I've always been called, and considered myself, an "old soul". But there are many, many things that remind me that I am DEFINITELY not an adult yet and still a 16-year old teenager. Here are some of 'em:

1. My Music Taste

While movie scores are fabulous and worship music is my jam, my occasional soiree with bands like twentyonepilots, Panic at the Disco, and Fall Out Boy remind me of the little teenaged rebellion housed inside (even though twentyonepilots is right up there with my worship songs too. Different league than the other two by so much for me.) I just listen for the sound and the beat and the passion- reasons that are totally not on par with my usual "all about the meaning" self. Doesn't mean I won't belt "The Good, The Bad, and The Dirty" while driving, though. That's still totally going to be a thing.

2. Driving is Scary! Ah!

Have you driven?? Well, maybe you have, but OMG! Humans are crazy people. While I tell myself that driving is kind of like a video game, the fact that driving is still a full-focus thing for me is a definite reminder that I'm not quite grown up yet. (Also that I still do the "L" finger thing to remember which way is left when turning. I can't do directions, a turn signal, and keep a solid 40mph speed ALL at the same time just yet!)

3. My Use of Text Talk

Yes, I'm one of those people who uses brb and FYI in verbal speech. It's easy and I'm admittedly lazy sometimes when it comes to words so y'all can't stop me. It's just a lingo I've grown up with and sometimes it's just a saving of breath. Which I'm all for! But it's definitely something that makes my 16-year-old self stand out in a room full of 40yr olds... Oopsy!

4. My Tolerance (or Excess Of)

Dirty jokes- I've heard them. Cuss words- been there too. Angst and hormones- felt it all it seems like. I know some people my age are still sensitive to these things, but for the most part, we grew up with it. We may not like it (or maybe we do), but we don't really get too hot and bothered if we hear an f-word or two. I heard it like 10 times a day during middle school, so it really isn't that bad to my ears anymore.

5. My Video Game Preferences

It's just a fact, most of my game involve violence and killing people. I grew up with that sort of game being a thing. And while I know it's not something I'd EVER do in reality, I don't mind a good Hitman episode as entertainment. Not all adults hate this sort of thing, but it's definitely a view more common with younger people. Not all games NEED violence, nor have it, but I can't say I bat an eye if the goal is assassination. Sweet kills are some of the best feelings! (And Party Hard- nothing makes your gaming heart gush quite like when the golf cart runs over 30 people out of the 50 you have to kill. It's pretty legit.)

6. My Vocabulary

Legit. Fab. Fam. Like. I talk like a teenager half the time. It's a fact of life. I can't be immune to everything of my age group (sadly. Which brings me to my next reminder!)

7. I Constantly Try to Prove I'm Not Like Other Teenagers

I feel like all real teens try as hard as possible to NOT be teenagers. And we fail SO hard. I can say all I want about my age group, but I'm still one of them. We aren't great, but we aren't horrid either. I try to dress like someone who has it all together, or get an adult-ish bag, or avoid topics that are common amongst my peers, but that doesn't change the fact that I'm just as awkward, confused, and angsty as anybody else my age. I still wear sweatshirts and galaxy pants, Hot Topic still makes me do "Ooo"s and "Ahhh"s (and then another "Ah!" at the price tag so...), and I may not up with the trends- but crushes and colleges still easily come up in my conversations.

8. Tax Talk Goes Right Over My Head

My mom WORKS with tax money ALL day as a CPA. I grew UP with the lingo and I still have no idea what any of it means. Right over my head. All of it. Everytime. So any time my parents and cousin start discussing 401K's and income tax, I have no idea what's really going on. I can talk about world history and psychology- but taxes? No entiendo. Ingles por favor, ingles!

And there you have it! 8 things that remind "Miss Maturity" that I'm still an awkward, learning teenager- just like anybody else. Anything that reminds you of your teenagership that I didn't mention? Let me know in the comments below!!