What’s a moment when you realized you were officially an adult?
For me, there wasn’t just one moment. There were little signs along the way that made me think, Oh… I guess I’m really an adult now.
1. When you turn 20
Maybe it sounds silly, but just seeing the first digit change from 1 to 2 felt like such a big deal to me. I was still the same person inside—probably felt even younger than 20, lol—but somehow, being in my 20s made me feel like I had officially left my teenage years behind.
Looking back, maybe it also had something to do with growing up in the Philippines and being a millennial. People in their 20s back then still seemed like kids to me, so turning 20 somehow felt like a much bigger milestone.
2. When you start paying attention to money
When my parents were still supporting me, I honestly didn’t care how much things cost. I just bought what I needed and didn’t really think twice about the tax added to my purchases. But once I started earning and spending my own money, I suddenly started noticing everything. Wait… why is there so much tax? 😂 Then came my first income tax deduction, and I remember looking at my paycheck thinking, Why do they need to take that much when I worked so hard for it? 😂 Even little things like toothpaste and shampoo started to matter. You start noticing how quickly they run out, how much you’re using, and when you need to buy another one. I guess that’s when you realize that even the little things add up when it’s your own money.
3. When you go to the doctor and realize you’re the one who has to know everything
The first time you realize that you are the one who has to know your own medical history, medications, allergies, symptoms, and all those little details, it hits differently.
No parent is there to answer for you. You are the source of your own health information.
That’s when it really hit me:
This is it. I’m officially an adult.
Oh, and let’s add drinking coffee and actually feeling the benefits of it at my age. 😂 Because apparently, coffee hits differently when you’re older.
A Little Bisaya Note
Bisaya: hamtong
English: adult
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