I am beginning to enter that weird stage in my life where my Facebook feed is filled with Tasty videos, Spring Break vacations, and now baby photos. BABY PHOTOS! Every time I go on any of my social media sites I see countless wedding announcements, sonograms, and congratulatory posts about getting a promotion at work.
It was not that long ago that all the people I follow were all broke, single, and actively avoiding pregnancy altogether. I still have friends like this, but I see that number dwindle down more and more each day. Is this what becoming an adult means?
I feel that I am still too young to have friends that are getting married, having kids, and thinking about buying a minivan. I am in my early twenties. My friends should be heading to Coachella in their beat-up Toyota Camry they have been driving since high school. Yes, I am an adult with adult friends, and I am entering the realm of adulthood, but that doesn't mean this isn't weird.
The same people that I had seen doing keg-stands, diving off cliffs, and being pulled by a pick-up truck on a boogie board in a flooded street after a hurricane ARE HAVING OFFSPRING! And no, this was not a long time ago. This was September.
(Author's Note: Yes, I am talking about a specific person! He knows who he is. Hi Chris!)
It is strange seeing your childhood and high school friends become actual adults with responsibilities and real-world obligations. It is especially strange when you are the friend that still has not had those same responsibilities and obligations. Unlike my married friends, single parents, and workaholics, I still have nothing tying me down to anything or anyone. I do not have to be home a certain time. I do not have to check in with anyone or worry about not hearing from someone. I am not responsible for the caring, safety, and well-being of a tiny human being--which is great for both me and this metaphorical tiny human’s sake.
So, what does this say about me? Does this mean that I am less of an adult because none of these things are going on in my life? Is my life on the right track even if none of these things are going on in my own life? Is my life any less meaningful because I am not experiencing any of these things right now?
I have decided that the answer is no. Just because my life is not travieling down the same road or at the same speed as someone else does not mean my life is any less meaningless. Getting married, having kids, and buying minivans are not on the top of my to-do list at this time. I have other things and people in my life right now that are higher up on my priority list.
We all travel down different roads in life. We travel at different speeds and get to our desinations in our own time. I can still be happy for my friends teaching these points in my life without have reached those points myself. It’s still weird though.
