Growing up, we couldn’t wait to move out of our parent’s household and become an independent adult, being able to do what we want, when we want without ever having to worry about sneaking back into the house and being yelled at for hours on end.
Before I turned 18, I had a curfew and had to let my parents know where I was headed and with whom. If I ever broke any of those rules, I would get a stern lecture the first time about the importance of following the rules and obeying your parents. If I were to break the rules for a second time, a two-week grounding sentence was set for me.
During that time, I pleaded that I would grow up as soon as possible and move out of my parent’s house so I wouldn’t have to follow some childish rules and be in control of my own decisions.
You know the saying, “Be careful for what you wish for, because it might come true,” well, it’s right.
Living on your own is pretty tough, especially when it’s just you, 200 miles away from your home in Dallas. If I am having a hard time making ends meet in my finances and struggling though the semester with classes, it’s something I have to learn to deal with and figure out for myself.
I’m not entirely left on my own. If I am ever in desperate need and absolutely have no way to solve my current situation, I can of course call my parents as a last resort.
That love that I got from my parents is called “tough love,” and I am sure getting a taste of it!
When I turned 18, barely graduated and out of high school, I had the urge to be on my own so badly. I went ahead and acquired my own apartment without my parents knowing about. Even after constant lectures of waiting for the best time to move out and taking situations with a calm manner, I did not listen. Maybe it was the rebellious teenager in me still lashing out against the norm.
My parents were obviously furious with my decision that they encouraged me moving out and told me to experience the real world. If I struggled with money, they specifically told me not to run back to them because they are just going to give me the dreaded four words, “I told you so.”
This tough love was rough on me, but I somehow managed. I was able to get two jobs and attend college. I got my first degree, but still struggled to get my career started. I decided to go back to college and get a second degree while still working two jobs.
Growing up is not as bad as it really seems. The only downside to it is, you’re on your own. That’s just it. Nobody is there to hold your hand and guide you through life. Unless you are going to a hard situation like I am at the moment.
Now I have to work hard, never give up and look on forward. I wish I was younger sometimes. Isn’t it weird how that sounds now?
This is why I am telling you to be patient and don’t be in a hurry to grow up. Enjoy your youth while you still have it, because once it is gone, it’s forever.
Great Article!!
I feel like this is something we all go through at one point in our adult life. Wishing we could go back and think differently about our youth and the life we had then. My advice after going through my teens in the 2000's is appreciate the time you have with people, and understand that you're parents are just like you, and more importantly were you not too long ago.
I'm like you I live hundreds of miles from my family so I don't see them daily. When I did see them daily I would be locked up in my room playing video games and reading. There is nothing wrong with that, but doing it for 12 hours a day on the weekend; that I wish I could take back. I would cut down my "loner teen time" to a minimum, and spend time with family. Things like going to the grocery store with my mom or fixing up the family car with my dad. That would be my advice, because the show/video game/book that is your life now will mean nothing in even 5 years. The memories you make even simple activities will.