Moving out into my own apartment and getting in trouble with the law...now I am in my 2nd apartment, and I live by myself with no room mates (thank God for that), and I realize what it takes to make it on your own

Melodi, 19
Hlliard, OH

I have to say that many of my "entries" into adulthood have revolved around being independent and financial secure. My first checking account and credit care. Getting a driver's liscense. My first real office job. Buying my first car. And now buying a home. All of these things indicate to me that I can stand on my own two feet.  Strangely graduating from high school seemed more of a right of passage than graduating from college.  And none of the first in the arenas of sex, drugs and alcohol held much weight.

Felicia, 34
|Somerville, MA

Probably crying bitterly, but agreeing with my parents, that our family dog who had begun killing other dogs should be put down

Jill, 59
Saylorsburg, PA

I don't think it can be marked by one event. Its a process really. But for me the most significant part of it has been moving out of my parents home into my own place after college and starting a life of my own. Though, since I am still the only child without children I think my family still sees me as somewhat of a child myself. That may be the final marker in my journey to true adulthood. So, I may get to be one of those people that is a kid forever at this rate!!

Kathy, 26
Garden City, MI

The summer after I completed graduate school, when my father was in a serious accident and I had to take over running the family business.

Jane, 60
West Linn, OR

Graduating from college seems to be one of those important "now you're an adult" moments, but I sure didn't feel like one then. I'm 31 now and I still don't feel like an adult! I think my personal entry into adulthood will happen when I give birth to another human being, and will have the

Susan, 31
Chicago, IL

I'm not sure, I guess about a year ago when I finally started to develop my own style and my own firm opinions that weren't really influenced by any of my friends. Although I'm still not a true adult...not Eighteen, anyways.

Aurora, 17
Montreal, Quebec CANADA

Nothing.   I refuse to become an adult. Am I a mature responsible person? You bet. I taught college for two years and now I'm going to teach high school. I pay my bills on time, have never bounced a check, and cook well balanced meals. But, if being "an adult" means that I have to stop bouncing, stop buying toys (esp. powerpuff girls), start being bitchy and naive and constantly concerned about money and power and status, then I decline thank you.

Amy, 23
Baton Rouge, LA

Probably feeling like an adult more often than you feel like a kid. Or when other people see you as an adult instead of a kid. Or both.

Karen, 20
Marshelltown/Ames, IA

Like many...a series of ranting raving arguments with my parents, until I finally learnt to stand on my own two feet!..thanks to those same wonderful two people, who I am proud to call Mum & Dad!!

Helena, 31
Sydney AUSTRALIA

My man-menses, which caused every girl in my immediate vicinity to suddenly  jiffy pop breasts. That is how I remember it anyway.

Anthony, 25
Baton Rouge, LA

Getting your own apartment.

Socrates One
Lowell, MA

For me personally it'll be when I'm able to drive. I have to wait until I'm 17, so when I am able to I'll consider myself an adult. I have some online friends who are my age in America and I can't believe that they're allowed to drive at my age, it seems so young. If I was allowed I'd probably wreak havoc on the roads!

Shanna, 15
Cardiff ENGLAND

Honestly...I think it's different for every person. Some people are forced to grow up fast and some just do it fast. Some people take their time and some never get there!! I'm not sure I can even pinpoint my entry.

Tracy, 24
Ocean City, NJ

One morning when I was a senior in High School, I wasn't feeling so great, but I didn't have a fever. I was waffling about whether to go to school or not and asked my mother what I should do. I couldn't believe it when she said, "You're an adult now, Laura. You decide what you should do." I went to school.

Laura, 35
Lowell, MA

I guess that would have to be moving out of the house and being on your own.    When you have to pay your own bills is a sure way to consider yourself an adult.

Kate, 19
Bellingham, WA

I'll tell you when it happens.  (jokes -- it was when I turned 20. At least I think so)

Jaden, 21
Brampton, Ontario CANADA

I don't think I'm an adult yet, well I try my best not to be. :)  Seriously though, I think Leaving home was the point of adulthood, when I had to pay a mortgage and bills (yuck).

Nikki, 27
Kirkham ENGLAND

. . .probably getting my first apartment, even though it was somewhat financed by my parents . . at the age of 19. .

mothmc, 35
Los Angeles, LA

Buying my first home

Jami, 27
Lowell, MA

Yesterday / Tomorrow