Is It Normal to Still Feel Like a Child at 18?

It's absolutely normal to still feel like a child at 18. On my 18th birthday, my parents took me out to a fancy restaurant, and in the middle of dinner, I had a complete meltdown about not being ready to be an adult and feeling like a kid. This is a natural part of the transition process.

Taking Your Time to Grow Up

Take your time to become an adult if you can manage it. Start doing things on your own but don't hesitate to ask for advice or help. Your mentors will appreciate that you value their guidance, making the transition less daunting.

Anecdotes and Reflections

I have a 50-year-old friend who sometimes acts like he's 8. It’s hilarious! The rest of us adults don't have everything figured out; we just do the best we can at the time.

Balancing Growth and Fun

It's important to strike a balance between growing up and enjoying life. You don't flip a switch at 18 and immediately become an adult. Instead, take on added responsibilities gradually. Learning to be an adult and handle those responsibilities would be beneficial. Don't hesitate to seek guidance from your parents or ask for help.

The Stages of Life

The trick is to recognize where you are in life. You may go from being single to being married, from a parent to a grandparent. Each stage brings new joys and responsibilities. For example, meeting the love of your life was one stage, while being a great father was another. Let go of one joy to make room for the next.

Enjoying Your Youth

Don't stop doing fun things just because you're getting older. Instead, get older when you stop having fun. Enjoy your life to the fullest, but use a bit of common sense. As the lyrics to the song say, 'Hold on to sixteen as long as you can.'

Common Feelings Across Ages

Feeling like a child at any age is a common experience. Whether you're in your 18s, 70s, or somewhere in between, it's natural to feel like a child when you're placed in new situations where you have to get to know new people, learn new skills, and deal with new challenges.

Reflections from the Elderly

Even in my 70s, I'm reminded of my youth whenever I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror. However, apart from aches and pains, I don't think like I suspect other 70-year-olds do. I maintain a much younger outlook and have close friendships with people 30 years younger than me. Until recently, I could keep up with them, but time has caught up with me. So, don't worry about how old you feel. Enjoy your life and use a bit of common sense.