I knew I was a grown up when…
20’s
I could stay out all night and go to work the following day unscathed
Random sex was considered a rite of passage
I could buy my own booze and cigarettes
I hosted parties in my own apartment (filled with hand-me-down furniture from mom)
I used drugs to escape my flaws
30’s
Tried to stay out all night but called I sick to work the following day
I moved far away from my hometown
I got my own place – with all my own furniture
I fell in love with the idea of who he wanted me to be
Dusting off my dreams was a rite of passage
40’s
The thought of staying out all night makes me sleepy
I look at old photos and can’t believe I smoked cigarettes
Fell in love with the person, not the idea of Love
I am taking action to attain my dreams – realizing no one is going to do this for me
A clean bill of health from my doctor is a rite of passage
Christine Macdonald 
I knew I was a GROWN UP when I got my first car and then my first ticket. Paying taxes too.
LikeLike
I knew I was a grownup the first time they put that squalling little bundle of baby in my arms after I'd labored 22 hours to bring her into this world. To have another soul's life in my hands, mine, to shape into the person I wished for the universe, it was a mind-boggling, instantaneous transformation from hapless girl to womanhood. Still, there are days, more than others, when I wonder if I'll ever feel like a grown-up.
LikeLike
@Todd – Taxes. Yup. That'll do it. @Joann – I love the way you describe that. I am not blessed to have my own children, but do appreciate life-changing experience I imagine it to be. I agree with you about sometimes wondering if I ever feel like one. In many ways, I am still so very much a child. A child who pays taxes!
LikeLike
great post! i still have a long ways to go, but i already like the person i am at 26 way much more than the person i was at 20. i used to be scared of my 30's, but now i think they're going to rock and so on.
LikeLike
Guuuuuurl… your 30's will ROCK. I truly love getting older. I earn every year and wear it like a badge of honor. I never thought I'd say that — but at 41, I am so happy to just "BE". What I love about getting older is the friendships. My girlfriends are my heart – they've been my sisters for over 20 years now. Something to cherish, for sure.
LikeLike
Wait, what? I'm grown up? Naaaah, not me!!!
LikeLike
I knew I was grown up when my parents started laughing at me when I asked to borrow money.
LikeLike
I knew I was a grownup when… When? Oh, when will I know if I am a grownup? I think I do a pretty darn good job of pretending. I mean I carry my own load. But I don't really want to be a grownup… yet! I guess when I realized that I was a grownup at that point when just because I felt like doing something and was in a position to do it didn't mean that it was a given that I would. There were other things to take into consideration.
LikeLike
That's just the thing. I'm not sure I am yet. I have all the trappings of it but it still doesn't feel real. 26 and I feel like I am just coming into my own. I love my life and everything I can do and my singularity and freedom. I'm not sure I will ever get to that "I knew I was grown up when" point. I hope so, but I don't know.
LikeLike
@Midnitefryfly – Hahaha! Love it! @Christopher – A perect comment. So true….@IT – Ahhh yes, having options and deciding things on our own. One of the many perks of being a grown up. :)@Boomka – I remember exactly what you are talking about. Trust me, you will say / do / overcome / live through experience / write — something that will make you say "wow. I am a grown up". It's a weird feeling, even now at 41. 🙂
LikeLike
Holy shit I was a burnout from pot smoking from mu middle teens to about age 30, finally I smartened up. Can't believe how much life passed me by while I was in the clouds…Secretia
LikeLike
I hear you sister. Try five years of Ecstasy…10 years of coke…
LikeLike
I'm only 42. I'll let you know when I finally realize I'm grown up. haha 😉
LikeLike
ooh,ooh..I like this type of game!I knew I was grown-up when…when..when..uh…..um..To be honest with you, I don't think I will EVER grow the fuck UP!
LikeLike
I knew I was a grownup when I got married. The first time. I REALLY knew I was a grownup when I got divorced for the first time, ten years and four kids later. Heh.I've been perusing your blog. You write well. Best of luck to you with your memoir. I feel like you're going to find a great audience for it.
LikeLike
I realized my parents were just people like me.
LikeLike
Thanks for adding me.I am still in my 20s, well I am 29. I feel like I still have a lot of growing up to do.
LikeLike
I knew I was a grownup when the clothes I used to wear still remain in my closet yet would probably feel more like butt floss if I ever tried it on.
LikeLike
…when at age 17 I was doing my mom's income taxes. We were poor, lived on less than $10,000 a year, and she'd never done them on her own. Having divorced my father who always took care of the bills and taxes, I had to step up. Wow, this was enlightening.
LikeLike
I knew I was a grownup whenIt was a pivotal moment and I really remember it!20s, having lunch with buds, I'm in the ladies, washing my hands, combing my hair, looking at myself and it just HIT ME! I was a grownup. Bam.Christine! I hadn't thought of that in a long time.
LikeLike
Wow these are all great. Isn't is true – it really IS an eye opener!?!Every time I pay my bills there is a part of me that thinks "uh, bills", but there is that other part that feels all grown up. It's a good feeling. Also, when my kiddos (friends kids) come to me in the middle of the night when I am baby siting) because they had a bad dream…. I tuck them back in and hold them close… tell them I am not going anywhere; that makes me feel like a grown up! 🙂
LikeLike
Over from Secretia. Having my daughter alone in my late 30's made me realize that I had to grow up. I guess better late than never!
LikeLike
Over from Secretia. Having my daughter alone in my late 30's made me realize that I had to grow up. I guess better late than never!
LikeLike
I knew I was a grown up when I threw a suprise party for my Mom. 🙂
LikeLike
When I finally do frow up, I'll be sure to stop by and tell you what it was.I'm only 44 years old, it may take a while….
LikeLike
I realized I was grown up when my last parent died… and I realized that I was indeed an orphan… *sighs*~shoes~
LikeLike
held my son in my arms for the first time.
LikeLike
i knew i was grown up when i found a stranger in my mirror and wondered who that person was.
LikeLike
This is awesome!
LikeLike
…for the first time I thought about what I could do to make HER happy. just to see her smile…
LikeLike
That’s awesome, Roger.
LikeLike
Thanks Christine. Too bad she never noticed…
LikeLike