When Will I Grow Up?

Marriage, babies, mortgages, bills, steady jobs. These are just some of the things that we all associate with growing up and becoming a 'real' adult. I've been thinking a lot about these things recently, as I get these sort of expectations pushed on me more and more as time goes by. Most of my friends are either married, engaged, having babies, buying homes, or working towards their chosen career in a steady job. Not all, but most. Each time they reach one of these lovely milestones, they get a card and plenty of congratulations from everyone around them, and quite rightly.
Me however; I've just started another PT job (probably my fifth job in the past year?), and I've started freelancing in a field of work that has no security or stability. I live with my boyfriend Gary in a lovely flat we rent, with no plans to look for a house anytime soon. We are not engaged (though admittedly we both would love to be soon), and we've both admitted whenever we do marry it will not be traditional. It'll be outside, with only a small amount of people, no bridesmaids, no groomsmen, no first dance, no cheesy disco. It'll be plenty of fairy lights, smiles, champagne and memories with the select few people we invite that we will cherish forever. We have no plans on babies anytime soon, or possibly ever. Quite honestly if it happened, then it'd be lovely and we'd be happy. But this past year has made me question more and more if I even want a child at all. I'm still not sure. I love being able to do what I want, when I want, and being very selfish.
I've also found a lot of people are very surprised when I tell them I'm 27. I'd love to think this is down to my youthful baby face, but all in all I think it's my attitude and lifestyle that give this impression off. I cringe when people ask about babies and get annoyed when they tell me I should just stick to a job and settle. People have openly asked me when I'll stop dying my hair bright colours and 'grow up'. I don't plan on doing that anytime soon, thank you.
So what is it about this idea that we all have to make the same decisions to qualify as a grown up?
It's getting pretty ridiculous. People should let go of this dated, old fashioned way of thinking, and embrace the differences in people. Maybe I'll get married tomorrow, have a bunch of babies, dye my hair brown and be a stay at home mum. Maybe Gary and I will save and go travelling. Maybe I'll volunteer somewhere and learn a new language. Maybe we'll split up (I hope never..) and I'll move to Iceland. Who the hell knows? Either way, stop putting all your expectations and perceptions of adulthood on me, please.
Being an adult is a gift. I get to choose where my life takes me and who I'll be, and I appreciate that every single day. I absolutely love that I am free to break 'the rules', and I can't bear the thought of being boring. I respect everyone's choices, and I'm happy for anyone whatever they decide they want for their life; even if it's very different from mine.
So this is my little attempt at reminding people who might need it; I love my life. I'd love it even more if you stopped telling me how to live it.

Anyway, thank you all for taking a few moments to read this, I really appreciate it! 
But I must dash, Gary and I are planning a big trip to Disneyland for next year. The prams and nappies can wait a little longer...





Keep up to date with my latest posts by following me! :)
Bloglovin - Twitter - Instagram - Pinterest - Facebook