I am scared of turning 18

Okay, I know this might sound really stupid, but I will be 18 in less than a month and I am terrified. I know that people don’t really change between 17 and 18 I don’t think (unless some major life-changing event takes place), and I think if I said to someone on my 18th birthday “Hey, I’m the exact same as I was a month ago when I was 17″ they would understand that. However, without really thinking about the logistics, people see 17-year-olds and 18-year-olds very differently and they expect a lot more out of 18-year-olds. I have asked questions online about both 17-year-olds and 18-year-olds just to see people’s different opinions on the two ages. For example, I would post a question about a 17-year-old doing one thing, and then awhile later, I would post a question about an 18-year-old doing the exact same thing. It was mostly full grown adults that answered, and there was a huge difference in how they saw 18-year-old compared to 17-year-olds. There have also been times when I talk about when life with an adult I do not know well and then I tell them I am 18 just to see how they react in comparison to how people react when I tell someone I am 17. For example, I might tell a grown adult how I live my life and then tell them I’m 17 turning 18 next month and they will say “Oh, how lovely!” and then with another grown adult I will talk about my life and then tell them I am 18 and they will be like “At 18, you should be doing more. You should have a job. You shouldn’t have your parents taking care of you. You are mooching off of them. Grow up!” It terrifies me to think that in just one more month people will suddenly think I am living a life that I am too immature for, while right now they think it is just fine. I guess you could say I am a little obsessed, but this is something that really worries me. I still like to play in the playground and play with Barbies. I’m not ready for all the expectations people have. My parents are okay with me living how I currently am when I am 18, but I know from all the things that I have explained above that there will be plenty of people who will expect loads more of me once I am 18. Any advice would be greatly appreciate.

asked September 7, 2014

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Friendly

3 Answers

Ask your parent/guardian/trusted adult/family member for advice. They definately felt like this before, and they probably have tons of helpful advice. You could also google a bunch of life hacks if you're gonna be living on your own soon c:

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DJTobes

I felt the way same, now that I've been 18 for about 4 months, there's really minimal difference. Yes, you will technically be an adult, but barely. Sometimes you'll think "hey, I'm 18, I can do this and this and this now!" but you probably won't do it anyway. Everyone has expectations put on them no matter how old they are and they only matter if you let them. Live by your own expectations. Go after and work towards what you think you should be doing. Why does it matter what other people, who have minimal influence on your life, think you should be doing? I know it sounds generic and overdone, but really, why does it matter? Ask yourself. Don't just skim over this. Actually ask yourself "Why does it matter what these people think?". Your parents understand that suddenly ticking over to 18 doesn't change who you are and they are completely right. Play with your Barbies and on playgrounds if you want to (so many young adults love play grounds, and hey, I collect LaLaLoopsy dolls which are meant for young children). Growing up doesn't mean you have to let go your playful side. My aunt is 50+ and she is the most, playful fun person I've ever met, and she works for the government too. I'm rambling and I've lost what I was trying to say, but I hope this helps in some way. Feel free to message me if you want to. x.

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Jess

2,717

I understand.... 18 is a crucial age, and many things will start to change. Your duties and responsibilities will increase, and you will be more exposed to the world outside. Although you will gain more freedom and can start living independently, this growing up thing can frustrate you. But sigh, you can't stop your age from increasing. However the growing up part is your decision. Don't under estimate yourself, I'm sure you can handle things well, and you will make your parents proud. It all requires hard word and since you will be 18 in a month, you should consider to give some serious thought into what you wanna do in life. Consult with your parents or elders. If you have an older sibling,cousin or friend talk to them about it. You will feel better. And lol...you don't have to leave your barbies i guess... Just do what you like, but make sure its right and think positive :)

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violet

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