The Adulting

The word 'adulting' is a relatively new word, encompassing within its boundaries the whole stereotype and some "true, albeit sad" facts of millennial living but at the same time having a patronizing yet very definite feel of 'you'll get there!'. So, what does this innocent verb form of a noun have to say for itself?

The term adulting, if you haven’t guessed the meaning already includes taking on an attitude or behavior that is mature or responsible, 'doing what the adults are supposed to do.' This word assumes that one is not already acting their age and therefore would have to take extra effort to fit in and live their life, being conscious of their incapability. More so, from the numerous Pinterest forums I've come across, it tells you to toughen up and get your life together.

But of course, this word is not altogether bad and combing through several tips on Adulting; I would say that some get you thinking about your take on life in the present. Adulting asks you to make choices earlier in life so that you won't be altogether shocked when you have to live independently and therefore have an emotional breakdown about not knowing how to handle your finances or how to cut a vegetable, having resided on Maggi and parents your whole life.

I suppose it's easier for Indian kids to deal with life, providing that our parents don't stop paying for our everyday items even after college. This is different from situations abroad when Parents usually let their children go after paying for their schooling and college; in some cases, the college debt is also on the child. This can be a major culture shock when encountered in movies and the like. We can’t imagine having to work and pay our bills without the help of our parents even when we’re past the teenage years.

But of course, one day everyone want8s to be independent and would want to support their parents even, for all the love and care that they’ve provided to us since we were fetuses. Taking the initiative to start helping out with housework, learning to do laundry, cook meals, and budget effectively will help you in not only the future but also your caretakers.

Source: lifegoalsmag

Adulting helps you understand and come to terms with leaving behind recklessness and spurt towards becoming a fully fledged person who knows it's time to fly out of the nest and build one of their own. It can start small and slowly include tasks like opening a savings account or even a Fixed Deposit once you start earning. Making health your priority by regulating your sleep cycle, exercise, and diet would mean that all-nighters should be a thing of the past, and taking appropriate vitamins should be on the menu.

As you get older, social connections also have to be maintained, so if you live away from close relatives like your grandparents, a call at least once a week or twice is a way of showing your affection as well as regard for them. Acquiring skills like driving, investment, and learning how to communicate effectively will be critical areas, and even if you are an introvert like me, it becomes incredibly essential that these skills are consciously developed.

Adulting doesn't have to be a specialized area if you learn to handle tasks and stay consistently proactive about your future, which is scary enough but you'll come to terms with it if you try. The Washington Post labeled adulting 'sexist' armed with the theory that it makes women not advertise their real achievements on social media by pressuring them to display the arbitrary ones like learning how to buy dinner plates with the hashtag #adulting. I disagree and feel that one’s perspective is what matters in such cases.

You are allowed to feel good if you take any step at living more responsibly and so if you feel let down at this stage of your life, you can always be conscious about it and start getting it together. It's difficult, but surely not impossible.