The day you turn 20, there is one thing you look forward to most, and that is turning 21. I have called ages 19 and 20 the Tuesday and Wednesday of ages in the past, knowing Friday (21) would be the best. There are so many thoughts that go through the head of a 20-year-old as they approach their 21st birthday, and they go something a little like this:
1. I will finally be able to drink!
This one is obvious, and perhaps the most exciting part about turning 21. Whether or not you’re a big drinker (I myself am not), you are finally able to have a glass of wine with dinner or try all those fruity cocktails that you’ve been wanting to try for years. For me, I’ll be content with being allowed to sit at the bar with my parents.
2. Will I want to go to bars when I turn 21?
If you’re anything like me, you are the type who loves to be in bed by 10 or 11 so they can get a good night’s sleep. When I turn 21, there will be friends who want to go out drinking at bars, and maybe you’ll elect to go with them one night or just to one bar, but you know deep in your heart even though you are 21, you might as well label yourself an old lady. But guess what? That’s OK! If you want to go to the bars, that’s OK too! Whatever you decide is OK, and as a 21-year-old, you now legally have the privilege to make that decision.
3. You realize you’re most likely the baby of your group of friends.
Having a later birthday in August or September is torture when you’re about to enter your 21st year of existence. All your friends can happily — and legally — order drinks at a restaurant, and you’re sitting there like, “Yes, can I please have an ice cold water?” It didn’t bother you so much when only one person was 21 or when no one was yet, but now that everyone is except for you, it’s super annoying if you want a drink. Even if you don’t drink, it’s just nice knowing you could order one if you wanted to.
4. What will I do for my birthday?
Regardless if you want to do nothing at all, like relaxing the day away or want to go out and party all night (first legal drinks), this question will go through your mind at one point or another before the big day. Whatever it is, you just hope it goes the way you want it because you deserve it.
5. I am becoming a real adult.
Turning 21 is the last major milestone of being a young adult, which means bigger and better things are coming. You are now allowed to do most “adult” things like play the lottery and be allowed in a bar, but most of all you are seen as more mature and are respected as such.
6. I am grateful for all who got me to this day.
From my parents to the rest of my family, present and past friends, every person I’ve ever interacted with has had an effect on my life. Each person has put their mark on my life on this Earth and made me the person I am on this birthday. Thank you to everyone who has made an imprint on my life.
7. This is the time to really think about the future.
This is the time where you’re thinking realistically about your future; whether it’s school or going to work or anything else, you’re thinking about what you want your future to look like. You’ll finally start thinking about the answer to the question asked by every family member, “Where do you see yourself in five years?”
8. It’s so weird to think about the fact that in our parents’ generation, they were getting married at our age, even a year or two after that having kids!
Our generation is one to put marriage off until our late 20s or early 30s, but there are a lot of parents who got married and had kids in their early 20s! There are still young adults my age getting married and having kids, but it seems a lot more are waiting to tie the knot. Being 21 means that we could be married with kids in the next 10 years. That’s insane to think about.
9. Now that I’m getting older, I know who my true friends are.
It can be easy to get caught up in drama caused by toxic people in your life, but through all of it, you know who your real friends are. The real friends are the ones who have your best interests at heart and will always have your back no matter how much you speak to them or see them because they’ll always be there somehow. Turning 21 is a milestone most people like to celebrate, and they want the people they love most by their side.
10. Just one more year until I can sing “22” by Taylor Swift.
Admit it, you have always wanted to sing that song on your 22nd birthday! Regardless if you’re a T-Swift fan or not, “22” is the anthem of your 22nd birthday, and now that you’ve turned 21, the new countdown begins!
