40 signs you’re an adult even if you feel like you’re not

You may be well on your way to becoming a responsible adult. FOX
Over the past few years, the word “adulting” has become a popular way to describe the process of growing up and learning how to be independent.
Some big-picture concepts or responsibilities you might associate with adulthood include paying the bills, finding a career path, and figuring out your purpose in life. But a new study found that some people also define “adulting” by a number of simple activities that you probably do every day.
In a recent survey of 2,000 millennials, Mattress Firm asked participants to identify what they believe are the milestones of adulthood. As it turns out, millennials think that doing laundry, washing dishes, and taking showers are all signs of being a mature adult.
Read on to see 40 relatable ways that you’re becoming a functioning adult, according to millennials, even if it doesn’t feel like it
You have a steady job.
An income equips millennials to pay bills. NBC
According to Mattress Firm’s study, 78% of millennials think steady work is the number one indication of being a true adult.
You’re financially independent.
Maturity is often associated with covering your own expenses.
Mattress Firm found that 52% of the millennials surveyed think the current economic climate hinders their ability to grow up.
You pay bills on your own.
It signifies stability.
Over 35% of millennials pay off their credit cards each month.
You pay rent or mortgage on your own.
Only 76% of millennials are paying their own rent, according to the study. Breadmaker/Shutterstock
It can often be difficult to manage monthly expenses and pay off bills when the cost of rent is remarkably high, especially if you live in a major city .
You pay for your car on your own.
Including gas, repairs, monthly payment, etc.
Everything from car payments to gasoline to insurance adds up quickly. An unrelated study completed by ValuePenguin found that, on average,
Americans spend $125 a month on car insurance .
You budget for monthly expenses.
How you spend your free time affects your expenses. d13/Shutterstock
According to Mattress Firm’s survey, 69% of millennials will turn down social plans and events for financial purposes.
You file your own taxes.
It’s an important responsibility for working individuals. Tim Boyle/Getty Images
Mattress Firm found that 66% of women said that
filing your own taxes is a sign of being an adult. Meanwhile, only 45% of men thought the same.
You cook your own meals.
It can be more cost-effective than eating out.
Taking the time to cook at home requires some planning, but it ultimately gives you more control over what you consume.
You’ve moved out of the family home you grew up in.
Leaving the place you grew up is a pivotal life moment. amy gizienski/Flickr
When you are on your own, you have to take ownership of basic tasks like cooking and paying the bills.
You’re on time for work.
Punctuality shows professionalism and urgency.
This famous motto on timeliness is bound to set you up for success: ” Five minutes early is on time. On time is late. Late is unacceptable. ”
You’ve paid off a credit card bill or student loan debt.
Mattress Firm found that 63% of millennials’ total spending goes toward necessities. DragonImages/iStock
Student loan debt is a major stress for many people, but taking the initiative to pay off loans each month is a step in the right direction. It’s also encouraging when big companies support employees by making student loan repayment a workplace benefit.
You understand and monitor your credit score or credit report.
An important task for any adult. Omar Havana/Getty Images
Having a good credit score is an important prerequisite for other things you may want or need to do as an adult, like renting an apartment.
You have a car.
It’s a big purchase that requires maintenance, care, and upkeep. Maki Shiraki/Reuters
Unless you live in a city where driving isn’t ideal, owning a car is a good idea. After all, Uber and public transportation can become inconvenient and
costly .
You do your own laundry.
Having clean clothes is the first step to dressing for success. Warner Bros.
Whether you take it to the laundromat or do it in the comfort of your home, doing your own laundry shows that you care about yourself and your belongings.
You do the dishes regularly.
Clean them by hand or stick them in the dishwasher. andriano.cz/Shutterstock
The kitchen is the dirtiest spot in the house , so regular upkeep minimizes bacteria.
You book your own appointments.
Arrange your schedule by phone and email.
Some people may hire personal assistants to plan out their daily lives, but many adults have to schedule their appointments on their own.
You’ve invested in a 401(k).
Young people are already preparing for future retirement. airpix
Just under half of millennials (41%) are saving for retirement, according to Mattress Firm’s survey.
You spend money on or doing a necessary chore instead of indulging in a leisure activity (e.g., getting your car’s oil changed instead of buying a new video game).
It’s all about prioritizing what you need versus what you want. Scott Olson/Getty Images
Mattress Firm’s study reports that millennials are careful about spending their money . It found that people in this age group will dedicate roughly 4.6 hours to researching something before making a purchase.
You shower and bathe regularly.
Good personal hygiene is key to practicing self-care. Alliance/Shutterstock
Regular showers or baths will keep your body clean, and therefore reduce the spread of germs.
You change your sheets and towels regularly.
These are items that people use daily. Marco Verch/Flickr
The moment you use a bath towel, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. Philip Tierno, a microbiologist and pathologist at the New York University School of Medicine, previously told Business Insider that you should avoid using an air-dried towel more than three times without washing it.
You frequently go grocery shopping.
It’ll help you cook more at home. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Bonus points if you are regularly stocking up on fresh produce at the grocery store , instead of buying processed or frozen food .
You have children.
Choosing to raise kids is a huge step in anyone’s life. Chris Jackson/Getty Images
A 2015 study found that US parents spend, on average, $233,610 raising a child through the age of 17.
You do your own home repairs.
DIY solutions are cost-effective, if executed properly. Max Whittaker/Stringer/Getty Images
Doing basic home repairs will save you the money it would cost to get the problem assessed and fixed by a professional.
You stop drinking after only a few drinks.
Consuming less alcohol can be beneficial for both your health and your wallet. David Paul Morris/Getty Images
Excessive alcohol intake over an extended period of time can weaken the immune system, lead to weight gain, and take a toll on vital organs.
You read and watch the news.
Get informed about what’s happening around you.
Staying up-to-date about current events can be crucial to informing decisions you make in your adulthood, like where you want to live, who you want to vote for, and more.
You confront someone in person instead of blasting them on social media.
Hear them out face to face
We’ve all seen how those celebrity subtweets play out. Facing conflict is a more mature approach than arguing with someone while the world’s watching.
You’ve moved in with a significant other.
It’s a big step.
Making the decision to live with your partner sparks serious conversations about the future of your relationship and finances, such as how you will split the bills.
You get excited about a mundane purchase, like a new washing machine or kitchen appliance.
It’s the simple things. Richard W. Rodriguez/AP
According to Mattress Firm’s study, 63% of millennials spend their earnings on necessities.
You own stock.
It all starts with setting up an account.
Just over half of Americans own stock, according to a 2017 Gallup report .
You have a significant other.
Being with another person may suggest that you have yourself figured out. Christian Hartmann/Reuters
Relationships are dependent on two people having the maturity to communicate, trust, and support one another.
You call your parents regularly.
You might not see them all the time. Shutterstock
When you’re an adult, your days often become swamped with work and your social life. It’s nice to take time to check in with your family, especially if you don’t live near home.
You go to bed before 11 p.m.
You’ll be thankful for it in the long run.
Adults know that getting enough sleep is critical for maintaining good health, managing stress, and getting through the day.
You have a view on politics.
Forming a political opinion is a nuanced process.

Studies have suggested that psychological differences between people can shape their political views.
You wash your face before bed.
It’s important to remove oils, dirt, makeup, and sweat before you go to sleep.
Washing your face is like brushing your teeth: It’s a hygienic and necessary habit you should develop when you wake up in the morning and before you go to sleep at night.
You choose clothing based on comfort more than style.
Give athleisure a try. Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images
You will be most comfortable and confident wearing what feels practical for your lifestyle.
You prefer a night in to a night out.
Try doing movie nights with your roommates. FOX
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a night out, but hanging low is a good opportunity to rest and have some alone time.
You live in a place other than your hometown.
Step out of your comfort zone. FOX
Living somewhere unfamiliar challenges you to have new experiences, which can help foster personal growth.
In fact, a recent study by Rice University in conjunction with Columbia University and the University of North Carolina found that living abroad increases one’s “self-concept clarity .” The study’s findings suggest that “those who choose to live in a new country tend to have a better sense of self than those who don’t,” according to Travel + Leisure .
You drink wine.
Treat yourself, in moderation of course.
Millenials and Gen Z opt for spirits and wine over beer.
You throw dinner parties.
Hosting requires thoughtful preparation and the means to do it. Didriks/Flickr
It takes a lot of work, time, and money to put together a party that considers dietary requirements, alcohol, and a comfortable setting.
You match your home decor.
You’re settled in your place.