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Growing up is hard. Ask my fellow millennials who time and again dwell on childhood nostalgia by rewatching Harry Potter too many times to be considered appropriate for an adult, and flushing away the anxiety of the grown-up world with iced mochas.

Gen Z’ers are also resistant to becoming adults, and you may wonder why. While people tend to put blame on the way these generations are, researchers point out that it’s not a developmental stage; it’s the economy.

There’s even a corner of Reddit titled “Adulting,” dedicated to those who’re “actively trying to be more of an adult.” Created back in 2015, the community is sharing anything from tips, victories and questions related to the complex world of adulthood and trust me, it sometimes feels like a work of art.

#3

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

madameanthro Report

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Michelle Line
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Especially shoeboxes. I have to go thru my "stash" every once in a while and take them out to the recycling bin. They always seem to be good to have to store misc stuff in, but I rarely do.

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There are plenty of reasons why some people don't want to grow up. For some, it's the fear of responsibility and the unknown. For others, it might be the comfort of childhood and the simplicity of life. And then there are those who just don't want to let go of the carefree days of youth.

No matter the reason, it's perfectly understandable why someone would want to hold on to their childhood for a little while longer. After all, growing up is hard work. And who can blame someone for wanting to take a break from all the adulting?

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#6

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

kraken_queen Report

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Elio
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sadly accurate. Some of the same kids who were like this in high school are going down the insane Facebook conspiracy route.

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Others are doing the exact opposite and trying to find ways to grow up sooner and embrace their adulthood. The truth is it takes a lot to be a responsible, independent adult. It’s a good idea to start by accepting that adulthood is not perfect and that there will be ups and downs along the way.

Another way to embrace your adult self is to not wait for someone else to make you happy – focus on finding joy in your own life. Taking responsibility for your own happiness is quintessential. At the same time, learning to manage your finances, the earlier the better, is very important.

The last tip may sound pretty boring, but you’ll thank us later. Being proactive about your health is a must. Try to improve your diet, add exercise in your life, and get regular checkups. Adulthood is the time when you realize that there’s nothing more important than your health and wellbeing.

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#9

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

anastasia11-22-33 Report

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Deborah Harris
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Then you have Rose and Jack on a piece of floating wreckage.... there was room for both of you!!!!

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Having said that, researchers have noted that youth these days seem to delay their transition to adulthood. According to Nancy E. Hill, a developmental psychologist at Harvard University, it has more to do with being able to transition to the workforce than the perceived apathy of youth.

“Young people reach adult milestones later when jobs that lead to financial independence are scarce or require additional training. The well-paying manufacturing jobs that were abundant in the 1950s did not exist in the 1890s. In the early 1900s, the U.S. transitioned from a largely agrarian economy to an industrialized one, and many young adults moved from rural to urban areas in search of modern industrial jobs,” she explained in The Atlantic.

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#12

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

letstalkaboutit24 Report

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3 Owls In A Coat
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good. There’s no reason for this anymore in 2022. (And don’t come at me with “oh yeah but men are more _____ and ____ than women, and women will probably be on their periods or something and women can’t pick up heavy boxes while pregnant so let’s not pay them properly) or whatever the current argument is. Just no 😊)

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Having said that, Hill argues that young adults are not less mature today than in the past. “Neither are they necessarily more self-centered. A new developmental stage is not necessary to account for the extended time that many youth need to make the transition to adulthood,” she argues.

“Our findings tell us something important: When young adults take longer to achieve the markers of adulthood, it is not that something has changed about them; it is that the world has changed,” Hill concluded.

#14

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

pallavigunalan Report

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Bella10
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I very occasionally read essays I wrote in high school and think, who tf wrote this?! That person is a genius and uses words I have to look up!

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#15

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

sheilamrisz Report

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Birgit M
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I did this too! ….but not because I was excited about live, I was just overly scared to be unprepared for a special event.

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#16

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

TruLou31 Report

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K W
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is really beautiful. Plus I'm high so I'm having a Keanu moment over how profound it is.

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#18

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sheilamrisz Report

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Michelle Line
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was just thinking earlier today how I'd talk to my friends on the phone for hours when I was a kid. What in the world did we talk about for so long? Now I only answer the phone if it's my boss or a call I'm expecting.

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#20

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

isabelfulla Report

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Jo314129
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In my house it's the water bottles or cups of water. I have yet to catch the person named Noone that keeps leaving them everywhere.

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#22

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

pandemicpatches Report

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Danish Dynomummy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I thought I was the only one getting excited over this...my SO keeps telling me I am lol

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#23

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lifeattiffanys Report

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Where’s The Shovel?
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My biggest realisation/adult moment was that the teaspoon I threw in the sink last night is still there in the morning.

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#25

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

sheilamrisz Report

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Octavia Hansen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't remember the exact date and time when I went from "OH, BOY! The PHONE!" to "Damn, what now?" Haven't been excited about the phone for years now . . .

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#26

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

When You Have A Big Project At Work But Choose To Reorganize Your Desk, Clean-Up Your Email, And Perfect Your Voicemail Greeting Instead

theendingisminetowrite Report

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I luv scuba diving!
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lol. Like, during the weekend, I start doing something I've been meaning to do. But I get side-tracked on so many tangents that at the end of the day, I find I never finished what I originally started out to do.

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#28

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

Conversation With My Twin, Apparently We're Only The Same Age On Paper...

-Chunder-Donkey- Report

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Daffodil
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I read the title as "Conversation with my toddler", safe to say I was concerned for a hot second

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#30

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

sheilamrisz Report

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3 Owls In A Coat
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I haven’t raw dogged some shuteye in way too long, I relate to this :(

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#32

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sheilamrisz Report

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3 Owls In A Coat
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yup. Grew up with a friend that became a 2nd grade teacher at age 27 and she parties HARD, I’ve personally dragged her home at 2am like “you have to hang out with a bunch of 8 year olds tomorrow, you need your wits about you ” hahaha (before some of you start picking this apart, she’s fantastic honestly, definitely handles her business at all times and is very professional but just likes to live her life on the wild side)

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#39

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

Madi_131969 Report

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#40

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

InternetHippo Report

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Lazy Panda (she/her/hers)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Having a healthy attitude just means thinking to yourself "At least this'll make a good story later" when something goes wrong.

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#41

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

AAcerberus Report

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Luis Gomez
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

White boomers went to college for the price of an orange and were given a house for the price of a pineapple.

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#42

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

joshny3096 Report

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Enlee Jones
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Been there, done that. Now I’m mad at myself for throwing away perfectly good Tupperware.

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#45

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

crownxxjules Report

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Octavia Hansen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't know how my parents did it . . . 3 kids and no where near as many appliances as today. Yard work, cooking and laundry must have been continuous!

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#47

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

yelyahwilliams Report

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Daffodil
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes. Especially with the god-damned American school system. I know the meme's not about America specifically, but since I'm American and don't know what it's like elsewhere, I can only speak for myself. But the schools here just teach you how to make someone else richer, to conform, to work in a factory, and not to collaborate with others. I mean, there's hardly any other time in life outside of school that you'll be in a situation where you can't collaborate with others, so why not encourage it in school? They don't want you to succeed, they want you to conform. Anyways, fun rant :(

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#51

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

It Feels Good When You Start Working As A Team With Yourself

cadonana Report

#52

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

Im30percntKettlecorn Report

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#55

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

anastasia11-22-33 Report

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AndThenICommented
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some of us had a close caregiver say this to us at 10. And being an adult isn’t so bad because we broke out

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#56

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

Charming_Prune_6309 Report

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I luv scuba diving!
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hey, it was 10 years ago, when I was 47, when I finally found my dream job. I absolutely love what I do now. Don't give up. If you keep trying, it can happen.

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#61

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

jaybsmoking Report

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Natalia Linnik
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is literally NO rule that says you have to HAVE a New Year resolution at all. Why are you people punishing yourselves?

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#63

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

TheMountainSageGiri Report

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Blitzø
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I did this for the first time recently- just for a shot, but I was a bit nervous still. But I did well!!

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#65

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

coppermoonchip Report

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Ladytron
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Haha. I can so relate to when I got my first job after graduation. I got my own office and my name at the door and I felt so much like a little kid visiting a parent at work and also childishly proud. Very mixed feelings. "Do they really trust me to make decisions myself? They must have hired the wrong person". But yeah, then I realized no one actually feel like an adult- we just keep doing whatever we are doing and hope for the best.

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#66

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

sheilamrisz Report

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censorshipsucks
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do this and say "f**k it" and go buy takeout every time. Spirit willing, flesh weak, and all that.

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#67

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

zenacomics Report

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Samantha Becker
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And it has to be the right plunger. That sink plunger she has won't work on a toilet.

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#68

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

reddit.com Report

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Lynn Morello
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tonight my husband realised that we are paying over $6K in health insurance each year.

#69

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

Based On The True Story Of My Adult Life

Natalie_0808 Report

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Down With Agent Hedgehog!
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The doormat in front of my house says ‘Introverted Lap Cactus Hedgehog, Not Welcome to Strangers or Nosy Neighbors. P.S. My Cats Are Not Rabid Just Sassy.’

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#71

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

BeansproutdWanderer Report

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Kise Miarse
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It means there's something you forgot. And you won't remember it until the most inconvenient moment. 😳

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#73

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

thesouthshoreboyz Report

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#74

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

bitchyburrito Report

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#76

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

OnePlace_Family Report

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Robert Trebor
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Scrunch it up in a big ball, jam it into the basket, spend 40 minutes getting it onto the mattress, iron it with your body. FlatSheetCommando

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#77

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

sheilamrisz Report

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Katie Lutesinger
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I read an article once where people answered the question "when did you realise you were now an adult". One of them was a guy who said he was on the subway and some creepy homeless dude was harassing a group of women and children. The victims kept glancing at him and he suddenly realised that he was the grown man in this situation and they were hoping he would step in and help.

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#79

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

Someone Made A Hard Decision Today

DwnZro Report

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#84

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

sheilamrisz Report

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DC
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cannot take that stuff. Makes me feel very exactly where my kidneys are, and their disapproval of use of it, so I'd have to take another, this time stronger, painkiller to get rid of this. The entire class of agents, forgot their name, does this. I have no other kidney issues whatsoever, got that checked.

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#85

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

warrior242 Report

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𝖊𝖆
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looking for a new job and realising i’m going to most likely have to start all over again for the third time at nearly 30. Found an admin assistant job listing, full time and minimum wage, experience 3+ years required, qualifications? BATCHELORS degree. What the fudge

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#89

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expiredbagels Report

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#91

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

sheilamrisz Report

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Octavia Hansen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Didn't that mean the wish came true . . . we are bad at being adults!

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#93

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

edencamps Report

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digitalin
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Omfg this. Last month's electric bill was bigger than the family food budget. I'm still not sure why.

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#95

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

I Think I Hit Peak Adult Today!!

Kazza333 Report

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#97

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

MrShakthiman Report

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Octavia Hansen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a cat just so I can see what peaceful sleep looks like, since I won't be getting any myself probably for the rest of my life . . .

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#98

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

thesouthshoreboyz Report

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#99

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

xcer49 Report

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censorshipsucks
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

nah dude, just buy unhealthy c**p and use it to end yourself, that's what I do. If you're going to die poor and miserable you may as well enjoy it.

#102

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

anastasia11-22-33 Report

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RandomCitizen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Never threaten something you cannot fulfill. Never punish with something that is mean. They won't learn to behave better they just learn resentment.

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#104

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

bitchyburrito Report

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Robert Trebor
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I went to the store last Friday morning and bought too much frozen food, so I had Orange Sherbet for breakfast. I'm 72-11/12. Was good.

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#105

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

sheilamrisz Report

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Octavia Hansen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can NEVER have all 3. I can only achieve 2 of these at one time. As soon as I get all 3, something changes and it's 2 again, or only 1 and I have start all over . . . OUCH!

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#106

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

sheilamrisz Report

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Isabel Care
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I only adult when it's necessary. The rest of the time I can be myself and blow raspberries at grumpy Karens

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#107

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thesouthshoreboyz Report

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#110

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

Valkyra100 Report

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#111

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

Sometimes You Have To Act Like A Kid To Be An Adult

bitterporcupine Report

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#112

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

xcer49 Report

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censorshipsucks
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

it's because independence only comes from financial independence which only comes from being a f*****g oligarch.

#113

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

_girlwithbluehair Report

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Mama Penguin
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Made a big decision on who has access to my life. My anxiety has lessened a lot.

#114

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

kimicreative Report

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Sleepy children love Moon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Teenager too. Freshman year of highschool is hard, especially since I just moved and don't have my normal friends

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#115

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Myssenberg Report

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#116

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

reddit.com Report

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MelonCloud
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In this case, if you are too afraid to ask anyone, you should probably check #1 (or maybe #2 in the mean time) on this list!

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#117

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

sheilamrisz Report

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#118

Trying-To-Be-More-Adult-Adulting

TaylorMade_JT Report

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DaveR38
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Plus some cards (in the UK at least) give cashback. The main thing is to make sure they are paid off in full each month

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#119

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jaybsmoking Report

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