Adulting is just. So. Hard. Sometimes. Why didn't they teach us this stuff in high school? You ever feel like you're just going to fail at all the things when you get out of school? Or maybe you already feel like you're failing at all the things. Never fear! Here are 19 steps to becoming a pro at adulting.
1. How to dress right for different events
This may sound stupid. I mean, who needs to hold to standards set forth by society? But actually, knowing how to dress for different events and circumstances is super important, because it shows that you respect the people you are working with, whose wedding you're attending, who want to hire you, etc. It says, "I recognize that you prefer I dress this way, because these are the circumstances we are in, and I'm going to be an adult about it and follow through with that."
You also may want to brush up on your business and formal wear etiquette. Brown shoes with a black dress? NOPE. Mismatched belt and shoes? NOPE.
2. How to handle your own finances
Finances are soooo complicated. Don't even get me started on tax forms. But it's super important that you know how to manage your money, how to pay off debt (even if you don't have any), how to make deposits. The list goes on, and it can be really confusing, but it will save you a lot of headaches if you learn now!
3. How to get hired for a job
Figure out how to put together a resume, learn tips on interacting with the people interviewing you and know what not to do. Learn to stand out. You'll make an awesome impression on those hiring!
4. How to follow a recipe
Even if you don't like cooking, you should learn some. Eating out is really, really expensive in the long run and generally less healthy, as well.
5. How to vote for local government
Let's face it. The Federal government is a mess. But change starts from the ground up in the local government. You don't have to be a rabid campaigner, but definitely look into who is running for what in your area and what they stand for.
6. Keep your mouth shut, both IRL and online
Sometimes, it's just best not to say anything at all. You've reached real adulting status when you're able to keep your thoughts on something or someone to yourself completely.
7. Learn to host
Hosting really doesn't need to be as stressful as people make it. You clean up, you buy food, you invite people over, you eat said food and talk/maybe play a game, then they leave. If you're annoyed because no one in your squad is suggesting things to do, take the initiative.
8. How to clean
Blah, cleaning. But you know what's worse than cleaning? A filthy apartment you don't want people to look at and that you can't bring yourself to look at, either.
9. Wash and iron your clothes
The reason your white shirts are all gray? You're mixing them with the darks. And did you know you can reuse dryer sheets?
And ironing is important, especially if you're a guy going in a direction where you're going to have to dress up for work. Those wrinkle-free shirts are a lie, bro.
10. Turn off your video game/Netflix/social media
Let's make this simple. One, you don't look at your phone while talking to someone in person. Two, if you have a lot to do, you don't watch Netflix or scroll through Facebook. The next episode, and everyone's opinions on the presidential race, can wait.
11. Talk on the phone
The ultimate introvert nightmare. Why call when you can text? Well, texting doesn't work for over-the-phone bills, interviews and for people who, well, don't text. Just don't think about it too hard.
12. Take responsibility for your mistakes
Suck it up, take the high road and admit it. We mess up. We hurt people. It's a lot easier to say sorry than defend yourself when you know you're wrong, and people will respect you for it.
13. Talk to people who aren't your age
Because it's basically impossible that you'll never have to talk seriously with people who aren't in your age category.
14. Take care of yourself when you're sick
Know what medicines don't go together and which are okay. Keep yourself hydrated and learn to diagnose yourself at least a little bit, because WebMD will probably just tell you that you're dying.
15. Know your table manners
Some people are seriously bothered by bad table manners, even just loud chewing. Be conscious of that.
16. Don't complain
Complaining doesn't help anyone. It can actually make some people who are trying to keep their chin up feel a lot worse. This kind of goes along with #6.
17. How to break up the routine
Adulthood has a lot of routine. Figure out how to have fun and break up the monotony, or even just how to have fun while pushing through the daily grind.
18. How to treat yourself
Treating yourself has to be divvied out and not so frequent that treats really aren't treats anymore. Your budget will thank you. BUT, going along with #17, the little things are often the best things.
19. How to be content with who you are, where you are and what you're up to
Life isn't always great, but sometimes, it really is. To quote the movie, "Up," "It's the boring stuff I remember most." The secret to true happiness is contentment. When you're happy with what you have, and you're thankful for it, you're more likely to enjoy it.
