In the United States, many young adults believe that your 21st birthday is one of the most important birthdays to celebrate and to celebrate with a bang. Yeah, your Sweet 16 is nice because then you can drive, and your 18th is nice because you technically are not considered a fetus anymore, but your 21st is the one that is (supposedly) the most anticipated. Your older friends are excited to take you out to the bar and to brunch, and your underage friends are mourning because they will never see you again on weekends (and some weeknights). As my 21st is just around the corner, I have had time to sit and reflect on what exactly turning 21 will be. Here are 21 (uncommon) thoughts you have before turning 21.
1. Getting a horizontal driver's license
I do not know if all states are like this, but in Pennsylvania, all drivers under the age of 21 have a vertical driver's license. It is an easy way to distinguish who is of age and who is not. I am excited to leave that behind.
2. Not wanting to go out
Unfortunately, my birthday falls on a Tuesday this year. As much fun as it sounds to go raging on a weeknight, I have classes the next day that I can't and won't skip just because I'm hungover.
3. Not trusting your friends
I love my older friends -- I really do -- but I don't trust them to take it easy on me my first time out.
4. Getting ID'd everywhere you go because you "look very young" 
Some people feel like it's a right of passage. I feel like it's going to be annoying.
5. Having to visit the OB/GYN
Ummm, how about no.
6. Only one more year (for some) before graduation
Can I just stay in school forever?
7. Considering changing your major
Since turning 21 usually happens a year or so before graduation, it is the perfect time to doubt all of the decisions you've ever made in life, including your major.
8. Getting a concealed carry permit
If you are from a rural area or are just a huge fan of the Second Amendment, 21 is the age where you can finally apply for a concealed carry permit.
9. Dating
If you aren't dating someone by this point in your life, your family is wondering what is going wrong, and your grandmother is shaking her head muttering something about dying before seeing her grandchildren.
10. Engagements
Sort of similar to dating, but scarier. By this point, your Facebook is all engagements. It seems like everyone -- friends from high school and recent college grads -- is popping the question.
11. One year closer to renting a car
Now that you're 21, you would think that you'd be able to rent a car. Nope. You have to be 25 for that.
12. One year closer to the senior discount
Unfortunately, this doesn't mean the graduating seniors discount.
13. Being considered "too old" 
Do 21-year-olds roller skate? Do they do things like go to trampoline houses?
14. Not being taken seriously
Yes, I might be young, but I also know what I want to do and how to do it.
15. Being taken too seriously
Am I expected to be more mature now or...?
16. Dressing nicer
Another year older, another day of wearing sweatpants to class. Are these acceptable bar clothes, too?
17. Going on vacation with friends
Going on a cruise this spring break with all of your 21-year-old friends? Think again, as I'm pretty sure that one of you needs to be 25 for that. But I'm down with the idea.
18. Reading
Thought: Once I'm 21 I am going to start reading the classics and more "mature" novels. Reality: I'm still going to read YA novels.
19. My coworkers won't baby me so much
It's probably a lie. Plus, happy hour with a bunch of older people doesn't sound like that much fun.
20. Getting your own apartment
Again, a lie. Unless you work a ridiculous amount.
21. What if your birthday doesn't live up to your expectations?
But then again, what if it does?
