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Can adults live without Google Maps? Or even without reading medicine labels? 🤔

Being an adult isn’t just about paying bills or holding down a job: it’s about having a toolkit of life skills that make life smoother. But let’s be honest: not all “adult skills” feel equally important. Some are essential, some are useful but optional, and some, well…Maybe we are doing fine without them. 💁‍♀️

We’ve put together a list of 26 skills that many adults are expected to know. Your mission: decide whether they are essential or unnecessary. 🤯

 

🚀 💡 Want more or looking for something else? Head over to the Bored Panda Quizzes and explore our full collection of quizzes and trivia designed to test your knowledge, reveal hidden insights, and spark your curiosity.💡 🚀

#1

You need to send a birthday gift to a relative by mail. Would you know how to package it properly, address it, and pay postage?

Stack of handwritten letters tied with string next to a person holding cardboard boxes, illustrating everyday skills for adulting.

Suzy Hazelwood , Liza Summer Report

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    #2

    It’s your turn to make dinner for the week. Can you plan the meals, shop, and cook them yourself?

    Two people shopping for apples and preparing fresh vegetables, illustrating everyday adulting skills at home.

    Jack Sparrow , Maarten van den Heuvel Report

    #3

    Your laundry basket is full. Should you know how to sort the clothes, choose the right programme, and get the washing going?

    Person loading laundry into a washing machine, demonstrating everyday skills related to adulting and household tasks.

    cottonbro studio Report

    #4

    Your friend cuts their hand while cooking. Should you know how to handle it with basic first aid?

    Person wrapping a bandage on another’s hand, demonstrating everyday skills related to adulting and self-care.

    RDNE Stock project Report

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    #5

    You’ve been feeling drained. Can you actually practice self-care?

    Image showing everyday adulting skills: a woman sleeping peacefully and another woman happily eating a healthy breakfast.

    cottonbro studio , Nathan Cowley Report

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    #6

    You’ve just made a new social media account. Do you know how to adjust privacy settings, read terms, and manage screen time responsibility?

    Young woman with curly hair and glasses checking her phone, reflecting on everyday skills and adulting progress.

    Edmond Dantès Report

    #7

    A sudden blackout leaves your home without power. Do you know how to handle the situation?

    Stack of canned goods and packaged food items representing everyday skills for adulting and food preparedness.

    Julia M Cameron Report

    #8

    A shelf in your room is wobbly. Could you fix it with basic tools like a screwdriver or hammer?

    Minimalist shelf with framed leaf art, green wreath, and motivational sign highlighting everyday adulting skills.

    Dmitry Zvolskiy Report

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    #9

    You’re hiking and your phone dies. Can you orient yourself?

    Man wearing a hat holding a map by the lake, showing confidence in adulting and everyday skills outdoors.

    cottonbro studio Report

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    #10

    A debate comes up about a new government decision. Do you understand how the branches of government work and what role they play?

    The White House exterior with American flag flying above, surrounded by trees and lawn under a cloudy sky.

    Ramaz Bluashvili Report

    #11

    It’s the end of the month, and bills are due. Is it important to have a basic knowledge of expense tracking?

    Person counting money at desk with planner and pen, focusing on everyday adulting skills and financial management.

    Photo By: Kaboompics.com Report

    #12

    You’re asked to explain an idea in a group. Should you know how to communicate clearly and politely?

    Man leading a group discussion on everyday skills for adulting, presenting with a tablet in a modern meeting room.

    Diva Plavalaguna Report

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    #13

    You want to achieve something big next year. Can you set realistic goals for yourself?

    Flat lay of a laptop, earphones, and a goals list page with a pen, representing adulting everyday skills planning.

    Lum3n Report

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    #14

    You’re at a party with people you don’t know well. Do you understand social boundaries and non-verbal clues?

    Group of people toasting with wine glasses during a festive celebration, highlighting everyday skills of adulting right.

    cottonbro studio Report

    #15

    You find a job you want to apply for. Should you know how to write a resume and send an application confidently?

    Person holding a clipboard with a resume on a table, illustrating everyday skills for adulting success.

    cottonbro studio Report

    #16

    Your bathroom tiles are grimy, and there’s dust behind your appliances. Is it important to know how to clean those deep?

    Modern bathroom with glass shower, patterned tile floor, white vanity, and black fixtures showcasing everyday skills in adulting.

    Terry Magallanes Report

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    #17

    Your car gets a flat tire on the road. Is it important to know how to change it?

    Man changing car tire in a garage, demonstrating everyday skills related to adulting and vehicle maintenance.

    Andrea Piacquadio Report

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    #18

    A bill arrives. Would you know how to pay online, by phone, or by post without trouble?

    Person holding and reading a letter outdoors, illustrating everyday skills needed for adulting competence.

    Ron Lach Report

    #19

    You need to contact your manager about a project. Can you write a clear, polite formal email?

    Hands typing on a white keyboard with a mouse and monitor on a clean white desk focused on everyday adulting skills.

    cottonbro studio Report

    #20

    You come across a questionable article online. Do you know how to fact-check it?

    Young adult working at a desk with multiple screens, focusing on improving everyday skills in an organized workspace.

    olia danilevich Report

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    #21

    You’re prescribed a new medication. Should you know how to read the labels?

    White capsules spilled on a table with medicine bottles in the background, representing everyday adulting skills.

    Julie Viken Report

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    #22

    Someone in your family has an emergency. Do you have a list of local contacts, like the hospital or police?

    Man in business attire working on a laptop and talking on phone, illustrating adulting and everyday skills concept.

    Andrea Piacquadio Report

    #23

    The button on your favorite shirt falls off. Should you know how to sew it back on?

    Person sewing a button onto fabric, demonstrating everyday adulting skills with a measuring tape nearby.

    Pavel Danilyuk Report

    #24

    A big national election is coming up. Do you know the key issues, current events, and government decisions?

    Hand placing a blank white card into a red box with bold black letters spelling vote, representing adulting skills.

    Tara Winstead Report

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    #25

    You’re about to attend a wedding. Should you know how to iron or steam your clothes?

    Person ironing light-colored pants on ironing board, demonstrating everyday adulting skills at home.

    Photo By: Kaboompics.com Report

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    #26

    You’re signing up for your first job’s benefit package. Should you know how to read insurance contracts (health, auto, home, or life)?

    Hands of two people at a table discussing adulting skills with documents and a pen in a bright office setting.

    Andrea Piacquadio Report