Adrian Volenik
Adulthood is something most of us stumble upon. We wake up one day and realize we’re not getting any younger and now have to actually earn money to survive.
Yet, even faced with these facts, some people act like children. They don’t have an adult bone in their body even when raising one or more children.
So, which one are you?
Well, there are some obvious and less obvious ways of telling whether you’re a mature and responsible adult. Here are some of the best ones.
1) You have respect for rules and laws
I remember the days when I thought rules were there to be broken and that almost every law and regulation was “bendable.”
Since then, I have wisened up a lot and now actually appreciate rules and wouldn’t break them even when I got the chance. Well, 99% of the time.
So if you recognize the importance of sticking to societal rules, laws, and ethical standards, you show how responsible you are.
And, of course, respecting the laws of your community contributes to a safe and orderly society. Otherwise, the whole world would be like Florida.
All kidding aside, let’s move on to the next sign.
2) You’re choosing a night in over a night out
Remember the times when there was nothing else you wanted more than spending a night out? You lived for the weekend and dreaded going home from parties.
Those were the days nights!
But now, if you’re anything like me, you prefer staying in. This preference for a quiet night in signifies a shift in priorities.
You’ve come to value relaxation, quality time alone, or intimate gatherings with close friends over the hectic energy of a night out on the town.
Of course, not everyone goes through this shift. My parents, for example, who are in their 70s, now go out more than ever.
Every weekend is another chance to dance, eat, and drink. I wonder if I’ll be the same as them one day.
3) You’re solving problems independently
Resourcefulness and the ability to tackle challenges head-on are also signs of maturity. You don’t shy away from problems but approach them with a solution-oriented mindset, seeking ways to overcome obstacles.
For example, your car suddenly breaks down on the way to work. Instead of panicking or waiting for someone else to handle it, you assess the situation.
You call for a tow truck if necessary and make arrangements for repairs. You might also take the initiative to learn basic car maintenance to prevent future breakdowns.
4) You enjoy DIY projects
In the past, I’ve never really enjoyed DIY and didn’t have a knack for it. But now, I find myself spending weekends browsing through home improvement stores, discussing the pros and cons of different paint colors, flooring options, and DIY projects.
What about you? I bet you can’t get enough of home renovation and interior design shows.
You’re probably diligently taking notes and applying some of the tips and ideas to your own living space.
Your pleasure in DIY projects reveals your resourcefulness and creativity. Whether you’re building furniture, crafting home decor, or tackling minor repairs, you take pride in your self-sufficiency and the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing these projects.
5) Regularly cleaning out your inbox
Most adults I know don’t have thousands of unread emails, and they label most of the mail they get.
Finding satisfaction in maintaining a clutter-free email inbox, regularly unsubscribing from newsletters you no longer read, and organizing your messages into folders is another sign of maturity.
But inbox isn’t the only thing you’re cleaning.
6) Excitement over a clean house
The moment your living space is clean and organized, you experience a unique sense of achievement. You admire your handiwork from different angles and revel in the tidiness of your surroundings.
The windows are streak-free, and the floor is so clean you can eat spaghetti off it. If only you could force yourself to deal with that closet that’s your Achilles heel and overflowing with needless things, that would be perfect.
Maybe next Saturday. You’re not going out on Friday night anyway.
7) You’re excited about home appliances
We recently moved into a new apartment. And I can’t describe to you how happy I was choosing what dishwasher, microwave, or even toaster to buy.
If your enthusiasm for home appliances goes beyond their functional purpose, congratulations, you’re now an adult.
You’ve learned to appreciate the convenience and efficiency they bring to your daily life.
And you might find yourself discussing the distinctions of different vacuum cleaner models with your friends, and the thought of a robot vacuum might actually excite you.
It’s what we adults do. For better or worse.
8) You help others grow
Sharing your knowledge and experiences to help others develop is another sign of emotional maturity. Mentoring, coaching, or offering guidance shows that you value the growth and success of those around you.
If your younger siblings or family members look up to you, you strive to set a positive example by making responsible decisions. You know your actions influence their own paths.
Or when a friend looks for your opinion on a project or creative endeavor, and you provide thoughtful and honest feedback that helps them refine their work.
With your feedback, you show that you care about their growth and development.
9) You have enthusiasm for grocery shopping
Another surprising sign of adulthood is having enthusiasm for grocery shopping. Yup, you heard that right.
Instead of considering grocery shopping a chore, many mature people come to enjoy it. They take pride in carefully selecting meal items, comparing prices, and sticking to their shopping list. Exploring the grocery store’s aisles has become an adventure, and you’ve become a savvy shopper.
Does that sound like you? And what about this next thing?
10) Plants are your new best friends
I sooo want to take good care of plants. But neither I nor my wife are good at it. All the indoor plants turn for the worse as soon as they cross the entrance to our apartment.
But caring for houseplants is another sign of maturity and adulthood.
As a plant parent, you’ve embraced the responsibility of nurturing and caring for plants.
You’ve developed a genuine attachment to your green friends and might even find yourself talking to them, celebrating their growth, and occasionally worrying about their well-being.
I just hope you’re better at it than me.
11) You’re thrilled about organizing stuff
The satisfaction you get from organizing spaces in your home is undeniable. You revel in decluttering, reorganizing, and giving everything its designated place.
Labels, containers, and color-coded systems are your allies in this quest for a tidy and well-organized environment.
But still, you can’t seem to organize that one closet full of stuff. It’s your dark secret.
12) You appreciate a good parking spot
And lastly, we’ve come to the most important thing on this whole list.
The high you feel when you find a prime parking spot near your destination is a simple pleasure that speaks to your practical side.
As a responsible adult, you value time and convenience and understand the value of a well-located parking spot. You must have earned it!
There’s no other explanation. It was Godsent.
And if anyone tries to get it before you, you’re prepared for a Mexican standoff like George Costanza.
Final thoughts
What I realized early on is that most adults haven’t figured it all out. Most of them still have the same mindset they had when they were 20, only with more responsibilities.
So if you’re hoping that now you’re a mature and responsible adult, things will get somehow easier, I have to disappoint you.
