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?

Not mine-sure I was born ‘middle aged’..
One of my daughters, a partner in a city law firm, mother to two children, always feels ‘grown up’ when she has a meal simmering away in her slow cooker. Bless..

Deep cleaning the loo! Nobody else does it properly

Paying the milkman and putting the right money out on side made me feel so old. The biggest jolt ever was getting my first job in London and waiting on a tube platform with hand bag and cheap novel. I was a commuter learning the unspoken rules of London.

I remember when I was discussing giving birth to my first child with my mum and I said “do you think the midwives will think I’m just a silly little girl” and my mums like “ermmm no? Your 30”. And I’m thinking yeah I suppose but I’m not really an adult though am I?

@BigBrownBoogyingBear sorry to nitpick, it’s marinating, you put your meat (or whatever) in marinade. Nitpicking makes me feel grown up

Not being a mum (by choice, it's ok) is why even at 52 I'm certain I'm not a proper grown up!

Having a side salad with bolognaise or steak and wedges

Being pleased it has rained because the grass will get a good water!

I own and rent out two houses.
If one of my tenants has a problem, saying “I’ll get my plumber/electrician/decorator to sort it out” makes me feel like a grown up.
I am 58 years old 🤣

When someone told me they had taken my advice about something, and it had worked for them.
It’s a real pleasure to help someone, but also gave me an extra thrill to be later thanked for it.
Couldnt help but think “who… me?”

Having a selection of camp beds and spare duvets etc. for visitors. Like I really have my shit together and can accommodate an extra guest without blinking an eye.

knowing how to fix and repair things. A window lock/handle failed recently and I replaced the handle all by myself, I was really chuffed.

I am a fairly senior leader, and have a few youngsters in one of my teams, and I’m always given them grown up tips about random shit like a decent superglue, stain removal, spf spray to keep in your handbag, and I love it when they write them down 😂

But the thing that makes me feel very grown up is being a parent and when DC need my help or look to me for advice or guidance.

Oh yes, being set up to have overnight guests without a mad panic definitely makes me feel grown up.

Also not running out of things like loo roll, dishwasher tabs and washing powder because we have a running stash and a place to store it.

Going to the tip. Always feels great to have a) parked and done my shit, and b) got rid of the stuff I’ve been hoarding

Sad one- driving myself to attend a funeral alone. I was 21 and my best friend’s Dad died- she was obviously with family but wanted my support. I was honoured but having been to a few more funerals than your average 21 year old, it was a lot!

Fun one- being approved to adopt our first cat, as a couple in our 30s with both WFH careers and no kids… 🙈 I couldn’t believe he was mine the day we went to collect him! By the time we wanted DCat2 the rescue was falling over themselves to send him home with us as we were now considered old hands and were willingly taking home a complex medical cat!

Being asked to buy a grocery item and buying two, in case one isn’t enough. Feels so grown up and extravagant!

Cleaning the fridge. Hate doing it and definitely a grown up task.

Did the main drawer and shelf today. Will do the others over the weekend

This is me too. It’s the only time I get that feeling.

I pay all my own bills, almost own my house and flew to Australia by myself but it’s only filling my car up that gives me that grown up sense!

Having a reusable shopping bag with me- I always feel very grown up casually producing it 😆
Buying boring things like loo roll and socks and being keen on the design of my tea towels.
Saying ‘keen’
Having ‘back up’ frozen chicken and mince

But the moment I really realised I am definitely grown up (I’m over 50) is the day I realised I have a favourite hob ring. There’s no going back now.

When I moved into an unfurnished flat for the first time, I went to IKEA and went to the section near the end with ex display/returns/slightly wrong items and bought everything I needed there.

Three years later when the (very cheep) sofa completely broke I went back to buy my first proper couch and it was the first time I ever felt like an adult. I picked well as it's still comfortable and in daily use almost 15 years later.

I still don't feel like an adult most of the time though.

Watching Dirty Dancing and relating to Baby's parents more than to her.

I'm struggling to think of anything.
I still can't believe if something happened to my child I would be the one who got rang/told. It feels like surely there is a responsible grown-up who should be told rather than me

I am pleased that I've helped you feel grown up today 😀

I'm vegetarian, so don't even eat the meat or fish that I've carefully (and maturely) marinated!

Oh yes, or Ferris Bueller's Day Off!

I have loved reading these! And I have thought of another: defrosting the freezer. When I last did it, I took photos and sent them to my Mum, so she could see what a responsibile adult I was being.

Despite being nearly 50, I have never chosen flooring (carpet, laminate, tiles) or a sofa. I think I will feel very grown up when I finally get to do either of these!

Squeegying the shower cubicle after use. As I stand there naked after a shower, squeegy in hand, the thought that my late father would approve pops uninvited into my mind.

Also batch cooking