You’re getting older every year, but somehow you still don’t feel like an adult? That’s how it is for many people. And in fact, there are several reasons why it may feel that way to you. We’ll tell you.
As children and teenagers, we expect that being an adult feels really cool. So big and independent. You can do whatever you want, have your own money, a job and a family. Everything should change with your 18th birthday. But then: nothing. Okay, yes, maybe training or studying starts after school. Then a job comes. Yet despite these remarkable strides into adulthood, we still think to ourselves, “I’m actually still a kid.” This can be the case at 20, 30 and even at 40. Why do we not feel like adults despite getting older and more mature?
1. Social changes
One reason for this perception is that society is changing, but the age-related entry into adult life is not. We expect to feel grown up when we turn 18. In the past, people were already thinking about family planning at this point, a wedding, children and buying or building their first home shortly afterwards. Today has happened this point in time has been pushed back considerably. A comparison of the average age of buyers of a first home makes it clear: in 1981 it was 29 years old, in 2022 it was 36. And although it is completely contemporary, legitimate and in some cases good, the way these social changes are affecting our lives remains still the idea of not being an adult until certain stages of life have been reached.
2. Your preferences have remained the same
In addition to society’s perspective, another possible reason why you don’t feel like you’re growing up is that your interests haven’t changed. Do you have the same style of clothing, taste in music and still your favorite sport from your childhood, It can lead to the assumption that you haven’t grown up. It’s not a bad thing if you’re still passionately pursuing the same thing – that shows stability and true passion.
3. Adults are taller and wiser
Finally, your feeling of not feeling grown up probably depends on your interpretation of adulthood. For many are adults who are taller, smarter and more experienced are. But let’s be honest: aren’t there always people like that? And is it really this comparison that makes you an adult or not an adult? Probably not. Instead, it can help to focus on specific characteristics. Sense of responsibility. Independence. (Financial independence. Just because others seem more adult to you doesn’t mean you aren’t an adult too – because some of these characteristics certainly apply to you too.
Sources used: psychologytoday.com, nar.realtor, businessinsider.de