I said the same thing that almost every teenager said, “I cannot wait to grow up and be on my own.” Now that I am 20 and on my own for the most part, I regret wishing I was older. At the age of 20 I have taken on several responsibilities I never thought I would take on this early. But I did and I am so happy with where I am in my life.

I signed a lease with my boyfriend of a year. We signed a three-bedroom, three-bathroom town home together. It was way too big for us, but had no other choice at the time. We also got a lot of furniture from his side of the family because they were moving. My boyfriend and I have a leather couch with two leather recliners. We have over 50 plates and bowls. Around 50 utensils, a dining table that seats 6 and a breakfast nook. We also have a bedroom set that costs a lot, as well as a Tempurpedic California King bed. We also have multiple UNC antiques that are priceless. My boyfriend and I live better being in our early 20’s than some people do in their 40’s.

With a lease comes bills and rent. Granted, both of our families help out with our rent which I am more than thankful for but we pay rent. We also pay bills and pay for both of our cars. We pay for food, gas, things for the dogs, things for us, etc. I really did not see myself having to save up money for bills at the age of 20 but it is the choice I made. I am the one who washes the dishes and does the laundry. I am the one to pick up around the house and make the bed. I make sure lights are not left on, TVs are off when not in use, and we use water only when needed. I make sure that all doors are locked before leaving or before going to bed. I turn the air off when going away from the home for multiple days and checking that everything is turned off.

My boyfriend had a dog when we first met. She was about one and a half years old. However, three months into our relationship we decided to get a puppy together. She is almost a year old and is a huge responsibility I never thought I would take on at the age of 19 and 20. I feed her twice a day, take her outside many times, play with her, give her love, train her, and make sure they have water on a daily basis. Though many shoes and socks have been destroyed I still love her to this day and have learned to not leave that sort of stuff around. She has made me more mature and responsible for taking care of something other than myself.

I never thought at 20 I’d be this responsible.