“As a child, I assumed that when I reached adulthood, I would have grown-up thoughts.” — David Sedaris
I turned 20 last week, and I have come to realize that things are about to change real quick. I’m in that awkward in-between age where I am considered an adult, but I am not legal to drink (well, at least in this country).
I used to think people our age had everything figured out. Boy, was I wrong ...
1. Making your own doctors appointments is scarier than you'd think.
It usually goes along the lines of "Mom, I do not know when I'm free. I do not know what's wrong with me. I can't do it. No, I refuse," or, "No, I'm actually feeling much better now."
2. I learned the hard way that the trash doesn't empty itself.
The push-it-in-as-far-as-possible method only works for so long.
3. Your mother is no longer your maid, so you actually have to start cleaning your room.
Do you remember when you first moved into your dorm room, and it is clean and well-decorated? Yeah, me neither.
4. Cooking.
Sometimes I like to trick myself into thinking I am going to try a new recipe. Then, I remember why it is called Easy Mac.
5. Growing up sounded like a good idea until it happened.
"No, the Bills don't suck! Go Buffalo!"
6. Everyone expects you to get a job right after college.
My main question is, "How do I even apply for a real job?"
7. You can't have it all.
Sorry, but your parents lied when they said you can have anything you want.
8. Pumping your own gas.
I pumped my gas at the same gas station for a year to avoid embarrassment. Also, I am pretty sick of my money going straight to the tank. I wish that would stop.
9. Waiting an entire year for your 21st birthday.
I do not ask people what their plans are for the weekend because the sting of the answer "Going to the bar" does not hurt any less.
10. Being single
Sorry, Grandma. You are going to have to wait a little bit longer before you can pull out the baby pictures for a boyfriend.
But, hey, congratulations! You have made it through two decades!
The next 10 years will be important years and will most definitely define your life. But chill out, take a breather and remember that these years will be the best years of your life. A big part of being in your 20s is that you may not know exactly where you want to be, or what you want to do, but you may never know until you try.
It is okay if being an adult scares the crap out of you. You are going to make mistakes, (a lot of them) and that’s OK, too. The time to make mistakes and be totally confused is now, so make the most of it!
