Part of being an adult is accepting that you are actually a grown up person. You might feel 19 (you certainly don't look it) but you are now a fully fledged member of society and apparently, you've to act that way. There are a few moments in life that really drive this home....
Actually taking an interest in what washing powder you use:
As a child, you didn't give a hoot, your Mam could have washed your clothes in WD40 and you wouldn't have realised, you'd have been happy as Larry. As a student (and well into your early twenties), your choices on washing powder were solely determined on price and value. If you could get a 5KG jumbo box of mushroom scented detergent for a fiver, mushroom was going to be the scent of the month. As an adult person, however, you actually like your clothes to look, smell and feel pretty. You are 'willing to spend the extra few bob' on a decent brand to make sure you smell like fluffy washed clothes. Can you beat that scent? No, no you can't. BANG. GROWN UP.
Having multiple towels:
When I was in college, I knew a lad who had ONE towel. One rotten, ratty towel that probably could have hopped up off his floor and walked out the door itself. He used and reused and used and reused that towel. I may mock now but as a young person, towels are just not a priority. You've better things to be spending your hard earned cash on. Like going out. But now, as an adult, it's an absolute essential to have a decent selection of towels, hand towels, body towels and the very opulent HUGE bath sheets. Have you ever experienced luxury like it?!
Checking your bank balance:
It's been a long month, and you've spent most of it counting down the days until payday. Finally, it arrives and you are UNTOUCHABLE. Donald Trump ain't got nothing on you. If you're heading out, you're doing it in style, new outfit, taxis, drinks for your mates, the whole shebang You spend the weekend living in fear, afraid to check the bank balance, choosing instead to spend more money. You know you've overdone it but you don't want to know how badly. Eventually have to face reality (generally on a Monday morning, horrific) and bite the bullet because you are now an adult and you need money to buy nice washing powder and nice towels. Maybe it's just me but, I find that the best approach the whole thing is to pick a figure WAY below what you actually want it to be and hope that you are pleasantly surprised when you see the balance. In the end, you are only fooling yourself but look....whatever gets you through.
Being sick and having to mind yourself:
As a child, being sick meant being spoiled rotten. You'd be smothered in Calpol, blankets, flat 7up and general love. You'd get to lie on the couch in your pajamas and possibly under a duvet watching daytime TV. As an adult, being sick is a far less enticing scenario. You actually have to mind yourself, haul yourself up, soldier on, actually get dressed, go to the doctors, go to the chemist yourself and make your own meals. NOT FAIR.
You are NOT are good at partying as you used to be:
Yes, when you were younger, you were able to go night after night. We get it. You were maaaad. Now, you are an adult, that is no longer possible. There are a number of reasons for this. You just don't have the stamina anymore, you find yourself tired, weary and wounded by the end of a night and despite yourself, you dream about bed. You may have children. These children will want you and need you. They will scream, they will cry and worst of all, they will need their bums wiped. This does not make for a happy hangover. Welcome to 'Grown Up City'. Population: YOU.
