, perceptions. It’s ironic, though, that we’re always encouraged to be ourselves. How can you honestly be yourself if part of being yourself is doing those “non-adult-like” things you love so dearly? How can you be yourself if you’re constantly under scrutiny for enjoying that game you like playing or watching Courage the Cowardly Dog on your day off? The thing is, you can’t. Your love for those things are part of what makes you, you, and frankly, you shouldn’t have to be held to such criticisms. I’m sure those who find the time to criticize had something they loved to do once upon a time. This is to say, indulging in these activities doesn’t make you any less of an adult. I for one do not plan on giving up doing what makes me happy to appease those who think what I like is for children. In the end, it’s your life and that’s all that matters. I do what I like and I like what I do, and so should you.