Haha, if the title sounded slightly accusational I assure you it isn't, it's a question I'm asking generally..
Over the past few years, I longed and longed to turn 18. Naivety led me to believe that once I was of age, everything would be different - I wouldn't need to live at home, I'd be treated completely different by adults and more respected (yet feared) by children - a literal separation of the "men from the boys". I also thought somehow I'd have more money, and that age would allow me to be a lot more independent.
Change. For years and years I wanted change.
And to a certain extent things did change, but it certainly wasn't down to blowing out eighteen candles last year. Yes, I did leave home, but only temporarily as it was for university. Yes, money is much more acquirable once you're older, but only if someone decides to take a chance on you and give you a job - I can't count the number of times I was rejected before I got my first job. Yes, you do gain a little more respect than your 17-year-old self could garner, but that's mostly by the outside world as they recognise your age actually means something. Your parents will still see you as their little boy or girl (I reckon) until you are financially secure and are able t move out. Or get married. Or something. I can only imagine that's the case at the moment.
Being an adult is much, much more than being a certain age, you'll sadly come to understand. Realising maturity is a process and not a state, is one of the many hurdles you will need to jump before you can even begin to approach adulthood. Putting 'needs' above 'wants' is the second. And the third, etc? Haha, I really can't tell you. I won't go into too much depth on this subject, sadly as I can't. I'm still learning, - still growing. But hopefully by offering insight into the matter, you can grow with me.
It's all a process. Don't hate yourself if you're not where you thought you'd currently be.
Christina x
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