On Being A Grown Up

Do you ever look at people around you and wonder if you're just not on the same track? For the most part, I like to think I have my shit together. Maybe the dating/love/relationship part of my life is a bit unsettled lately, but even that I feel I approach as an adult. Sometimes, though, I look at the way some people my age live their lives and I just wonder if maybe I'm the weird one.

Granted, I can be a little type-A about a few things, but I only apply that standard to myself. I'm pretty forgiving when it comes to others. But when I see so many people who can't even manage the basics of life as an adult, I do get a little judgey. For example:

Buying groceries and being able to cook yourself a meal. I guess I just really don't understand if you don't know how to keep groceries around and make yourself dinner, at least on occasion. How do people eat out every day of the week? It's such a waste of money and calories.

Cleaning your home on a regular basis. Look, no one likes to clean. But we do it because the alternative -- living in filth -- is disgusting. Your mom isn't around to pick up after you anymore, so clean often enough that it doesn't look like things are growing in your bathroom. Or so I can sit on the floor of your living room and not feel covered in dirt and hair when I stand up. Honestly, I see this more often in the apartments of female friends than men.

Keeping track of your finances. This isn't hard to do these days. Most banks track everything online for you. There's no reason to be bouncing a check or missing payments unless you are deliberately trying to float something. If money is tight, fine, that's one thing. But just being totally clueless and not bothering to even try to keep track is inexcusable.

Getting shitfaced on a too-regular basis. If you're in your 30s and you still play flip cup or beer pong or any other binge drinking games on a regular basis at all, there's little to no chance we are going to be good friends. College is behind us. There comes a point where you just have to give that up and move on. Be a grown-up and finish a bottle of wine on a Wednesday night like the rest of us, or have a couple too many whiskeys on a Saturday night. But don't shotgun beers and then brag that it's just a regular Tuesday night for you. No one your age is impressed.

Have good manners. This is a big one and a huge pet peeve of mine. Is it even possible to host a social event anymore and have people RSVP in a timely manner and then actually show up? Can't we all just act like adults and honor the commitments we make? Don't cancel on someone for one thing and then check in on Foursquare for the event you obviously decided you'd rather attend. So. Incredibly. Rude.

And while we're on the subject, a few simple etiquette rules we should all try to follow:

~ Chew with your mouth closed. Why should any adult have to be reminded of this?
~ If you're going to someone's home for a party or dinner or whatever, don't go empty-handed. Take a bottle of wine, a bag of chips, whatever, but take something. 
~ Don't try to take the thing back home with you when you leave. You can afford to leave that three dollar bag of chips, for crying out loud.
~ Send thank you notes. Whenever you wonder if you should send one, you should. It takes about five minutes and the person will forever remember you as that thoughtful person who sent a thank you note. If you can't be bothered with all that, at least send a thank you email. 
~ If you're deliberately leaving someone out of a social event, just keep it quiet. No need to broadcast it and possibly hurt someone's feelings. Have a little grace and tact. Yes, women, I'm talking to you. You know we are the biggest offenders.


Sorry for the preachy post, but some days ... I just can't.