I believe one of the rudest statements someone can use is telling someone to act their age. As every year passes, we are expected to grow up, be more and more mature and do things the right way. Is there supposed to be a rule book for every year of our lives? As I grow up, I’ve definitely matured, come into my own and found out more and more about myself, but never will I be told to act my age. Age is only a number, but the way we act and our maturity is a choice that we make. Being 20 years old shouldn’t define the way I live my life. If I want to stay in all night and act like an 80 year old, I should be able to, and If I want to party all night long like a 17 year old, then I will do so. As we go through life, we should always live first, and remember our age second. Age should never define who we are.

“I don’t know how to act my age, I’ve never been this age before.”

We only live one life, so it is important to enjoy it the way we want to, even if that means not acting our age. At all stages of our lives, we were expected to act a certain way, but I have never let my age define who I am as a person.

Being a college student, we are expected to have fun and party, but also be mature, get great grades, have an internship and just be a well rounded individual. When in reality, I don’t know what I’m doing and still have no idea what I want to do with my life. Sure parties are an essential part of the college experience, but is it so bad to stay in on the weekends, watch Netflix and drink some wine as if you were in your mid 60’s? All I hope is that when I do get to my mid 60’s, that I enjoy my life just as much as I did in college. I should be able to go out on a Tuesday night, even when I’m older, and may not have as much energy as I do now.

Just because we are associated with a number, doesn’t mean we have to abide by the rules of that specific number. “Age is just a number, but maturity is a choice.”