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?

When I take something to the seamstress or dry cleaners, forget the kids that makes me a proper adult

I have exactly the same feeling when I mention “my accountant” 😆

Talking about and sorting investments.
Pension planning
Having a regular window cleaner

Bleeding the radiators. I've been doing it for years but still feel like a grown up every time!

A box of tissues in my car and potting plants in the garden 🫣🤣

Putting the bins out

I had my kids in my late 30’s/40’s and I couldn’t quite believe I was allowed leave the hospital with them !! I mean I was in charge of keeping these little humans alive that was my “ fuck I’m now an adult moment “

Yes this!!

And voting

Buying a car or my own computer made me feel very grown up. Felt very old today at the sexual health hub to get my implant fitted and i was easily the oldest there by a good 20 years.

@BertieBotts I soo get this!! My DD’s teacher was sniffing a school jumper yesterday to figure out who’s it was. (I know 🤣) Then she said ‘It’s (my DD’s name.) It smells of washing powder.’ Biggest compliment I’ve had this year tbh.

My 65 year old auntie told me she felt “grown up” going on an aeroplane by herself 😍

I really want to go on an aeroplane by myself it seems so grown up and relaxing not like the usual Home Alone style mayhem of going on a plane with my family. Firstly when I was with my parents and now with my own family, it seems I'm destined to be around people who can't do low stress low drama air travel.

Driving my horsebox always makes me feel like a grown-up. No idea why!

Not a task exactly but… when we run out of something and I open the cupboard and there is a replacement there already because I bought it for when we ran out.

Also, when the washing machine clogs and I know how to drain it and unblock the filter.

Paying insurance
Managing a house renovation
Signing forms for Revenue stuff
Being asked for advice by a 30 year old

Mowing the lawn.

I get a thrill saying to peeps I have a financial advisor.

Came on here to say going to the tip - and not with my DH, but ON MY OWN, which did for the first time last year. Now I’m a regular and accomplished tip-goer and I feel just sooooo like a real grownup (I’m 44….)

Having decent wine and wine glasses. Cleaning the mirrors and windows.

Oh yeah this too. I got an accountant the first time I had to do a tax return, and that felt very grownup - and it’s not just having an accountant, it’s the referring to “my accountant” (albeit I now do my tax return myself which is arguably even more grownup).

My DH always refers to “my solicitor” when he just means me.

Doing my tax return and picking up a hire car on my own. I’ve been driving since I was 18 and I’m in my 50’s, and still I can’t believe they let me have a car to drive away in! Which is ridiculous as I’ve had babies and all sorts!🙈

Carrying a pack of tissues in my hangbag/coat pocket.

I feel immense smugness when someone in my vicinity spills something and i just magic up some tissues and offer them in case they need to mop it up. Last time was on a train, lady across from me spilt her coffee and was suitably grateful for my tissues. It officially made me the most grown up adult person on that train.

Being able to write a letter to someone who has suffered a bereavement

I dry cleaned my winter coat and it’s hanging up ready for next winter in its plastic wrap now. I was proud as punch at how sensible and grown up I was collecting it the other day

Driving works fleet cars. I feel like an unsupervised teen 😬