I Don’t Know Mom: The Struggles of Growing Up

As much as we hate to admit it, growing up is hard. Gone are the days of being a carefree kid who can do whatever they want without any real consequences. Now, we have bills to pay, jobs to worry about, and relationships that take work. It’s enough to make you wonder why anyone would ever want to become an adult in the first place.

But one thing that often gets overlooked when talking about the struggles of growing up is how difficult it can be for those who don’t necessarily know what they’re doing. You know who I’m talking about – those people who always seem to be just a little bit behind everyone else when it comes to figuring out how the world works. In other words: me.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the unique challenges faced by those of us who don’t quite have our lives together yet (but hey, at least we’re trying). From navigating job interviews and social interactions to dealing with unexpected surprises (like finding out your roommate keeps pet rats without telling you), here’s everything you need to know about what it’s like living life without any clue what you’re doing.

Navigating Social Interactions

For most people, making friends is something that just comes naturally. But for those of us who struggle socially (and yes mom, I’m looking at you), forming strong relationships can feel like trying navigate through quicksand (which honestly sounds more fun than small talk).

Small Talk

One particular area where social anxiety can rear its ugly head is small talk (kill me now please) . As someone who was not blessed with an innate talent for chit-chatting,I find myself counting down until I can escape situations filled with forced conversation. Whether at a party or waiting in line for coffee there will always be experiences where conversations stagnate and simply won’t go anywhere.

Invitations

Another potentially stressful aspect of social interactions is the art of accepting invitations without making a fool out of yourself (I’m still cringing over that one time I wore jeans to a wedding). Sadly, there’s no secret formula for navigating these situations flawlessly; sometimes you just have to wing it (or in my case ask nine different people which tie goes better only to disregard all their advice after getting confused) .

Finding The Perfect Job

Let me tell you something- job hunting is THE WORST. And that’s coming from someone who spends most of their days napping on the couch

Despite how many people apply to jobs blindly (you know who you are) it can be overwhelming and scary trying to tackle the ins-and-outs and jargon around seeking employment. It’s like everyone else got handed a Rosetta Stone for resume crafting while I’m stuck analyzing grammar.

Navigating Interviews

Even when we do manage to snag an interview,the anxiety doesn’t stop there because we’re worried about answering every question with “ummm” or not pairng our pantsuit correctly (which i highly doubt anyone noticed).

And then once employers start throwing those weird, seemingly random questions your way – “What’s your biggest weakness?!”“ If you were stranded onto an island what would need?” – its difficult determine whether they want genuine answers, creativity, or simple nonsense.

Surviving Entry-Level Positions

If by some miracle we actually land that dream job thing don’t get easier either as more often than not entry-level positions end up being vastly different compared what was expected during interviews/our own expectations beforehand.

Realizing early on just before nosediving into your career journey is important so as adjustment can be made.All within reason though nobody has time for dramatic exits à la Jerry Maguire.

Living With Roommates

Living with roommates is supposed to be an amazing opportunity to bond and share experiences together. However, this only works out when all parties involved actually understand what sharing means. This was not the case for me. Instead,I found myself living my roommate’s very… unique lifestyle choices…

Pet Dilemmas

Yes, I’m talking about those uninvited pet friends that your new tenancy comes with.Out of nowhere you discover you’re now sharing living quarters rodents, fish or insects!

I mean sure rats could potentially make good pets but finding them personal snacks in tea drawer is questionable .
And don’t even get me started on mysterious odors coming from their general vicinity.

Sharing Spaces

Sharing spaces can often lead to conflict as each individual respects different boundaries without realizing it.Whether its negotiating who does dishes’,’ maintaining a specific noise level, respecting privacy- its always best to establish guidelines early on.

Conflict Resolution

If differences arise in conflicting personalities ranging from passive communication styles to more assertive battles there few methods of solving issues includng:

  • Discussing concerns calmly
  • Creating written lists or rules
  • Seeking mediation if necessary (or at least a coin flip)

Romance and Relationships

As someone still trying figure out how properly parallel park – romance felt beyond confusing.The days of somebody writing embarassing love letters through lockers are exaggerated ; instead we’re left staring into the void called “possible mutual feelings”.

Who texts first? Whose turn is it to pay? Is this restaurant fancy enough?? Do I need better jokes?

Navigating the grey areas in dating scene can seem hopeless especially after dates begin blur together like one neverending rom-com montage that refuses bloopers reel.

Online Dating Woes

More people now meeting online than ever before which removes the agony (and excitement)of face-to-face events while introducing a whole set of unique problems.

Things like feeling ghosted, being with someone who’s never authentic and even encountering people we’d much rather avoid.

How To Tell If Someone Actually Likes You

When someone likes another person they can give out subtle hints if you’re observant enough.They might become interested in your life , find reasons to hangout more or just text ‘good morning’ daily..But then again, actions aren’t always clear cut either so expect a healthy dose “I cannot believe it” moments.

Managing Finances

Never let the lustre of financial independence overshadow its complexities. Paying bills is practically its own field filled with confusing terminology, hidden fees, and did I mention forms? Better hope whoever is reading this doesn’t still think paying money using cheques is on-trend now.

Regardless there hope yet.Take every chance to learn about student loans shudder, credit scoresand savings . Utilizing resources ranging from apps all aforementioned topics not impossible

Budgets aren’t easy

Creating budget plans may come off as tedious but are essential for tracking spending since experiencing broke days shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Luckily spreadsheets exist (because my goodness accounting software looks complicated)

Frivolous Expenses

Yes,sometimes overspending happens – whether that Impulse purchase at mall on payday or trips booked with adventerous friends budgets went haywire its time start reminding ourselves uncertainty unpredictable and enjoy things selectively within our means without falling into pitfalls

## Becoming Confident

There’s no changing past experiences especially considering how many embarrassing situations we’ve found ourselves thrown into by fate (the cringes haunt me at night). But learning how to move past them most certainly achievable and results in personal growth.

While confident people may seem born-wise beyond their years use these tips below great deal improvement :

Do something risk-worthy everyday

Experiences that challenge us only enhance clarity over personal values and expand the skill set.

Take inventory of positive traits

Remind yourself of accomplishments on less-than-awesome days to highlight those times when efforts paid off.

Be aware authenticity attracts

Present your true self in all situations rather than a designed version thought to cater others just becuse it’s socially easier.

Mastering Time Management

Another aspect of growing up and being an adult is controlling time. From making sure deadlines are met, keeping things tidy (not entirely sure why this matters but everyone says so), and just generally having some semblance of structure; time management is key.

Prioritizing tasks

The first step in mastering a daily schedule is identifying priorities for free time versus tasks that affect immidiate future like meeting project deadlines or feeding newly acquired non-human friends.Additionally, creating realistic agendas decides how long goals take – whether minutes hours or even days, Avoid taking too much responsibility without accounting need breathing room

Reduce distraction

It’s easy to get sidetracked by trivial issues , from browsing through social media aimlessly for countless hours (seriously who hasn’t traded Instagram captions lately with their dogs).But eliminating distractions help maintain focus which therefore prevent valuable lost hours.Blacklisting sites banning phone usage may seem drastic but as efficient approach.

## Final Thoughts

While I can’t say that I have life completely figured out (far from it really) my journey has undeliberately taught me one thing : nobody else knows what they’re doing either.

There’s no definitive roadmap to adulthood.There never will be since everybody encounters different paths right? Just partake in choosing mechanisms helps make day-to-day challenges more manageable mindset decisions healthier .Pace yourself, be proud the little steps taken that’ll pave way progress tomorrow.

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