In our teen years, we think we know everything there is to know about the world. We often find ourselves at odds with our parents and other adults as we try to gain our independence and figure out who we are. It’s only when we get a bit older that we see things through different eyes.
Redditor _glovelover_ asked users over on_ Ask Reddit_ to share the signs they’ve grown out of being a teenager, and it was both refreshing and enlightening to see how much their answers reveal about true maturity.
1. You no longer have a problem putting your phone down for more than 5 minutes at a time.
2. You’d rather have fewer, deeper relationships than more superficial ones.
3. You’re able to hold your tongue instead of lashing out when you’re angry or upset with someone.
4. You don’t feel the need to constantly be in a relationship just because you’re afraid of being single.
5. You understand that there are consequences for every choice you make in life, whether good or bad, and that you have to own those consequences (even if it means saying “I’m sorry” or “I was wrong.”)
6. You realize hating your job is not a good enough reason
It’s not always easy to tell when you’ve officially graduated from being a teenager. You can’t exactly mark it down on your calendar, nor can you point to a specific moment and say “this is it.” Some people seem to get stuck in their teen years forever, while others grow out of them pretty quickly.
It’s also possible that some people aren’t even aware that they’re no longer teenagers. There are so many different experiences that could signify the end of your teen years, but sometimes those signs are so subtle that you don’t realize it until much later.
That being said, we asked the Reddit community what they thought were the biggest signs that you’ve grown out of being a teenager and made the transition into adulthood. Here are some of their responses:
Gone are the days of borrowing your mom’s car, and living off of Ramen Noodles. You now have to worry about things like retirement, house payments and a significant other.
Here are some signs that you are all grown up, according to Reddit:
1. You look forward to the weekend so you can sleep in until 6:30 a.m., instead of getting up at noon.
2. You no longer spend your Friday nights binge drinking with friends, because you want your Saturday to be a productive one.
3. Pretty much every Friday night is spent Netflixing it up with a glass of wine in one hand and a pint of Ben and Jerry’s in the other.
4. You’ve replaced Google Images with Google Maps for looking at places around the world, because now you actually get to go there!
5. You can’t remember the last time you wore glitter eyeshadow and neon pink lipstick, since you traded them in for sensible neutrals that actually match your clothes.
6. You know what the word “investment” means, and it doesn’t refer to the latest gossip about celebrities on E! News.
7. Your phone is filled with apps like Mint and BillGuard, so you can
The teenage years are a tumultuous time when people start to figure out who they are. Though everyone has different experiences, there are some commonalities that come with growing up.
We asked the r/AskReddit community about the small things that signal you’ve grown up, and people shared their stories. From getting your first apartment to saving money for retirement, here are 21 signs you’re no longer a teenager.
You get excited about buying new cleaning supplies: “Buying Clorox wipes and dish soap because I’m so excited I can finally clean my own place.” —u/DolledUpDreamer
You start worrying about your future: “When you start caring about your pension.” —u/catharsis_on_me
You actually save money: “When you actively try to save money instead of just spending it on video games.” —u/heretostayyy
You can cook for yourself: “When you can cook something other than ramen or Kraft dinner.” —u/mkaisossurprise
You don’t need to sleep in: “When sleeping past noon is no longer an option.” —u/whyisthissotough__
You care more about comfort than style: “Wearing sneakers
Teenagers are known for their “I’m too cool to care” attitude. They’re also notorious for loving gross things, hating school and being obsessed with social media. Sounds about right? Us, too. But what happens when you’re no longer a teen? How do you know when it’s time to grow up?
We asked our readers at Teen Vogue to tell us what they think are the signs you’re no longer a teenager — and how they knew it was time to grow up. Turns out, no longer getting carded is one of the first signs. Even though you might still want to buy alcohol!
When I turned 21, I was so excited because I was going to be able to go into the bar or liquor store by myself and buy drinks! And then I realized that my friends who were older than me didn’t really do that anymore. I thought maybe it was because we weren’t in college anymore, but then my mom (who is in her late 40s) said she had never been into a bar alone. It made me realize that I was growing up!
You’re ready to give up on your dream of being a YouTuber. You’re finally over the first person who broke your heart. You stopped posting long, emotional paragraphs on Facebook. You realize carrying something like a bottle of water or an umbrella is easier than trying to get by without one. You stopped watching Keeping Up With the Kardashians. You schedule appointments with your doctor, dentist and hair stylist instead of waiting until you’re sick or having a major crisis like a broken tooth or split ends. You no longer buy clothes just because they’re on sale. You have enough self-awareness not to make out in public places anymore.
I used to be obsessed with having my nails done,until I realized one day that I didn’t want the upkeep anymore.