Growing Up In A Grown Up World:

I feel like I see a trend happening in the culture these days, everyone loves the idea of being independent and free, yet the 20 somethings in my world don't seem to have the ability to be adults. Everyone wants that American Dream right? Some work hard through high school to get to college, hopefully get a good job and be able to get the things that will make them happy. Others go straight to work right after high school getting experience and biding time until they get a job that can support them to make good money and be able to get the things that will make them happy. Recently I purchase a house. So many people commended me for being so young and responsible. When I hear that I cringe. Because it's not my age, I know that for a fact. My sister when they got their first house she was about my age. Shit, my best friend was married at 21, and had a house by 23. She's been married 5 years and although they have waited to have kids, they are investing in their future together. My age isn't the reason people say I'm responsible. Its because I'm single. 24 (almost 25) no boyfriend in sight and I purchased my first house like a real adult. I think I slightly thought thats what I was doing. Growing up, becoming an adult, purchasing my own home... But in reality, I don't act older, I just have to cut my grass once a week and make sure I pay bills on time. SO MANY FUCKING BILLS. What I have realized is rather then our culture thinking of an 18 year old (no matter their living situation) as an adult, the age is slowly getting pushed later and later. I don't want to blame it on the baby boomer generation. But lets be honest, if you are in the 20-30 age range, your parents are probably baby boomers. They are a huge ass part of our country, and they looking at anyone their kids age, as kids. At least until they get married, get a "real" job, or get a permanent living situation. They have these unmentioned markers that must happen in our lives for us to really get in the secret "adult club". No I'm not talking about something sexual, cause God knows 12 year olds are probably having sex now a days. But it's an unspoken right of passage. And to that, I just want to say, BULL SHIT! After purchasing my house the only thing it did was make me more busy. I have more work when I get off work then I ever had living in an apartment, or with roommates in a house. I believe that what I am doing is a good thing. I know this house purchase was a wise thing for me to do. But, in no way did buying a house make me an adult. Adult when looked up online is defined as this: a person who is fully grown or developed. I'm sorry, but there are several reasons why this definition is flawed. First off, if its based on when you are fully developed does this mean mind, and body at the same time? If so, as you get older and your memory goes, wouldn't that mean you are no longer an adult? second, many humans start to go down hill as soon at they hit college. Drinking, late night studying, a more sedentary life style, suddenly having the munchies more often, all play a factor in the human physique going to shit. So again, wouldn't that mean seniors in high school/18 year olds would be some of the only adults in this world? Third, I personally don't believe that one human on this earth would say they have fully developed who they want to be, ever. To say that in any capacity would be saying that you are better, wiser or more accomplished then any other human being in this world. So this is the only point I want to make. No matter how old you are, or how responsible you might be, don't let other peoples options change who you are inside. And on a less serious note, here are some quotes to make you realize being an "adult" means being anything you ever imagined it being! I'm not sure I'm adult yet. Johnny Depp Sometimes I think that the one thing I love most about being an adult is the right to buy candy whenever and wherever I want. Ryan Gosling Adults are just outdated children. Dr. Seuss You're dead if you aim only for kids. Adults are only kids grown up, anyway. Walt Disney Every time I see an adult on a bicycle, I no longer despair for the future of the human race. H. G. Wells