You may be considered a legal adult at 18, but realistically, you became an adult much sooner than that. You probably get continuous comments of “You are really mature for your age,” or “Wow, you’re only __ years old?” The truth is, you grew up way too fast. The reasons could range anywhere from an impoverished home, finances, being the oldest sibling, neglect, or even bullying. For whatever reason it may be, your childhood and free-spirited years of being a careless adolescent got cut short. You didn’t choose to grow up faster than everyone else, though — you had to.

1. Prioritizing is your thing.

The tough decision between going out on a school night or studying for your next exam really isn’t that tough at all. It’s quite simple. You know what you want, but more importantly, you know what you need. Opportunities get put on a list, are processed, and then are arranged in order of importance all in about 0.5 seconds. It’s truly a skill.

2. And, boy, does this make you one heck of a planner.

I’m not talking about the “planned your entire wedding on Pinterest” kind of planner either. Your whole life has been (or tried to be) mapped out. Lists are your religion, and spontaneity probably gives you hives. You know exactly what your game plan is for tomorrow, and most likely a year from tomorrow as well…

3. From recess to resume.

You feel like you missed out on your childhood. One day, you were swinging on the playground during recess, then the next, you find yourself applying for any job you can that accepts a 16-year old’s resume. You blinked and you had responsibilities. Now, you long and thrive to go back to what you missed. You want that sleepover you didn’t get to have. You want to run through the sprinklers one last time. And, you want someone to tell you again “don’t worry, you’ll understand when you’re older.”

4. You're overly concerned about money.

Security is something you yearn for and need in your life. So, you work. To others, spring break may mean a luxurious trip to Mexico, but to you, it means a chance to pick up extra shifts at work. As much as you may want to spend your money on a new spring wardrobe, you probably just tuck it in your savings because you know it has a greater purpose, and you’ll thank yourself later.

5. They just don't understand.

Your whole life, you have struggled with relationships — friendly and romantic. You matured very early, but most people your age haven’t. So, sometimes your friends just don’t understand that you can’t go out every single weekend. While they view certain recreational activities as invigorating and rebellious, you view it as something that can go on your permanent record. It’s hard to sympathize, and especially empathize, with others. And, you have probably lost a lot of friends because of it.

6. "Don't worry about me."

You don’t know how to put yourself first, and when you do, you feel brutally selfish. You know you’ll be fine, because you have taken care of yourself your whole life. You would move mountains for others, when sometimes they wouldn’t even walk 10 steps for you. But, you do it anyways, because that’s just what you know. And, when someone actually takes the time to invest in you, it’s completely rare territory that unfortunately makes you feel uneasy and cautious.

7. You can't help but be jealous.

As much as you don’t want to admit it, you are a little jealous of the people who got to fulfill their youth. Who got to be careless and free without the fear of any repercussions. Who didn’t always have to be so independent and mature. You’re envious of the kids who got time-outs as a child, because their parents actually cared. Or the people whose parents paid for their college. Or the students who get to be just that — a student. Not employees or adults.

8. "I'm fine, I'm just tired."

You’re tired all the time, and may not know why. You actually got eight hours of sleep last night, so why are you so exhausted? Stress. It’s a powerful thing. Your body is tired and emotionally drained, and you had no idea — but then it hit you like a ton of bricks. Your mindset and conviction don’t really give you a chance for reflection. But, those dark circles become permanent, and you have created a new emotion -- “tired.”

9. You're thankful.

Yes, you were the one who dressed yourself for school, who made sure you did your homework, who pays for your own things, and who takes care of yourself when you’re sick. But, you’re also one heck of a human being. You are a strong-willed, relentless, and striking individual who knows what it takes to make it in the real world. Your short upbringing has fashioned a long, and worthy adulthood full of opportunity, fortune, and perspective.

So thank you, childhood, for being cut short. I’m now ready for the world.