Ah, 22 has finally rolled around and you are feeling it. You have been alive for 2.2 decades and life has taught you so many things. Never mix alcohols, always drink water and don't forget to floss. But now that you are 22, so many new things are going to happen, and you just have to prepare yourself for a crazy ride.
1. You have graduated
Your student life is over and you are officially a college graduate. Unless you have not graduated yet, and, in which case, you are depressed that your student life isn't over yet. Stay strong!
2. And you're having anxiety about what's next
Whether you are graduated or not, you are freaking out about what to do next. Big girl/boy job? Do I really want to major in this? Is my life going anywhere? Why isn't there a book about this?
3. You are an adult
18 is technically the start of adulthood. 21 is more adult-y. 22 is full on adult.
4. No more manager checkout at Total Wine
Finally, you have passed that 21 year-old stump where everyone is constantly eyeing you because you are on the cusp of adulthood. Unless you are baby-faced and in which case I apologize.
5. The Facebook cleansing
Finally going through all those party pictures and deleting them because of potential employers. If you haven't done this yet, this is a sign to do it now.
6. Taylor Swift is your newfound spirit animal
That is if she isn't already. You will find yourself singing "22" at least once a week and no one can blame you for it because, hey, you are 22.
7. You will lose some friends
When you are trying to get your life together, you can't go out every Friday and text every single second. You will have some "friends" who will take this personally and write you off. It's not you, it's them. Stay positive and know that you aren't losing someone special if they won't stick next to you.
8. You will find out who your true friends are
This is said all the time but it's the truth. Your true friends will stick next to you and understand the struggles you are going through. Instead of writing you off, they will bring you a big bottle of wine, which brings me to...
9. You will probably become a wine-o
Your days of chugging vodka shots are long over, (all right, not really) and you will find yourself having a glass of wine every night with your dinner. Whether it be the five buck chuck at Trader Joe's or that delicious box-o-wine from Walmart, somehow wine will creep into your weekly shopping list and that's totally acceptable.
10. Say goodbye to Forever 21
After turning 22, you start looking for nicer clothing. Forever 21 was your forever go-to for the past few years but now it's time to upgrade. Not just clothes though. Seek out lasting electronics, shoes, makeup and relationships. Don't waste your time or money on fickle things.
11. Your metabolism slows down
Ugh. This dreaded time has finally come at last. All those late night Mickey D's has finally caught up and now you have to be careful. Remember about investing? Invest in some nice running shoes and get healthy.
12. Everyone is getting engaged and/or pregnant
It is constant. You thought it would end in the Christmas of your 21st year, but no. Now it's at least three people per Facebook/Twitter/Instagram visit. You're happy but saltier than a Salted Caramel Mocha.
13. You start reading people a lot better
People will constantly come in and out of your life at this point, but you will be able to see their intentions a lot easier. The past 21 years have prepared you to see horrible people a mile away. Now is the time to use that gift and don't waste your precious time on them.
14. "No" becomes your best friend
You are done constantly trying to please everyone because you realize you don't have to. Dumb dates, awful friends and cheap purchases. You have a better sense of what you want and you don't feel guilty about trying to make your life better for yourself. It is OK to be selfish right now because you will be living with yourself for the rest of your life. Why not make yourself happy?
15. You gracefully can handle both the "adult" and "college" scenes
You can explain to your younger friends how to slay an interview and then tell your older colleagues what "slay" means.
16. You don't cringe as much when you look back at your awkward years
Nostalgia won't bring back as many painful memories and you realize that you learned from those mistakes (and awful haircut choices).
17. Say goodbye to your grudges
They won't matter anymore and you will realize how trivial all of that really is. You won't worry about what that girl said in high school. You don't think about that guy who broke your heart your sophomore year of college. Those people don't matter anymore because you are starting a new chapter of your life.
18. You're a time management pro
Time management was something you practiced in college but now you are perfecting it. Managing work, paying bills, keeping in touch with friends, and making new ones is a lot of work but you can do it.
19. The early bird gets the worm
Sleeping in isn't much of an option anymore with your job, but that's all right. If you wake up a few hours before your alarm, take that time to go out on a jog or to just enjoy the quiet of the world in the company of a new book.
20. Time to get serious
The next person to come into your life might be "the one." It's acceptable to still be single right now but don't be surprised when the next person you are with wants to get serious. For most people, the time for jumping around is almost over and there are those who actually want to start settling down. Just make sure you don't settle.
21. Adios 21
Last year is last year. You have grown so much from 21 and now it is time to shine. The past years have given you so many lessons so start applying those to your life. It's never to late to turn a new leaf!
22. Hello 22
A new year always has a new promise to it. Despite what everyone says, older does mean wiser, you just have to use that knowledge. As a new 22 year-old, only look to the past if you are trying to better your future. You can't move forward if you keep stepping back. Embrace that you are 22 years-young!
Bonus: You miss your parents
The past 21 years you have been trying to get away from them and be your own person, but now, you just want to hug them. You never know how much longer you have with your parents so take advantage of the time you have with them. Ask them questions about how they got through their 20s. Hug them longer. Call them everyday. Let them know how much you love them and don't be afraid to show it.
