When Do Teenagers Become Adults?
Start writing a post
Student Life

When Do Teenagers Become Adults?

Do I consider myself an adult or not?

5701
When Do Teenagers Become Adults?
google.com

Legally in the United States, 18 is the age when a teenager becomes an adult. Those said "adults" either go off to college or out on their own in the real world. But if we are being honest here, the "adults" really aren't adults yet. When do we fully become adults? I know that, even though I am 19, I do not really consider myself a full adult. I don't do taxes, I don't pay rent or cable so when can I consider myself an "adult"?

I have been a legal adult for about a year and so far I still don't know what makes someone an adult. Are you an adult if you have someone who depends on you? Or are you an adult if you are financially and emotionally stable, because if that is the definition then there are people in their 30s who are still not technically adults. I can tell from personal experience that while going to college it is clear that just because your license says 18 doesn't mean that you actually have what it takes to be independent.

Trying to actually adult is much harder than it looks and let me tell you it just plain sucks. You have to spend your own money now, no more asking your parents for gas money or money for Chinese food. Now if you want Chinese food you have to either save up your money for Chinese or wait till the cafeteria has it for lunch one day. Another good point to bring up is that even though I am technically an adult and I don't feel like one there are people out there who are much worse off than I am. Take those men who still live in their parents basements for example. They don't have any responsibilities except for their online role playing games and what their mom is making for dinner. I know that not all of the guys who live in their moms basement are like that but let's be honest most of them are like that. Those are the ones who are not at all responsible nor adults, so where do I stand?

Going into adulthood is way too hard because you have to basically teach yourself how to be an adult. If you don't know how to do your own laundry, which most of us still don't, then you have to teach yourself and it really sucks. All of these things that categorize us as an adult are just crap because there is no real age that says that you can take care of yourself, only you can be the judge of that. Trying to be an adult is very difficult and I am not quite sure when I will be ready to "adult" but I know it isn't now and I really don't consider myself an adult and I think that no one will ever be ready to dive into the trap that is adulthood.

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

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
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
​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.

100433
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

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments