As I lay in my mountain of tissues and try not to cough up a lung, I just want everyone to know all the reasons why having a cold as an adult sucks. So prepare yourself for a lot of complaining, because we all know having a cold makes us rather good at that.

1. You're Your Own Caregiver.

When you're younger, you always have someone to help you out. Whether a parent, sibling, or guardian, someone is there. Need some lunch, cold meds, water, etc? All you have to do is ask. However, when you're an adult, you need to suck it up and get things for yourself. That's where a lot of complaining comes in. I'll be in my room and realize I'm out of water. My throat is sore, I'm coughing, and I need to stay hydrated, but I don't want to get up. So I will continue to lay there, becoming more miserable by the second, all because I don't want to walk to the next room for water. Remember to take cold meds is a process all in itself. Your mind is foggy, and all you can think about is if you're going to make it out alive. Keeping track of what you took when? Yeah, that's not happening. When I'm sick, any sense of adulthood I have goes out the window.

2. You Can't Enjoy It.

When you're younger, the thought of getting sick was actually kind of nice. Miss school, stay in bed and do what you want? That was nice. I remember going to my Mimi's house who would bring me what ever I needed. I had my own set up on the couch and could watch what I want and nap as I pleased. However, when you get older and have to call out of work, or cancel plans, it's kind of a bummer. If I'm going to miss work, I want to actually be doing something other than breathing in my own germs. I lose all energy to do anything productive which just makes me feel worse. As an adult, I feel like I should be doing something with my life. Granted when I'm healthy I don't do a whole lot, but I'm sick I feel worse about not doing anything. Like I took my health for granted.

3. Do I Go To The Doctor?

Part of becoming an adult means making your own appointments. So to begin with I don't want to call because I'm so incredibly awkward. However, I can't move. I've called out of work a few times now, and I can't keep doing that. I would work through the pain, but I work at a daycare, and I'm assuming the parents wouldn't be too happy if I got their child sick. Although, I lost one of my insurances. So not only will I have a co-pay, but there will be a payment for any meds they prescribe me as well. So now the question stands, do I go to the doctors for them to tell me what I know and then pay them and pay for meds that the stuff I get over the counter does almost the same? Or do I just hope I don't die? I opted for the latter. I somehow have made it a week now. Two and a half boxes of tissues, a bag of cough drops, and two bottles of night and day time meds later, I'm doing okay. Nose is almost cleared out, and all that's left is just a very sore throat. Though the cough has made my asthma act up so I still might end up at the doctor, I'm fighting through it.

(UPDATE: Since writing this article I have seen my doctor because I could barely swallow water without crying and I was still miserable. I have a double ear infection and a sore on the back of my throat. So a 20 dollar co-pay and 47 dollars in meds later, I am on the mend.)

4. You Can't Have A Drink.

This one is sort of a tip of the hat to my brother. You see, I'm newly 21. So I'm still trying to enjoy the novelty of being able to drink now legally. My brother has been kind enough to get me drinks every now and again. I can't drink them though. So they're just sitting at the back of my fridge mocking me. I mean, theoretically, I could, but I wouldn't be able to taste it, and the meds I take tell me no. Also, I am a responsible adult so I know that water is best for me and I can wait till I'm better. Though I do want to get better so I can have a drink.

5. You're Lonely And Whiny.

No one wants to be around you when you're sick. They want you to keep your germs to yourself. So you're all alone and cranky. You just want to sleep, but find a good position and getting your nose clear enough to breath is exhausting and near to impossible. You just want someone to take care of you and listen to you complain about how the cold will never end.

6. You're An Adult.

Unfortunately, getting sick as an adult doesn't get you a do nothing day. You're an adult. Which means there is still work, chores, bills, etc. Just because you're sick doesn't mean the world pauses. So you feel crummy, you have to take care of yourself, and you still have to accomplish your daily tasks. Being an adult on its own is hard enough, but added an illness to it, forget about it. I'm calling my mom!

Don't worry too much though, because the cold will pass. If you're sick I feel for you, trust me. Just keep pushing through, and you'll get better eventually. Also, don't be afraid to complain. We've all been there, and I honestly feel better ranting about it all. Stay healthy my friends!