I guarantee when you were younger, you couldn't wait to grow up, right? The idea of living on your own, eating cookies for dinner, not having your parents tell you what to do sounded so amazing! Well, while you can do all of these when you're an adult if you live on your own, it's not all fine and peachy like it was in your head. People tell you to cherish your childhood, because you'll miss being young as you grow up, but they also don't tell you much else. Even though I am not much of an adult, I still feel I know enough to pass on to younger people.
1. You may outgrow friends you've had for most of your life, and that's OK.
Sure, it sucks. It's not what you're used to, but look at it this way: you're making room for new friends and memories. Embrace these changes, as they'll pave your future.
2. It's OK to be alone!
This goes along with friendships, family, and romantic relationships. You don't always have to be with someone, or have a boyfriend/girlfriend and as you move out and on with life and school and a career, you'll find yourself alone. But this is also when you spend time with and find yourself more.
3. Don't be afraid to ask for help. There's nothing wrong with asking for help!
This point in your life is a learning time for you, you're not supposed to have all the answers. Reach out to older folks for help if need be.
4. Even though you're supposed to have your life together, it's OK not to know what you want to do.
(See above.)
5. You don't have to be strong 24/7, 365 days a year.
You're human. Don't be afraid to show emotion if you're sad or frazzled. Just because you're a grown up and have people looking up to you, doesn't mean you're a superhuman who isn't allowed to show/have feelings.
6. You'll secretly miss your parents telling you what to do when you have those moments of inner turmoil where you don't know what to do.
Whether it's having to make dinner yourself or getting out of a bad date or getting drinks with your old roommate, or even calling the dentist to cancel your appointment, you'll long for the days where your parents picked up the phone and handled your business for you and made you eat those home cooked meals like a personal assistant.
7. Not everything in life is set in stone.
Be prepared for constant changes. Adult life is constantly changing, and life throws you a curveball when you're not looking; just be ready and accept that change is a part of growing up.
8. Putting your well-being and yourself in general before others will be beneficial to you in life.
That doesn't mean you should abandon—or not take care of—people...just take care of yourself first. It's not rude or bad. Because how can you be expected to function, live, or do anything for anyone if you're not taking care of yourself first?
9. Rejection and mistakes are normal.
You can't always get a gold star, but at least you tried.
10. Literally everything you do/need/want/etc will cost you money... lots and lots of money.
Start saving early! You'll thank me later when you have enough money for those cute boots because you saved and didn't buy all those curly fries at lunch.
11. You have to keep moving forward and push yourself if you get stuck, or else you'll stay there.
No matter how much work it takes, or if you don't want to, keep going. Even if you struggle, you have to go forward!
