Eventually, there comes to be a point in every 17-year-old’s life where they brace themselves to cross the fine threshold that separates their previous years of childhood from the shining future of adulthood. Aside from the obvious changes to come such as graduating high school and becoming a legal adult, the newly-titled 18-year-old is presented with a number of opportunities that were previously unavailable. For those preparing themselves to take the next leap on the social clock, here are 18 possible actions that can soon become a part of your life:
1. Buy fireworks
Gone are the ridiculing days of sliding money under the table to your friends every 4th of July. Being an adult means you can purchase explosives all on your own- no discreet exchanges required.
2. Vote
Now that you’re an adult, you’re legally allowed to have a say in the political process. It looks like your opinions do matter after all.
3. Run for mayor
Not only can you finally have a say in the government, but you can also become the government. If a cat can do it, why can’t you?
4. Adopt a child
You may have just graduated from child status yourself, but that can’t stop you from becoming responsible for someone else’s childhood.
5. Buy a lottery ticket
If you’ve pegged your only chance at fortune on a stroke of luck, then this is your chance to start gambling for it.
6. Get a tattoo
Now that you’re of legal decision making age, you've been granted the right to place indelible ink patterns in your skin that your parents will resent for a lifetime.
7. Get a piercing
Ears? Tongue? Belly button? The choice is yours.
8. Buy spray paint
Being a legal adult also means you are a trusted member of society, and have absolutely no desire to go on a birthday celebratory graffiti rampage…
9. Stay out all night
Luckily for you, there are no more government-enforced bedtimes. Go ahead and satisfy that 3 a.m. Taco Bell craving, no one can stop you now.
10. Change your name
If the past 17 years have had you wishing you were someone else, now is your chance to act! You’ve left the years of your childhood behind, why not start out adulthood with a fresh persona?
11. Book a hotel room
Ever wanted to take a trip without the looming threat of parental supervision? Being an adult means that not only can you travel to an exciting destination, but you can do so right out of your own pocket.
12. Adopt a pet
So maybe the whole becoming-a-parent thing wasn’t for you. Not to worry! There are plenty of animals out there whose love you can now obtain with your newfound adult status.
13. Go to nightclubs
The closest you’ve probably come to a nightclub up to this point is awkward basement parties and school dances. The new world of partying, however, will come with fewer chaperones and much less teenage angst.
14. Start a business
If your entrepreneurial dreams have long since surpassed babysitting and lawn mowing, then you’ll be happy to know that turning 18 grants you the ability to obtain a business license.
15. Get married
Now that you’re 18, you don’t have to let parental disapproval and social stigma stand between you and true love (but just in case things don’t work out, divorce is an option, too).
16. Obtain a credit card
It doesn’t even matter that you’re young and poor because now you can buy whatever you want and deal with your life decisions later.
17. Own a weapon
If you’ve ever dreamt of mastering the art of the samurai sword, becoming an adult might just be a dream come true.
18. Move out
