Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Stuff I Didn't Know About Adulthood Until I Got Here



  • Most things are complicated.
  • Most people are complicated.
  • Sooner or later, you have to learn to be assertive.
  • You really only need a few good friends.
  • The amount of thanks you gave your mother for cooking is directly related to the amount of thanks you'll get from your own kids.
  • Being right is less important and valuable than you ever thought it would be.
  • Grownups get mad at kids for making messes, but nobody makes bigger messes than grownups.
  • Taxes suck.
  • There are too many occasions where there is very little you can do to help.
  • Just when you think you've got it all figured out, everything changes.
  • Nothing is black and white.
  • You will continue to be haunted by everything you swore you'd never do as a parent.
  • People can change, but you can't change them.
  • Sometimes life is absolutely terrifying.
  • The most valuable skill you will ever develop is listening, followed closely by shutting up.
  • You're going to feel ambivalent about a lot of things.
  • No matter how old you get, there are still times when all you want is your mommy.
  • You are the only one who's going to eat that last little bit of cereal in the box.
  • Sometimes you have to be your own cheerleader.
  • Emotions are transient. Let them come and go.
  • You'll probably regret voting for at least half of the people you vote for.
  • Worry is a robber.
  • You are going to change a lot of toilet paper rolls, diapers, and trash can liners.
  • Swearing, when saved for special occasions, can really make you feel better.
  • It's completely, 100% okay and normal to doubt.
  • It's virtually impossible to leave the house without spending at least $40.
  • Gossip always gets you back.
  • You really don't need all that stuff. 
  • Buying stuff really does seem to make you feel better sometimes.
  • Even if you didn't lose the remote control, you're going to be the one to find it.
  • Watching the news is only occasionally beneficial.
  • The IKEA instructions include everything but the argument with your significant other.
  • Sometimes you don't know you're experiencing PMS until you feel the urge to throw things at people's heads.
  • No good has ever come from the word "upgrade" especially as it relates to software.
  • Every time you turn around, some organization will be asking for your money.
  • You will continually surprise yourself at your ability to waste time.
  • There is freedom in accepting that life is uncertain and unfair.
  • It's good to say no sometimes.
  • You can act brave without feeling brave.
  • Loving someone will reveal just as much about yourself as it will about them.
  • Your metabolism is a jerk.
  • You might as well say "I love you" every time you feel like it.
  • No matter what you do, individual socks are going to randomly disappear.
What have you learned in adulthood that you didn't know before?

25 comments:

Hil said...

I so totally love this.

Leslie said...

I love your ability to put into words the feelings that I have.

oh, and I love you!

Dede said...

Oh Tiffany. You are very, very wise. I have a lot to learn.

J, K, L, and D said...

These are great! If only there were adult instructions for learning how to deal with your in-laws... ;)

Jesse C said...

so good

Ximena said...

Aww thank you!!! you wrote everything i've felt and feel...I feel so much better after reading your blog =)

Miranda said...

I've learned that there is no one point in my life where I will be "a grown up."

I really love this post. Like, really really.

jani vegas said...

So true. I am really working on the shutting up one--silence is okay...it's really super okay.

Becky said...

Another wise and wonderful list from my wise and wonderful friend! I have just learned that the older I get, the less I know. And it kind of freaks me out.

Kelly S. said...

I thought when I would be 35 I would know SO MUCH. Of course, that was when I was 21.

readplayrun said...

i can see all of these gems in some really great greeting cards. just an idea. if taylor swift can have her own line of cards, i see no reason why you can't. your hair is way better than hers and you're awesome. i expect half the royalties. :)

kami @ nobiggie.net said...

I hate the metabolism one. and the IKEA packaging needs warnings on it!

Loved this post.

amy said...

Wonderful list! I just printed it out – thank you.

Melanie said...

I like it. I've learned that being tired is part of life.

Lindy-Lou said...

OK, I feel like it: I LOVE YOU!!

ag. said...

this is so amazing...there's so much to learn, isn't there?!

Ginnie said...

... that my breastages would get saggy. Can I please be 21 again?

Marisa said...

'you can act brave without feeling brave.' i love that. so true!

A Pen In Neverland: Angela Peña Dahle said...

Gotta love this list!

Travelin'Oma said...

I've learned that blogging friends are very wise.

Omgirl said...

"Your metabolism is a jerk." Hahahaha. LOVE that one.

Also, the swearing one. SO true.

Angie said...

Perfect.

tiburon said...

I think I agree with you on almost every single one of these...

Great list!

Mia said...

You have a beautiful way with words. You can express what so many of us only feel.

Jill said...

Fantastic post!! My kids NEVER thank me for cooking dinner, now I know why!

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