People Share Things That Teenagers Don’t Realize Will Suck As Adults
Do you remember what it was like to be a teenager? You had an awkward body, your skin was atrocious, and your entire social world walked in your high school halls. As much as you thought you knew back then, there are many things you didn't realize until you hit adulthood.
Reddit users shared the things that teenagers never really understand until later, and they hit the nail on the head.
Yeah, What's Up With That?
You'd think that, since you have fewer days to inhabit your apartment/house in the month of February, the rent might be a little lower, but that is definitely not the case.
It's Much Harder Than You'd Think
As a teenager, I thought cooking meals was easy. However, you never really consider how you have to plan grocery shopping around the future and then actively work to prepare three meals a day. It's exhausting.
It's Not As Fun As You Think
Of course, you are allowed to do whatever you want, but there's always the question as to whether or not you can afford it. A trip to Bora Bora seems fun until you realize it will take a full month's pay.
Time Is Not Your Friend
I spend every single day wondering where all the hours went. Between working, taking care of responsibilities, and doing basic things like eating and exercising, you have about 30 minutes to yourself every day.
It Didn't Hit Me Until It Did
I didn't really realize that my parents were getting older until I was in my 20s. They start talking about their health concerns, shrinking with age, and growing gray hairs, and suddenly, the idea that they won't be there forever sinks in. Excuse me while I cry.
It's A Double-Edged Sword
On one hand, it's nice to have full control over your life choices, time, and money. On the other hand, it's horribly terrifying to not have someone else to guide you.
It Never Stops Being Dirty
You cook a meal, so you wash all the dishes, clean the countertops, and scrub off any caked-on food when you're done. Then, only hours later, you do it all again.
Food Spoils So Fast!
When I was a kid, I kind of just took it for granted that the fridge was always full. When I hit adulthood, I realized that fruits and veggies are expensive, and I literally can't afford to let the raspberries grow mold.
It's Either The Back Or Neck
When I was a teenager, I could get knocked over multiple times during football practice, run five miles, sleep for four hours, and still feel perfectly fine in the morning. Now, sitting at the wrong type of office chair for a couple of hours will ruin my week.
Friends? I Have, Like, Four
When you're in school, you get to see your friends on a daily basis simply because you're in the same building Monday–Friday. Maintaining friendships and making new ones is much more challenging as a grown-up.
Money Doesn't Have The Same Value
If someone gave me $1000 as a teenager who lived in her parents' house and only had to cover the cost of my phone bill, I would be ecstatic. As an adult, a $1000 paycheck makes me stressed about my finances.
You Have Less Time For The Things You Like
After taking care of all of my responsibilities during the day, I end most nights being too tired to really do anything I really love. I just watch Netflix or browse social media mindlessly for half an hour until I pass out.
What's My Age Again?
I genuinely had trouble keeping track of my age starting in my mid-20s, and my ability to remember how old I am has only gotten worse with time. Someone could say I'm 36 and I'd blindly believe them.
You Really Don't See It Coming
I remember in my first year of college, I would go to parties, get home blackout drunk at three in the morning, and then still wake up for my 9 a.m. lecture without getting a headache during the whole day. Now, three beers in one night will ruin my entire next day.
We DO Have Food At Home
When you're a teenager driving past the Wendy's and your mom rejects your request to hit the drive-thru, you think she's being unreasonable. As an adult, I will barely ever splurge on fast food or delivery.
Bro, Listen To Your Dentist
When you're a kid, you think that the occasional cavity is fine and that you don't really need to floss every night: This is my PSA to all young people: take your dental health seriously!
I've Had Sleep For Dinner A Few Times
The unfortunate reality is that you're the only one who is going to look out for yourself on a daily basis. If you're not willing to do something, no one else is going to do it for you.
Existing Is So Expensive
Nothing in life could have prepared me for the moments that I had to buy bath towels, an area rug, and bedsheets and realized that these things don't each cost, like, $5.
Have You Ever Had Years Blend Together?
As you get older, you have more experiences and memories to keep track of as well as a more consistent life schedule with less drama. Time really can just blend together.
There Is No "Right Time" For Anything
Until you're 18, The big events in your life are driven and put into place largely by governments and parents and teachers. Adult life doesn't go as planned: you might not graduate, get married, have kids, or advance your career when you originally thought you would.
My Poor, Poor Body
When you're young, wounds heal easily and you think your body will be top-notch forever. As you reach adulthood, you start having aches and pains, and they only get worse with age.
Squidward Was Made For The Parents
As a kid, you naturally identify with SpongeBob, who likes to have fun and mess around, while Squidward seems like a mean, boring person. Then you get older and realize you are Squidward.
Annoying That It Works Like That
One of the worst things about growing up is that common phrases and advice you receive makes no sense until you have the misfortune of experiencing the thing they warned you about.
Metabolisms Are So Rude
It's so cruel that our metabolisms are so fast when we're kids and teenagers so we get used to eating a lot of garbage, and then bam! you're 30 and so much as looking at a burger adds 5 pounds to your gut.
It's A Me Problem, I Guess
When you're a kid, you can always grab an older sibling or a parent to help you out when something goes wrong. As an adult, it's all on you to figure out why the toilet won't flush.
Clear Skin? Yeah, Right
We need to stop acting like acne goes away once you reach adulthood because, frankly, my skin was better when I was 17 years old than it is now, and all I used to do was wash my face with soap.
It's Not As Easy As You Think
All the films and television shows make it look like, if you hate your job and life, you can easily just quit and live out your dreams. In reality, the bills keep coming and it's not always feasible.
This Is The Biggest Con Of Adulthood
Even though I have absolutely no aptitude for teaching and I think that I would fall apart if I had to manage a class of kids, I seriously thought about becoming a teacher just to get the summer off.
You Just Have To Rise To The Occasion
The reality is that, in many ways, I'm still the same procrastinating, anxious guy I was as a teenager, I've just been forced to push through it to get by. It does get easier over time, though.
We Wouldn't Take It Back, Though
As much as I talk about hating adulthood, I would never ever submit myself to being a kid or teenager again. Being an adult is infinitely better than being young, and it really does get better with time.
