The age group we’re in right now is a kind of limbo. We don’t quite feel like adults, but at the same time, we aren’t teenagers anymore either. We’ve graduated high school, we’re in college or we’re getting close to graduating college. The fact that we’re still in school kind of makes it feel like we’re not quite out of that non-adult life, even though most of us live on our own most of the year. But when we come home for summer, the inner child still comes out. We still crave the help of our parents. It’s not until you start thinking about how old you’re actually getting that it starts to set in a bit that wow, I’m an adult.

One of the experiences that really makes it clear to me just how old I am now is seeing my old teachers from elementary school around town. I think wow, it’s been over ten years since I’ve been in their class. I saw an old teacher with their child at the restaurant I work at a few weeks ago. While I was in that teacher’s class, their children were toddlers. When I saw them just a few weeks ago, they were all grown up and suddenly it hit me how much time has passed.

And then all of the sudden, friends are getting married, having kids, moving away. Life starts to turn away from the usual school routine that’s been set up for the past decade and a half. You start to realize that you’re really in a different chapter of your life and that is pretty scary. If you’re not already in a serious relationship, you may start thinking about wanting one soon. Maybe you’re focused on work? Finishing your degree? Your early 20s is such a small period of time, but with it comes a huge amount of change and adjustment.