You left high school as a young eighteen-year-old. You thought that you were an adult, but oh were you wrong. Thinking of being an adult is a whole different mindset than actually being an adult. For one, you have to start acting like an adult; that moment came for most of us when we entered college. College has become the place where have not only expanded our mindsets but expanded our maturity to where we can finally say, "Yes, I am an adult." However, you realizing it and having no recognition for it is not okay. It's good to be told that you are maturing and doing well in this found lifestyle, because of the truth is you are.
When nobody recognizes your achievements, it makes not only you as a person feel bad, but that you are not doing the right thing to be recognized for. Little do you know you are slowly starting to regress back down to the way you were and making the same decisions you were making at another time in your life and you are left where you once were before. Yet, you cannot let yourself get this way. You must pull through that feeling and know that you are doing this to better yourself and the people around you.
First, realize that its okay to make a few mistakes along the way. Nobody is perfect, and it takes time to fully understand how to live in this type of lifestyle. For seventeen years we have had someone else taking care of us, now that it is time to be on our own, it's a strange new world. Because of the complete shift of this different lifestyle its okay to make mistakes, just know that you will do better next time. For example, if you buy the wrong set of detergent at the store, buy cabbage instead of lettuce, or spend too much money one month, know how to fix it and apply it to the following months away. It'll be okay.
Second, if you are confused or have problems it's okay to talk. Find someone to talk to that has been through your situation or that is going through the same problems as you are. Not only do these people probably have the same experiences, but they also have tips and solutions to get over the humps of life. These solutions can help you in the future and learn how to fix your mistakes. Also, these people are your friends. Find a family member, friend, sorority sister, or even a counselor at your school. They are here to help you no matter what and for anything that you need so don't hesitate to ask.
Third, if you feel like you are not getting recognition, tell someone. Again, it's okay to tell people how you are feeling. It is actually proven that if you do not have someone to communicate to, the more likely that you will regress and not be able to handle the issues at hand. So talk to the people you feel comfortable with. I talked to my parents about paying for a portion of my credit card bill, I bought my own groceries, washed my car inside and out, and dealt with a recent speeding ticket/defensive driving. Not only were they happy that I accomplished these things, they told me how they proud they were of me for being so mature on handling these things on my own.
Just because you try to do things on your own, does not mean that you shouldn't be alone. You deserve the recognition that comes with it and the friendships that you can make with having people there to support you and always remember, you are doing good and you deserve to be told so.
