6 Things That Make Me Feel Like an Adult

This post is sponsored by Oral-B

I LOVE being an adult.

I was one of those kids who almost always enjoyed being around adults rather than kids my own age and I think almost daily how happy I am that I’m finally an adult and that my friends are actually adults now too.

But still, every now and again I catch myself doing something and think, “Whoa. I guess I really am an adult.” Even though I’ve waited my whole life to be a grown-up, some part of me will probably still always feel about seventeen.

Here are six things that make me really feel like a full-fledged adult:

• I care DEEPLY about clean teeth. Why does it feel like the ultimate adulting gold star to go to the dentist and get a no-cavities report card? My old electric toothbrush has been discontinued so I couldn’t replace the heads anymore, so I’ve been on the hunt for a new one. I got an Oral-B Pro 1000 this month and I’m obsessed with it – it removes 300% more plaque along the gum line than a regular toothbrush AND it has a pressure sensor that stops pulsations if you brush too hard (since I’m genetically disposed to receding gums, this was a huge selling point for me). Even better, it’s a Cyber Weekend deal at Walmart this weekend and only $29 instead of the regular $49! Because if there’s anything that makes me feel like an adult, it’s loving a good deal.

• The best Christmas gift I can get is going to bed early on Christmas Eve. I actually don’t even really care what’s under the Christmas tree for me – the main gift I want is to put the girls to bed on Christmas Eve and be in bed myself by 9:30 p.m. and watch a little show before I go to sleep.
• My love language is saving money. Bart and I joke about this all the time, but truly nothing makes me happier than when Bart remembers to use a coupon or pay for our dental cleanings with the HSA card. Who needs roses when you have an extra $20 in your wallet?
• I’m the one filling out school paperwork. I’ve had children in school for eight years now and still I feel a little shock every time my girls bring me papers that I’m supposed to sign about field trips or school fees or using science equipment in a class. Am I really the adult who is supposed to sign these things??
• I can talk endlessly to other adults. I remember as a kid, my parents and the other adults would talk SO MUCH. And then my mom would say, “We’ll be leaving in five minutes” and then they’d talk for another forty five minutes. I always thought, “What in the world do you have to talk about??” And now . . . I’m the adult that is thrilled to talk to other adults for endless amounts of time.
• I feel the temperature intensely. I grew up in Las Vegas with scorching hot summers and we still played outside all the time, even when it was well over 100 degrees. It was hot, sure, but it wasn’t THAT hot. Now as soon as it’s over 90, I’m hiding inside with the AC and when the temperature drops, I’m wearing ALL the coats, while my kids prance around outside with bare feet and claiming they don’t need a coat. I’m convinced kids don’t feel the temperature like adults do!

What makes you feel like a grown-up? I’d love to hear – let me know in the comments!

And if you’re in the market for a phenomenal electric toothbrush, grab the Oral-B Pro 1000 while it’s $20 off this weekend!