Some people think there's a magic age you enter "adulthood." That when you turn 18, you all of a sudden prefer a salad to chicken nuggets and doing taxes to watching Nickelodeon. Well, some people never quite change, despite facial hair or the ability to rent a car. Sometimes we hold onto these childlike fascinations, and that's nothing to be ashamed of. Don't know if you've grown up? Well, here's a few signs:
1. You have a creative imagination.
You're able to turn anything into a game. Who ever said that cleaning your room or studying had to be boring? You're always able to memorize those flash cards with a song or have a dance party while sweeping. No task is so dull that it can't be cured with that childlike imagination.
2. You crave and sometimes order children's meals.
Perfect portion sizes, healthier sides (apple slices!), cheaper price tag and a toy? Only a madman wouldn't go for that.
3. Naps are needed in your daily routine.
"Adulting" all day is exhausting. Taxes. Responsibility. Sometimes you just need to rest your eyes on your couch. On your desk. The city bus. Wherever.
4. You get excited over animated films.
I mean, who wasn't excited about "Finding Dory" coming out? These are good-natured films among a chaotic world, and they must be protected.
5. You love playing outside.
Do games of kickball excite you? Do you ask the teacher if you can have class outside? Kids who never really grew up are probably more likely to use any possible excuse to go outside.
6. You have optimistic tendencies.
Kids are often taught that everything is OK in the end. You may be more likely to look at things with a "glass is half-full" mentality. Which can save you a lot of unnecessary stress and worry.
7. Dirty jokes make you giggle.
Let's be honest, "That's what she said" jokes and dirty punchlines are weaknesses for people other than Michael Scott from "The Office." Every time we hear something that would make our grandmothers gasp (or at least roll their eyes), we find the deepest satisfaction.
This is just a few things that encompass being a forever-kid. When you keep that kind of spirit, it grandly affects everything you do.
Growing older is something we can never escape. While you may still feel like that four-foot-four little kid trying to go on the Snoopy ride, the attendant will likely stop you, and honestly judge you a little bit. Nothing can stop the progression of age, but only you can diminish that childhood spirit that makes you who you are.
Sometimes maturing is recognizing and embracing your own immaturity.
