Being ten is a lot like being twenty. 

Twenty year olds tend to ask themselves two questions; “Turn down for what?” and “What am I going to do when I’m older?” So what does it really mean to be twenty?

You’re somewhere in between your days as a bratty JoBros loving teen (don’t even try to deny your love for those skinny jeans) and a goal oriented, dare I say adult…? But, being twenty is a lot like being ten. I know what you’re thinking…When you were ten there wasn’t any keystone (insert gagging sound here), or obnoxious yet tempting frat boys. However, when you’re ten you have what I like to call “Faux Freedom.” Sure, you were able to stay home alone, ride your bike to your BFF’s house, and go to the corner store to pick up some Flaming Hot Cheetos. These so called freedoms were great, but home was never too far away. For most of us, it was about a block.

The same is true when you’re twenty. You’re out on your own, but not really because you come home for breaks and call mommy or daddy when you’re in a bind at school. Remember that cold you had? The one that was the equivalent to the plague. Simply because there was no one there to rub your head until you fell asleep? You support yourself with your work-study job, but you and I both know you’d never be able to survive on that $8.50 an hour. You need more naps than a child, you eat tootsie rolls by the bag full, and the word “laundry” is still something you’re pretty unfamiliar with.

However, you like the idea of being an adult. You know, like the stuff you see on Sex and the City. Cute business attire (hello to an excuse to shop and wear snappy casual outfits!), and grabbing drinks with friends after a long day at work. I guess the freedom in this one is kind of literal…the days of flashing a poorly made, yet highly valuable fake are over. Say goodbye to Vicky, the twenty-five year old from the middle of nowhere Kentucky.   

When you’re twenty, similar to when you’re ten, you crave freedom. It’s almost as bad as your constant hankering for an Iced Caramel Macchiato from Starbs. You want nothing more than to be taken seriously, but simultaneously you’re excellent at being a fun-loving, carefree individual. You’re not quite an adult yet, but you’re definitely not a kid anymore. You’re in limbo, and the worst part is you’re not really sure which one you actually want to be. Honestly, it’s harder than trying to decide if you should buy new underwear or just do laundry.

Who knows how long this in between situation will last. Apparently, twenty-two isn’t much different; I’ve heard it’s all about being “happy free confused and lonely at the same time.” This may be true, but just remember, you got through the years of Faux Freedom at ten, so I think it’s safe to say you’ll get through them at twenty.