ADVERTISEMENT

Once you were dreaming of becoming an astronaut, visiting the furthest places, climbing the highest mountains, finding the biggest love, and then it was all gone one day.

Adulthood happened. It knocked on the door, handed you responsibilities you were not ready for and said that everything’s on your shoulders now. So now, most of my fellow dear millennials are juggling between things like the pandemic that made the world feel like an apocalyptic movie you didn’t sign up for, student loans, unaffordable rent, crazy expensive mochas your body nevertheless needs no-questions-asked, barely fine Tinder dates, sleepless Netflix binges, stressful jobs or the even more stressful absence of one, and lots other things nobody prepared us for.

So, dear adults, even though we can’t just get back to our childhood which equals devouring Harry Potter books and carelessly sleeping under the stairs, we can laugh at the absurdity we’re in right now. Scroll down through the best tweets that sum up adult life below and prepare to laugh and cry, and then laugh. Who cares, they already think of millennials as not very stable ones.

Navigating through adulthood is the job of a lifetime. I have been an adult for more than a decade, and I am still learning to be one. I suspect I am not the only one. So I spoke with Francis Merson, the clinical psychologist awarded the Australian Psychology Society Prize in 2015, who was happy to share some very interesting and useful insights about it.

“People can often get stuck in patterns of behavior during childhood which persist into adulthood and prevent them developing true autonomy,” Francis said and added that there are many ways in which this can happen. “People who have been traumatized can internalize a victim identity, which makes it scary for them to act independently as adults. People who are emotionally neglected can also revert to child-like modes, where they rely excessively on partners and friends to help them deal with the world and their own emotions.”

It can also happen to people who are overindulged since they “might grow up with the expectation that others should sort out their lives for them,” Francis added.

ADVERTISEMENT
#4

Funny-Adult-Tweets

urbanhymnal Report

Add photo comments
POST
jameskramer avatar
James016
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My wife: "What shall we have tonight?" Me: "I don't know"......repeat until we decide to eat the pizza we have in the freezer

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Even though it might be easy to judge people who just can’t seem to adult properly, Francis argues that it’s important to be compassionate and remember that these people didn’t choose the early experiences that underpin their difficulties today.

More importantly, Francis argues that there’s no such thing as the perfect adult—“someone who is unfailingly responsible, rational and emotionally balanced. We all have moments when we act like kids: we get mad over trivial stuff; we panic needlessly; we sulk when we’re criticized.” Having said that, the clinical psychologist warned that “if these behaviors are the rule, rather than the exception, then it’s possible there are some roadblocks on the way to adulthood.”

#8

Funny-Adult-Tweets

lolzysz Report

Add photo comments
POST
popapach avatar
troufaki13
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's mostly bills now... When I was younger I used to have penpals from around the world!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

“And, of course, no one turns 18 and suddenly finds themselves fully rational, responsible and ready to smash all their life goals. The knowledge and skills involved in adulthood are accrued across the lifespan, gradually allowing you to become a more effective actor in the world, able to pursue your own interests while balancing them against the interests of others,” Francis said and added that essentially, we are all works in progress: becoming an adult is a lifelong pursuit. Meanwhile, “Immaturity happens when people are not progressing, when they are stuck in behaviors that aren’t helpful for them at their stage of life.”

#10

Funny-Adult-Tweets

Report

There are many aspects of the transition into adulthood. Francis elaborated: “it means learning to act rationally, rather than just react emotionally. Adults also seek relationships of equality and reciprocity, rather than just someone to look after them. Adults are in touch with their values, and are proactive in reaching their goals. And adults are realistic, particularly about who they are. This requires gaining insight into one’s own motivations, behavior, emotional triggers, strengths and weaknesses.”

ADVERTISEMENT
#15

Funny-Adult-Tweets

MoBaigz6 Report

Add photo comments
POST
wendillon avatar
Monday
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Those were the days....I could fall off the trampoline and land on my face but be totally fine but now I pull a shoulder muscle just from opening the shower door wrong.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Francis also noted that “it’s important to emphasize that the idea of independence in adulthood does not mean you don’t rely on others.” He explained that we are social animals, and we need each other to survive and flourish. “The independence of adulthood is more like the independence of a nation, which interacts with other nations on an equal footing, makes independent decisions and is responsible for its internal affairs.”

For those who think that adulthood is a lot of work, Francis says that it’s worth it. “What you get in return is the power to flourish on your own terms. By acting as a child in an adult world, it’s much harder to build a life you can be proud of,” the clinical psychologist concluded.

#17

Funny-Adult-Tweets

portmanteauface Report

Add photo comments
POST
lindacowley avatar
Auntriarch
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Take your pillow when you visit friends. They will not be insulted. They will understand

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#20

Funny-Adult-Tweets

laDzeyzus Report

Add photo comments
POST
188210 avatar
momincombatboots03 avatar
lindacowley avatar
Auntriarch
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Three shades of metallic markets, even then I had to excuse it by saying they were for writing on Christmas cards

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

A few years back I saw one of those toys in a Pound shop where you have a bunch of little fish twirling around, opening and closing their mouth and you have to get them with a small fishing rod that has a magnet on its end. I always wanted one but mom deemed it silly. It was of course, and at the time fairly expensive. I also had three tons of toys. But it stayed with me that I missed out on this so when I saw it I bought it. Played with it for like two minutes and then I was done. VERY happy two minutes, totally worth a Pound! Later I dropped it off in a charity shop, hope it found a kid that won't have to wait 30 years for those two minutes!

liddlecatpaws avatar
Jo Johannsen
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ooh, colored pens, pencils, and markers are so seductive. And I can't draw.

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

My mom still thinks she can control where I travel. Apparently I'm not allowed to go to Mexico. I would have to go in stealth mode but I need an emergency contact who doesn't know my mom and that is absolutely no one.

nbaldauf121 avatar
NL Stuart
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I used to have roommates who would tell my mother I was "at a meeting" or "in the shower" and Then call me wherever I was traveling. I'd call her from there. But once I didn't get the message until I got home. When I called she said "You were at the Marti Gras weren't you?" Guilty as charged.

Load More Replies...
renestuder avatar
René Studer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One thing I do as an adult is buying the Panini-Album every world cup and EURO tournament with two boxes of stickers, put all the stickers in and never look at it again, simply because I always wanted to do that as a kid.

marshafredell avatar
Lovin' Life
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mmy childhood obsession was anything crafty but we really couldn't afford it. No I have a room full of this stuff and spend at least an hour of day doing something crafty. Takes me away from adulthood even if for just an hour. So relaxing!!!

katiealbamorgana avatar
Alistair's mom, (poor lad)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mom and dad couldn't afford character duvet covers, now I'm 46 and for two years I've had a Wonder Woman cover

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

ahh yes the jell pens that look like they have a lot of ink and then you use them for 30 minutes and they spontaneously just.... stop.

lyndsey-macd avatar
LynzCatastrophe
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My sister gifted me with a giant pack of gel pens once. The woman knows me.

cat_15 avatar
Cat
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

& now I understand why my mom wouldn't let me have it... there's no room left!

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

... and then realising you have no use for them. Yup totally agree with this one!

sousafan2 avatar
Thomas Ewing
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All the neat stuff I wanted as a kid in the '60s isn't sold anymore!

ashleyshelton avatar
Ashley Shelton
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yea or u buy it for ur kids and then u use it lol and they be like hey mom where'd my .....go?

shopgirl012974 avatar
Alicia Miller
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I bought a huge box of gel pens and a princess coloring book. I color more than my kids.

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

And then never actually using them just like when you were a kid

sofiagonzalez avatar
Sofia Gonzalez
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As soon is I can, I'm gonna go buy that chemistry set I've always wanted and blow stuff up!

tasmaniandemon82792 avatar
Tobias the Tiger
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is part of the reason why I bought some Lego sets and two Squishable plushes the other day.

deconstructedravenna815 avatar
Callie Dryer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Omfg yes and if your parents ask you why they get they stink eye. Don’t ask me why there’s a framed Star Wars puzzle hanging on my wall and not family photos mom, you don’t want to know….

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

I am pretty sure my things were alcohol and recreational drugs

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

This is me... Total stationary geek with zero self control

hibilliejean avatar
Billie Templeton
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I still want that $200 Russian nesting doll set I feel in love with at JC Penny's when I was about 10. It was probably 3 feet tall and solid wood. I had opened 22 of the set, doll after doll, and they were stacked about me. My mom was ready to go then, and wouldn't let me finish (the doll in my hand was down to about 18" tall and had an unknown #of dolls inside.) she didn't let me finish. I left heart broken.

hibilliejean avatar
Billie Templeton
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We were there at Penny's so she could visit a friend working there. She was done talking and didn't want to wait for me to finish my experience with the dolls, even though it would have brought me great enjoyment...WAS bringing me great enjoyment.

Load More Replies...
afinside84 avatar
J Sizz
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Until you realize that you need trash bags and toothpaste more than colored pens. :-(

sdeveno12 avatar
BasedWang
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Swear on everything. I be buyin s**t now then stare at it in the morning like "The f**k you lookin at"

veryne avatar
Deena Salzman
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The one good thing about being an adult! I have a big pencil case crammed full of gelly roll pens.

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

Yes! And they love it! (But direly miss all the chocolate treats that I received it the 80s. My grandkids are in for lots of sugary snacks!)

boredpanda_48 avatar
ZAPanda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I bought my "kids" the lego stay puft marshmallow man. They had to fight me for it.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#21

Funny-Adult-Tweets

JustinnBrownnn Report

Add photo comments
POST
davidwoollands_1 avatar
David Woollands
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I kind of lie there with one eye open - very dangerous if you’ve already turned off your alarm

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#24

Funny-Adult-Tweets

uhhdamn Report

Add photo comments
POST
micheldurinx avatar
Marcellus II
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you're a musician, that's typically the best available career move, yes.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#25

Funny-Adult-Tweets

Kozher_FG Report

Add photo comments
POST
robyngardam avatar
KombatBunni
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love my mid afternoon naps. As a kid I found them boring, but as an adult I like to lay down for a half hour or so and snooze.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#29

Funny-Adult-Tweets

adeywho Report

Add photo comments
POST
flawziedh-123 avatar
postboredom
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You actually subscribed? I always thought it just drops on your head like a brick

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#30

Funny-Adult-Tweets

momTruthBomb Report

Add photo comments
POST
shankidwai avatar
Ophelia Butz
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Without the drawer, they're in a pile. Without the pile, they're around the house. But they are NEVER in the trash because I need each one of the 18 chargers that work with nothing in my house. I just do.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#35

Funny-Adult-Tweets

Kica333 Report

Add photo comments
POST
toabhishekverma avatar
Space whale
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Using a good pen has always brought me joy. Maybe I'm weird but I love stationary.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda
#46

Funny-Adult-Tweets

BriansJokes Report

Add photo comments
POST
amethystfeb2828 avatar
Arctic Fox Lover
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, I'm not an adult yet and I've read BP for long enough to realize that most adults in authority are kind of frauds haha. I have mastered the ability to guess what your childhood was like based on your behavior as an authoritative figure, ooooo *intense music as I open my third eye*

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#47

Funny-Adult-Tweets

neal_thatdude Report

Add photo comments
POST
blbrightonoswin_1 avatar
Brian Bennett
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I truly am frightened on these multi lane hiways just stay to the right we gotta turn off somewhere!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda
#48

Funny-Adult-Tweets

Swishergirl24 Report

Add photo comments
POST
boredpanda_48 avatar
ZAPanda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

you eventually take it as background noise when it reaches constant flow.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#50

Funny-Adult-Tweets

TisAIyssa Report

Note: this post originally had 119 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.