Feeling Like an Adult: A Deeper Exploration
The concept of feeling 'like an adult' often raises questions in our conscious minds. Despite having achieved various milestones of adulthood, such as living independently, holding a job, or even raising children, one might still feel like a child at heart. This article delves into the complexities and nuances of this phenomenon, providing insights and reflections from individuals who share similar experiences.
Understanding the Feeling of an Adult
Feeling like an adult is not just about the responsibilities and obligations that come with age. It's a sense of maturity, a psychological state that reflects a certain level of wisdom and understanding. However, this doesn't necessarily align with physical age or external accomplishments.
Personal Reflections on Adulthood
Case Study: Age 24
At 24, living alone with bills to pay and a steady job, one person still feels like a child in an adult's life. They enjoy cartoons and candy, highlighting a persistent sense of childhood joy. The responsibility of adulthood often feels overwhelming, making them feel far from adult. They question, When will I truly 'feel' like an adult?
Age 39
Another individual, nearing 40, feels that they are still in their college years with more life experience. Their mindset remains youthful, despite the passage of time. This leads to periodic indulgences in childhood activities, such as building forts, watching cartoons, and playing video games, emphasizing the enduring sense of innocence and imagination.
Adulthood as a Never-ending Journey
Others may never reach a point of feeling fully adult. For individuals in their 20s and 30s, there's a persistent sense of youthfulness, even when they are in their thirties. Once, during their teenage years, they felt old; now, as adults, they feel like children. This is a common sentiment, especially when life circumstances allow for such indulgences, highlighting the elusive nature of true adulthood.
Age 28
One person in their late 20s still feels like they are 18 or 21, reflecting a sense of youthful mentality that persists despite the physical growth. Even hanging out with younger individuals reinforces this feeling, leading to the conclusion that one's sense of being "adult" or "child" is often set in the early stages of adulthood. Psychological growth and maturity seem to be more consistent over time, providing a sense of continuity and stability.
Age 51
At 51, with a long marriage and grown children, one person still doesn't fully feel like an adult. This reflects a deeper sense of self, where personal joy and the ability to be silly with young children continue to be sources of fulfillment. Though not acting childishly, this individual retains a youthful essence, suggesting that adulthood is not just a milestone but a lifelong journey of personal growth and identity.
Conclusion
The experience of feeling 'like an adult' is highly subjective, influenced by personal circumstances, societal expectations, and individual psychology. While physical and financial independence are hallmarks of adulthood, a true sense of maturity often develops over time. The thoughts and reflections shared here underscore the complexity and richness of the human experience, reminding us that adulthood is not a static state but a dynamic and evolving stage of life.