Being an actual adult is difficult. Pretending to be an adult is sometimes harder. Hence, the concept of “adulting”. According to Urban Dictionary, adulting is defined as
to carry out one or more of the duties and responsibilities expected of fully developed individuals (paying off that credit card debt, settling beef without blasting social media, etc). Exclusively used by those who adult less than 50% of the time.
There are some pretty standard things that make you an adult: saving to a 401k, getting your own health insurance, living on your own, etc. However, I have some tips for you to do that whole “adulting” thing and make it look like your life is more put together than it really is.
Use a real planner. Maybe you just get organized with an iPhone app or iCal. Maybe you have a real written planner that you take with you everywhere (Like Erin Condren). Just have somewhere to keep track of the endless Happy Hours, sales, and free events in your life.
Send cards! In your planner, write down big events in your friends’ and families’ lives. I’m talking birthdays, anniversaries, new homes…putting a card in the mail means a lot to the person on the other end. If you’re smart, get a bundle of assorted cards, like this one or this one (48 cards for under $15?!), so you’re never caught off guard.
Buy a reusable water bottle. Not only is this good for the environment, but it’s also good for you! You’re more likely to stay hydrated if you bring water with you everywhere. For me, I’m a HUGE fan of aluminum bottles, so I’m sharing some of my favorites. Seriously, they keep your beverages cold for DAYS, not hours…DAYS.
Invest in real cookware. If you have a really beautiful and wonderful cookware set, like this one from Calphalon, it will make it so much easier to cook! Cooking meals at home is healthier and more cost effective for your adulting life.
Get smart about your spending. Yes, you can still go shopping, but why not make money (or get money back) while you do it? There are great apps like Ebates (with a $10 sign up bonus), Swagbucks, and Checkout 51.
Read books. We all know I have a plethora of book recommendations. Having a recent book you’ve read is a great asset to have. It comes in handy for conversation with new friends or even at an interview. If you have time waiting for a doctor or at the DMV or anywhere, just get the Kindle app. If you have a long commute, try Audible. Fit reading into time you’re already wasting not being productive.
Adulting doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, it’s a nice gateway to becoming a real adult. Before you know it, you’ll be hosting parties where you’ve cooked on your nice cookware, discussing books you’ve read, and sending thank you cards to those who attended. Godspeed, partial-adults.
Note: This post does contain affiliate links, so I may receive a small commission from sales generated.
