Things That Feel Illegal Once You’re an Adult

There are certain things about adulthood that still feel like someone is going to come tap me on the shoulder and tell me I’m doing it wrong.

For example:

Going to bed at 8:30 p.m. and being genuinely excited about it.

Canceling plans and feeling immediate relief.

Getting excited about a new vacuum.

Having a favorite burner on the stove.

Buying storage containers for fun.

Having a favorite grocery store.

Being emotionally attached to a particular brand of paper towels.

Saying “I have errands to run today” like that’s an exciting Saturday itinerary.

And my personal favorite:

Choosing not to leave the house because the weather is bad.

When you’re younger, you’re like “It’s raining! Let’s go somewhere!” Now? “It’s raining? Excellent. Nobody expects me to leave.”+

There is also something incredibly humbling about realizing that you can technically do whatever you want.

Want ice cream for dinner? Go for it. (my favorite dinner)

Want to spend Saturday reading? Absolutely.

Want to go to bed at 9? Live your best life.

Want to spend twenty minutes comparing laundry detergents? Apparently that’s who we are now.

But adulthood also comes with something nobody really warns you about.

You realize that you’re responsible for your own life.

There isn’t always someone coming to tell you what to do.

Sometimes you have to make the decision.

Sometimes you have to fix the mistake.

Sometimes you have to start over.

And sometimes you have to admit you have absolutely no idea what you’re doing.

The good news? Neither does everyone else.

Some people just have better lighting.

So here’s to adulthood.

May our backs stop making mysterious noises.

May our errands be completed efficiently.

May our homes remain moderately clean.

And may we never underestimate the emotional power of a fresh pair of pajamas and a night with nowhere to be.