10 Ways To Tell You're Growing Up
Start writing a post
Student Life

10 Ways To Tell You're Growing Up

Growing up is inevitable and has some undeniable symptoms.

clareleo
Jan 28, 2019
Syracuse University
529
10 Ways To Tell You're Growing Up
Unsplash

Here are some undeniable signs you are growing up.

1. You do your own laundry weekly without letting it pile up.

A seemingly small feat but the day I realized that I was consistently washing my clothes BY MYSELF was a proud day.

2. Your self awareness increases.

A sense of security in who you are, your likes and dislikes, your aspirations and what you need emerges. While you are still on the path to finding out who you truly are, you notice a pattern in your reactions, who you associate with, etc. Understanding who you are as a person is a liberating feeling, as your independence develops and guides you.

3. You no longer care what others think of you.

Similar to your heightened sense of self, you become less bothered by others opinions. Maybe it is a newfound understanding that what others think truly doesn't matter or a lack of energy/time to care, but you are slowly becoming less enthused with and affected by peers judgments.

4. You treat people with kindness, even when they've wronged you.

Being the bigger person isn't strictly a "grown-up people" thing, but your maturity level improving is an indication of growth. Inevitably, people are going to treat you poorly. How you react impacts you as a whole. Holding onto anger and resentment is draining. Treating antagonists with kindness feeds your soul and allows you to grow as a human.

5. Your life becomes less about posts and pictures and more about substantial memories and appreciating the moment. 

This might not be true for all, but as you get older, you care more about the quality of the moments and less about documenting them. Being present and appreciating your time is a symptom of growth.

6. You drift away from some long time friends.

Outgrowing people is natural. Some aren't destined to be in your life forever. Accepting this is hard, but allowing those to leave and others to come into your life naturally without trying to salvage unhealthy relationships is a part of growing up.

7. You understand how to handle your money and spend (mostly) on items of need rather than desire.

I wish this time would never have to come, but you understand how important good money handling and saving tactics are. More emphasis is placed on need rather than want and you look further into the future to prepare and plan economically.

8. You survived some things you thought you would never get through. 

When you're young, the smallest things seem like the end of the world. When you're getting older, hardships will still prevail. Some even seem unsurvivable. But you will survive and you will be stronger after. Troubles are another symptom of growth. Overcoming is an indication of progress and strength.

9. You feel lonely.

Although seemingly sad, loneliness aids in self-discovery. You might feel like you don't fit in or that you have different values than those that surround you. This doesn't mean anything is wrong with you, but that you are maturing faster than those around you. Or, you simply value different things. Variety is an inspiring asset of humanity.

10. You understand that you don't know everything.

Teenage me would still argue that I do. But as you get older you understand that you have so much left to learn and so much left to experience. You will never know everything and accepting this is an implication of growth.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

Siena College
15545
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
small towns
Relationships

Grateful Beyond Words: A Letter to My Inspiration

I have never been so thankful to know you.

University of New Haven
293130
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Smith College
89988
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
waitlisted
Swoon

Navigating the Talking Stage: 21 Essential Questions to Ask for Connection

It's mandatory to have these conversations.

National Writers Society
152367
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
single life
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

Marist College
62182
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments