How do you act like an adult????

Question

I'm 21 and have been having problems with people saying that I'm not an adult or that I dont act like one!!! I have a full time job and pay my own bills and basically take care of myself. I thought thats what was considered an adult but I guess I was wrong!!! Can anyone explain to me how you act like an adult and what is it that I'm doing wrong?????

Answer 1

Sometimes it's the manners and things you say that can be immature.

Answer 2

You know, there are always going to be people older than you. I’ve seen a 90 year old call a 50 year old a kid. They don’t mean any thing bad about it. They’re just at a different stage in their lives and they have wisdom that you don’t. When you get to be their age, well they’ll have aged too and they will still have wisdom you don’t.


Also, some people do like to act that way (there are jerks at all ages) and it dies down a little in your min-twenties. It sucks when you look young for your age, because it lasts much longer. You may just look young for your age (I do a little – I’m 25 and people always think I’m 20). I just have to brush it off when people act that way.


You might as well get over it, because there is nothing you can do. Act as “adult” as you want, they’ll still do it because they feel 21 is still a kid. Tell them it bothers you, they’ll do it more.


Try asking what the magic age is to become an adult.

Answer 3

There are other ways of acting like a child other than having bills to pay and owning your own home. If you play alot and pick at someone you know then you're acting like a child. If you whine alot and get upset and throw temper tantrums, then you're acting like a child. When you're acting like an adult then you take care of your responsibilities, you don't let little petty things (like someone passing you in line at a grocery store or someone not calling you like they should have) get to you. You can handle the world and every body's opinion about you when you grow up and become an adult.

Answer 4

Well these days it is hard to find an actual adult,Most "Grown-ups" act like snot nosed sniveling little brats themselves.But in my opinion to be an adult means to stop wanting to go out and play with all the high school chums and to focus on building a rock solid financial future.To drive responsibly knowing the more you beat a vehicle the sooner the parts are going to break down.Saving the spare change in a bank account knowing tomorrow the bottom could fall out of the economy.To me it means living life with your eyes on the future not "Right-now" I try to live each day and steer my future on a stable path.Well,That's about all I got.Take Care and May God Bless You.

Answer 5

How do you dress? What are the people like who you hang around with? How is your manner of speech? Do you talk with allot of slang? Appearances play a big part. How do you solve problems? How do you handle situations? At 21 you don't have allot of experience, ask for additional responsibilities.

You are only 21. My Dad used to say you are not a 'real' adult until you are 25.

Answer 6

Well, not going and spending or wasting money on stupid things all the time, saving money for important things like a home, a nice car, furniture etc. Putting money into your retirement, Not a lot of partying or drug use. Your mind needs to develop. That is the most important and the main thing I can think of. I work with a 25 year old guy but mentally he is very naive. Thinks everyone is stupid but him and that no one works as hard as he does. Also he likes to gossip and talk about people all the time. I think this is one sure sign of immaturity. Next time ask the person saying it, why they say it about you.

Answer 7

Yess, paying your bills and having a job are part of being an adult but there's more to it than that. As an adult you learn to take responsibility for your own life, your own happiness and all of your actions.It could be that they are referring to the way you react to things...I don't know. But, growing up and being an adult isn't easy. Life is hard but you have to take total responsibility for your own happiness.

Answer 8

You're definitely on the right track, but since we don't know what they're seeing, it's hard to give you advice.

Usually what I see in people your age who appear to be immature is not showing respect to other people around them and respecting their opinions.

As one example, young people tend to be loud and don't care who it bothers. They'll play their radio at full blast because mommy never let them do it at home. They'll be out in a restaurant and carry on as if they are at a frat party.

They must realize that others also pay rent at their apartments and have paid good money to enjoy a meal out. They must realize that their desires don't always come first. They must consider how their actions affect those around them.

To be an adult, you must respect others.

.

Answer 9

You are doing nothing wrong. I know peeps in there 60's (one in his 70's and he acts like a kid) who do not act like a "adult".
People are quick to judge others, but when it comes to pointing the finger at themselves is another story.
It is hard not to worry what others say because people can be cruel. Whatever makes you happy is what you need to strive for.
Good luck :0)

Answer 10

Sounds like you're doing good so far. Get used to it though, my husband is the baby of the family and he is 35 and I am 33. We've been married for 8 years, have a daughter, own our own home and have never, ever borrowed any money from his parents, but they still treat us like children and are always commenting on what we do with our money (even though we never discuss finances with them). I hate it, but they have been treating us this way since we started dating 12 years ago and they will never change.

Answer 11

Sounds like they are considering your personality and daily attitude as not an adult. There is NO way to "act" like an adult.

If you want to live up to society's standards of an adult you will surely be lacking in the fun spectrum. I think your fine. If your taking care of yourself and what needs to be basic fullfilled is, ignore them. Perhaps they will grow up eventually?