10 Signs You Are Adulting

The act of doing a ‘grown up’ thing comes natural to some. For others, it’s a constant struggle. In fact, according to our not-so-highly scientific poll, only 29% of you actually feel like adults.

‘Fess up: Do you *REALLY* feel like an adult?

— DailyUrbanista.com (@DailyUrbanista) November 19, 2015

While many of us 30-somethings have our shit together, the rest of us waddle through life wondering when we will magically become an adult. Until that moment happens, we are left with shocking ourselves (and perhaps others) with few and far-between moments of “adulting”.

Adulting (v): to do grown up things and hold responsibilities such as, a 9-5 job, a mortgage/rent, a car payment, or anything else that makes one think of grown ups.

After extensive research* I have uncovered these 10 signs you are actually adulting:

1. You actually pay attention to all of the health insurance stuff
Deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-pocket fees, oh my!

2. You read the tags on your clothing
You suddenly realize that doing laundry according to recommended instructions on the garments is actually important. Sorry, machine wash cold…it’s been grand.

3. Discussions with friends have changed drastically
Suddenly, they’ve turned from parties, hook-ups, new jobs, and which (uncomfortable) shoes to wear out this weekend to recommended documentaries, divorces, moving up the corporate ladder, and dying grey hairs.

4. You make friends with money (kinda)
Money issues, while still a grand part of life, isn’t so much of an issue. $10 bottles of wine (instead of Miller Lite), picking up the tab because it’s easier (excuse me, can you split this 3 different ways), loaning $500 to friends (without worry because you’ve solidified the friendships AND your bank account), and buying furniture not from Ikea (but still sometimes get furniture from Ikea because you are an adult now damn it and can do whatever you want).

5. You’ve become “that” older person
Suddenly, you’re compelled to say things like, “when I was your age we didn’t have Facebook OR cell phones”.

*And according to my very scientific Twitter poll:

Growing up is hard to do yet inevitable, but fear not  if you’ve identified with any of these 10 signs you are adulting, you’re well on your way to becoming a real, live adult. Share your favorite signs you’re adulting in the comments and you may be featured in a follow-up post!

Check Out: 30 Unexpected Things That Happen After Turning 30