Let's face it--growing up sucks. Having to be self-sufficient and take care of yourself sucks. Unfortunately, we all have to do it, and there are some seriously scary parts. The worst things about becoming an adult are some of the most minor. Here's what I mean...
1. You have to make your own appointments.
If you're anything like me, you always make your friends call for the pizza or make the reservation. But your friends can't schedule your dentist appointment for you. Things were so easy back when my mom would schedule the appointment, drive me there, and sit in the waiting room with me. Now, I pick up the phone with sweaty palms, white-knuckle the steering wheel on the way there, and nervously shake my leg in the waiting room by myself.
2. Learning to stop blowing your paychecks on dumb things.
It happens to the best of us: you get a paycheck and promise yourself to deposit it or spend it on essentials. It's going well, too! Until you realize that you really need a new foundation. And a beauty blender. And a few liquid lipsticks. It's okay, payday is in two weeks!
3. Cooking for yourself.
Except for those rare occasions when BuzzFeed cooking videos bring out your inner Wolfgang Puck, making meals for yourself is a drag. If you can't throw it in the microwave, eat it cold, or it's not ramen, count me out.
4. Filling out any important documents.
90% of paperwork I have to fill out or confusing emails I get are forwarded to my management team. And by that, I mean my dad. However, he is starting to give me the "you need to start figuring this stuff out on your own" line. Dad, I still struggle with the 8 times table and I only memorized my social security number last month. Please help.
5. Being responsible for yourself.
It's not even that you don't want to clean or do laundry, finding the time to do it is half the battle! It's all fun and games until you realize the garbage is overflowing and you have no clean shirts.
6. When you realize that life has hardened you.
I often find myself wondering, "When did I become such a pessimist?" As you grow up, certain experiences have a way of hardening you. You stop fantasizing about what could happen, and start preparing for the unfortunate inevitable.
7. Feeling out of step with the younger generations.
I never had one of those "Holy shit, I'm old." moments until recently. It started with the Pokémon Go craze. Between that, the Harambe jokes, the "Musical.ly" videos, and "The Juju Challenge," I feel like I can't relate anymore! Sometimes, I feel like Hillary Clinton when I try to talk to middle schoolers.
