I still think of and refer to myself as a ‘girl’. When news reports mention ‘the suspect is a man who…’ or ‘… is the first woman to…’, I always mentally picture people who are much older than me. At what point do you stop being a girl/boy and are described as a woman/man? Puberty? 18? 21? 40?! If it’s when you have kids, I look forward to being a girl for ever 
So while I still feel like a ‘girl’ most of the time, there are occasions when I do feel grown up – and I was wondering what those times are for the rest of y’all? A few examples from my life:
- Buying a property. There’s nothing like handing over a huge deposit or committing to a mortgage to make you feel grown up!
- Meeting with my accountant. That’s serious stuff… I must be grown up after all!
- Realising that you actually might know better than your parents on some things. And having to be their support in times of stress, illness or bereavement.
- Being responsible for my staff’s livelihoods and making sure my business’s costs are covered every month.
- Dreaming of holidays that don’t involve backpacks and dorm rooms – and being able to afford them.
- Being comfortable with who I am and not eager to impress everyone anymore – if you don’t like me, that’s fine. I know I’m fantastic
– I don’t need anyone else’s approval.
What makes you feel grown up?
Well for me:
* Paying bills
* Noticing I have hair growing out of places I’d rather it not (ears and such like)
* If out around town on a night seeing young women and thinking “They’ll catch a cold wearing that”
* Making that funny noise when you sit down or get up out of a chair.
* Wishing you where 10 years younger!
Bah humbug. Right, off now to get my slippers and a cup of coco!