Blink 182 may have said it best when they proclaimed “Nobody likes you when you're 23.” But that’s not fully true…I think. I mean, I’m 23 and as biased as this may sound, I don't think people hate 23 year olds. I think we can all agree that it's just weird to be 23. In between graduating from College and attempting to figure out how to handle every bill known to man, it kinda feels like the time that you either sink or you swim. But hey, it can only get better!...right?
Reason #1 of Why Being 23 is Weird: Milestones
So, if you’re like me, you’ve probably noticed that this is the age of people either hitting a bunch of milestones at once, or none at all. For example, the current record of “We are Engaged!” photos appearing all at once on my newsfeed is up to four, and the record of statuses saying “Life sucks and then you die” after said engagement announcements appear is at five. Even in between the engagements and the angsty posts, there are “We’re Pregnant!” posts and “We’re Married” posts. And then there’s you…posting a meme about how student loans are eating your bank account alive, and then as if like magic everyone who was commenting on the other statuses disappear.
Yeah…sharing your life on Facebook gets a little awkward.
But hey, there’s always a bright side! Your mom and dad will still like your posts…after they’ve called and made sure your post isn’t a cry for financial help, of course.
Reason #2 of Why Being 23 is Weird: #CareerGoals #OrNot
The other beauty of social media is that this magical time becomes the “Who Actually Did What They Said They’d Do” stage. Remember that all A student who said they’re going to be a Lawyer? Well, they kind of got there…but they “found themselves” on their study abroad trip and decided to go live there instead (with their “soul mate”). Oh, and that other kid everyone bullied for being incredibly good at math and random trivia? They’re a lead scientist for a secret federal agency and now their Facebook is “classified.”
With each passing day, the careers change for your fellow peers. But it still can break your heart when you see all these different goals, and yet you feel like yours aren’t good enough. But please keep in mind that everyone has a different path in life! Just because you aren't published, or doing classified work doesn't mean your goals are less important...it just means that Facebook likes to mess with you.
Reason #3 of Why Being 23 is Weird: Bills, and Lots of Them!
Okay, this example isn’t so much weird as it is annoying. No one wants to pay bills…but for goodness sake can the bills take a chill pill? Yes, I know I pay my utilities at the end of the month, but I don’t need six emails in my inbox telling me that the time to pay is getting close. I have automatic withdraw for a reason, so the billing companies will stop bugging me, and I can slowly watch my bank account die in peace, thank you very much!
Reason #4 of Why Being 23 is Weird: You Need Structure
Remember the glory days of when you could stay up until three and wake up at eight, eat every junk food available, and nap whenever you could? Yeah, those are no longer an option here.
With your new schedule and responsibilities, if you did any of that you’d be a zombie attempting to earn a living as you slowly beg for more coffee. You’d be a hot mess, not to mention miserable. Therefore, this is about the time where you learn to buckle down and accept the fact that you like what older adults like; structure, sleep, and healthy amounts of caffeine. I know that may be hard to accept, but that’s part of growing up…you can’t chug those Monster’s anymore.
Reason #5 of Why Being 23 is Weird: Nostalgia
After the work day has ended, and you’ve completed all your chores, you find yourself thinking about how things used to be. You go through some old photos, or you text some friends about that one crazy trip you took during summer break just to be able to laugh about the crazy adventures you’ve had. And you know what, it feels pretty good. Why? Because even though you know the past had it’s ups and downs (and financial responsibilities didn’t exist), you know that there are far better things ahead with the people you love in your life. From getting your own place, to going through your milestones and being there for your loved one’s milestones, you find that life really does get better.
But hey, what do I know? I’m only 23.
