The "early 20s" has to be the most awkward age group. Are you really an adult? Do people still consider you a kid? I mean, the age group is pretty much defined as people who are 70% independent, 20% clueless, and 10% in desperate need of Mom and Dad's financial stability. Am I right?
To all my 20-something-year-olds out there, just know that you're not alone. That no matter what existential crisis you may be facing right now, there will always be some things we can all relate to.
1. Having one job is no longer a thing if you want to live on your own.
If you're in your early 20s and can manage an apartment, bills, a car and can feed yourself at least once a day with just one job, you're doing something illegal. There's no other explanation.
2. There’s a constant debate between wanting to find a soul-mate and just wanting a mate after last-call.
You're young and beautiful. Enjoy the single life! Stop searching for love. It'll find you, and until it does, enjoy what life (and happy hour) throws your way. You'll know when you should settle down for the right guy. Don't rush it.
3. Cheese doesn’t settle as well as it used to.
We all know what happens when you have too much cheese. Spare us the smell. Accept that you're not 15 anymore.
4. The need to suck up your pride because you need help from Mom and Dad.
You're a self-sufficient, independent woman until you drop the ball on one bill and then sh*t hits the fan. Thank God for cell phones. "Mom, please transfer $10 so I can eat today. Thanks."
5. Feeling kind of like an adult, and kind of like a really big child rolled into one semi-functioning human being.
Admit it. You don't always have a plan. Some days you don't even have a "pla." You're kind of just hoping for the best at this point.
6. You can’t party like you used to.
7. You may not know where you will end up…and that’s okay.
8. You're probably not starting a family until you're 30.
9. Appreciating nights-in now more than ever.
10. Going to the doctor doesn't happen anymore now that Mom no longer makes your appointments.
Yeah, you may go once a year for a check-up, but whenever you're sick, we all know you're chugging DayQuil and popping Tylenol while pretending you're not dying.
11. Three real meals a day isn't really a thing.
Let's be honest, you're lucky if you can squeeze in a meal that didn't come out of your microwave two days in a row.
12. Sleep rarely comes in 8-hour servings anymore so you live off of coffee.
If you're surviving without caffeine and you're in your early 20s, you're a wizard. Just saying.
13. It doesn’t really matter how old your guy is, immaturity is seen across all ages.
14. Bladder control is already a touchy subject.
15. Friends you thought you'd always have may not have a place in your life anymore.
It's a sad reality to face, but at least losing old friends allow for new friends to come through. They may be even better for you.
16. “ME” time is incredibly important.
You've started to realize that nights by yourself, watching Netflix, and eating ice cream with your favorite boys Ben & Jerry, are some of the best nights you've had in a while. Make sure you continue to have those nights no matter how busy life gets.
17. Calendars are your best friend.
Because Google Calendar is the only reason you're ever anywhere on time.
18. Any cup can be a wine glass.
Mixing spoons can even be dinner spoons, and butter knives can be steak knives if you press hard enough, because honestly, who has time to do the dishes every day?
19. You will probably never fully understand life.
That's okay. Not everything is meant to be understood. Once you accept that, life will get a lot easier.
20. There are silver linings in the midst of all the madness.
You've learned that a positive attitude and hope can go a long way. Remember that as you move forward. There's always something to be grateful for.
Sincerely,
-Another young woman who is trying to figure out this thing called 'life'
