This weekend, in honor of our one-year anniversary, my boyfriend and I decided to go back to the place we went one year ago: the Du Quoin (Illinois) State Fair. As a southern Illinoisan, I used to attend this fair every year growing up but, until last year, hadn't been since I moved up to Waterloo in high school. Last year, the fair was still pretty enjoyable, but this year, we both realized that it's just not what fairs used to be when we were kids.

1. The rides make you sick.

Like, I seriously think I’m going to throw up sick.

2. The carnies are super aggressive about getting you to play their games.

And they have no problem insulting you when you say “no”.

3. You start paying more attention to the people than the games and rides.

The fair brings out all kinds.

4. Everything is super expensive.

Especially now that your parents aren’t paying for everything for you.

5. The amount of kids running around without supervision bothers you.

Where are your parents?

6. The smell of the food makes you kind of sick.

Why would a taco need to be deep fried?

7. None of the game prizes are the least bit alluring.

In fact, it makes you cringe at the thought of having to drag it around.

8. It’s actually pretty hot to be outside all day.

Even in nicer weather, you’re still sweating.

9. You get bored about an hour in.

Well, this was fun.

10. You’re old.

In short, you’ve become your parents.