5 Ways to Act Like a Grown Up...Without Having to Grow Up

There are many things about me that scream "grown up!" For example:

-I've been married for nearly a year

-I enjoy quiet nights at home over 3 am get togethers

-I pay bills. A lot of them, in fact

-I work at a job where I am (for some unknown reason) considered a "professional" in my field.

-My social life is quickly and quietly slipping away with every fictional novel, every fun craft idea, and every 5 am alarm

Nevertheless, there are an equal (if not greater) number of things that guarantee my position in non-grown-up world for at least a little while longer...

-I am am still categorized as a "young twenty-something"

-I am a full time graduate student (even though by "full time," I mean a mere 9 hours)

-I still wear my sorority shirts, Nike shorts, and Chacos on a nearly daily basis

-I refuse to iron anything that comes out of the dryer

-There is not a single gray hair on my head (and trust me, I've looked)

-I have no desire whatsoever to own a house, have a baby, learn to sew, plan a family reunion, buy a minivan, or learn the defintion of an IRA

In light of this paradox, I must admit that I rather remain a kid. Nevertheless, it is important that I don't look like a complete nitwit, so I've been doing a few fun and simple things to make me feel like a grown up without having to sign my life away to the other side. 

Ladies and gentlemen, here are my TOP FIVE ways to act like a grown up...without having to grow up.

5. Plant Flowers

My snapdragons. I've also got some lillies & a ficus.

 Planting flowers tells the whole neighborhood that you mean business. Doing so forces a little bit of responsibility on you but ensures minimal guilt if the plant that you are attempting to care for does in fact kick the bucket.

4. Grow Veggies

We're growing basil, strawberries, & tomatoes.

This doesn't only make you feel like a grown up...it might make you feel like a grandparent. But that's okay, it's a fun experience, and it could save you money on groceries if you've got a green thumb.

3. Put Up a Bird Feeder

Our feeder sees a lot of cardinals & finches.

What better way to act like a grown up than to be in charge of feeding something besides yourself? If you're super nerdy, you can even learn about the birds that frequent your feeder.

 2.Take Up Baking

Kyle's favorite, my marble pound cake.

 Being in the kitchen...especially in the company of butter, sugar, and flower, creates the illusion of maturity and responsibility, and it always results in either yummy goodies or funny stories.

  

1. Get a Dog

Our 100% adorable Aussie-Sheltie mix, London.

 The best way to feel like a grown up? Take care of someone other than yourself. This could include having a baby, of course, but let's face it...dogs are way easier. I may be a little biased, but getting London has been one of the best "grown up" decisions we've ever made.