What random tasks make you feel like a 'proper' grown up?

[BigBrownBoogyingBear]

I'm 48. I have two children (one with SN). I'm married. I've bought and sold a couple of houses. Learnt to drive. Been travelling. Worked and lived in London. Presented my work at international conferences. I'm now helping to care for my elderly parents (one of whom has dementia). So I've done a lot of the things typically associated with being an adult.

But the thing that always makes me feel like a 'proper' grown up is...marinading meat. Or squeezing lemon over fish. Whenever I'm doing it I get a frisson of...I don't know...maturity? Like the real grown ups are watching with approval!

Does anyone else ever feel like this when doing random, fairly mundane tasks? If so - what are they?

Being excited about a new vacuum always makes me feel grown up.

Gardening.

Main one was first day in my first full time job - it was only menial/admin/dogsbody work, but spending the day alongside "adults" and feeling like I was one of them in a professional environment, made me feel very grown up for the first time ever. I still remember the first day like it was yesterday even though it was 40+ years ago!

Next was buying my first car. I went alone, chose the one I wanted, "negotiated" with the salesman, etc., and was proud of myself to get a good deal and a successful purchase of a lovely car that served me well for a few years. All my own work.

Funnily enough, I didn't get the same kind of feeling when we bought our first home, got married, had a child, etc., even though they are arguably more important/grown up events, but I just took those in my stride without that much feeling as to whether it was "grown up" or not. I suppose you only "grown up" once!!

Doing my tyre pressures and topping up the screenwash. It amuses me that a male neighbour will usually comment if they see me, though both were very helpful when DH became unable to do these things.

Doing the meter readings and successfully entering them.

Finding appropriate house and car insurance.

Unlocking doors in work with my work ID badge, successfully (key word there) meal planning, building furniture - all definitely grown up activities!

I'm not grown up enough for gardening. My PIL have the most beautiful garden full of interesting flower beds and mature trees. I always think "my garden will look that that when I grow up'. I need to get a move on really 😶

Hitching and towing a caravan and knowing how to use levelling ramps

Getting the car valeted. Having proper pet insurance.

Signing someone’s passport application for them, when that used to be required.

Filling out the direct debit form for the milkman earlier today. Manually. With an actual pen.

Going on a plane on my own. I didn't do that until I was 42!

Booking your own holidays

Love this thread! For me it’s getting into my own car and driving off, wherever I want to go at whatever time suits me. I lived in London for the first 30 years of my adult life and didn’t own a car until I was in my 50s - it’s been a few years now but definitely get that, I’m a grown-up now feeling.

Eating olives!

I know I'm adulting when I have a full load of washing drying on the line.

Paying for the meal in a restaurant.

Listening to Today on R4........and arguing with interviewees.
It used to be writing cheques......loved that.

Sorting out insurance.

Taking things to the tip or charity shop!

Travelling on business alone.

Being in charge of a small human.

Locking my car with the remote key and the wing mirrors automatically fold in. How grown up is that?!

I finally felt like a proper grown up when I passed my driving test in my forties

Putting petrol in my car. It might be because I didn't learn to drive until my late 30s but whenever I'm stood at the pump, filling up I feel like an important adult who drives a car. Even more so if I go in to pay and tell them the pump number.

Small stuff - paying bills
Big stuff - being my dad's Executor

Being nice to someone who I find really difficult.....