Now that I actually hit the prime days of adulthood I pretty much ask myself "what is adulthood?"
Somehow, maybe it's some type of an intense game of house with fake money as a way of currency.
Well folks, hate to break it to you but it's a big whirlwind of ups and downs.
We lived through the biggest contradiction. Growing up, we yearn for the grand debut of adulthood. Driving around an economically friendly little sedan or a roaring sharp-sports car. Maybe we can insert the idea of credit cards, having your own place, a well-paying job, and last but not the least maybe a stable relationship down the line.
The ugly truth is that, none of those are lined up to work out like how it's suppose to. There will be so many obstacles that will block your visions of overcoming your goals. But there will be a lot of motivations your way. Here are just a few things that are common misconceptions of growing up:
1. Paying for your own stuff.
Yes, here and there mom and dad will swoop you and save you for ever paying... for your meals at least. But once you hit the prime age where you have a minimum wage job and going to college, you actually start paying for your own things. Just like college pretty much drains my wallet.
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2. Driving yourself.
Don't get me wrong I love driving myself everywhere and have that independence from my parents. But to be honest, I miss being driven around everywhere and not have to feel responsible for anyone else's life on the road. Nonetheless, it's an amazing privilege to have.
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3. Errands 3.0.
I've been given the torch since I've been home from college and I was given the responsibility to buy lettuce. Unfortunately, I failed miserably and got my mother romaine lettuce. It's actually kinda nerve wrecking having to feel responsible for shopping for someone else. So hello to the food shopping era.
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4. Summer is no longer a thing.
Now we're in the world where everything is connected to money. So ever so often, college student's summer does NOT exist... anymore. Yet we still never fail to imagine ourselves under the nice summer sun shining down on us with maybe a margarita in hand. Honestly, you'll be lucky if you get weekends off. So say goodbye to summertime and just look forward to set vacation days.
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5. Relationships.
Some already have it figured out. Some unfortunately don't. Some will have a total different outlook on relationships that will test your patience on not freaking out on them. Some thought they had it all figured out and came to find out that it all pretty much went downhill as a "freaky chain of events". So all in all, everyone has their different story so do me a favor and don't ever compare yourself from others. You have your own story to write so get on and write it on your own without too many influence from others.
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6. Friendships will literally come and go.
It's true. I use to get butt hurt over friendships that escalated so quickly, but the truth is we're at the age where we're all just trying find ourselves and looking for those that will never leave our side. We're all trying to make something of ourselves and not fall in deep oblivion.
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8. Babies, pregnancy or death.
After you walk out of high school, your life will change. No more waking up at breaking dawn to catch the school bus, no more pretending to be someone that you're not, and no more annoying bell schedules. But the thing is once you walked out of those doors, reality comes. And it's true, some of those people that you once knew will either have kids, currently expecting or dead. That's just the ugly truth I guess.
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9. Alone time is actually crucial.
I don't know what happened but I enjoy the company of myself more than being around too many people. I like the quiet and I like the feeling of being relaxed. I love my Netflix shows, and after a long day of classes believe me you will appreciate those moments.
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10. You're on your own.
Parents and relatives will always be there supporting you and cheering you on the further you go in life. That's a complete given. But truthfully, you're on your own out there trying to get through THEIR own journey too. Sometimes lives collide for a reason that may be left unanswered for a long time, and sometimes some will just stay and make your life worth living.
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Looking back, I still remember the times where I would nag and whine about the day where I'm finally off to adulthood. And boy do I wish I could take it back now and slow the time down just a little bit... enough for me to savor the easy days. But in all reality, growing up isn't so bad. No one says life was gonna be easy, and there's definitely no handbook on how to do "adulting" gracefully.
Just take it easy and enjoy life as you go. Maybe it doesn't hurt to stop and smell the roses every once in awhile. Sometimes working a little too hard is good for the heart, and sometimes working a little less is good too. Either way, just try. Because doing a little too much of something isn't living, don't be scared to try out new things as well, darling. Trust me, it'll be pretty.
