I hate adulting. And I don’t mean that I hate being an adult. I actually love it. I can eat ice-cream for dinner, go to bed whenever I want, make my own decisions and I even enjoy the satisfaction of paying bills.

What I hate is the actual term, “adulting,” that I keep hearing 20-somethings use every time they “accomplish” something:

“You guys! I am so good at adulting, I cooked my own dinner and remembered to water the plants!”

“Paid my rent on time this month #adulting.”

“Adulting so hard in my pencil skirt!”

It is sad to me that a 20-something feels the need to brag about the fact that they have just now learned to prepare a meal, wear real clothes, be responsible or take care of something other than themselves. My parents taught me how to do this stuff when I was in middle school. Hence the reason I had created my own business, learned how to budget and plan, cared for our dog, and prepared simple meals by the time I was 13. If you’re 20+ and just now figuring it out, I wouldn’t brag about it. I feel as embarrassed for you as I do for someone who hasn’t yet learned to read.

Grow up and take some initiative. You’re too old to be cute. These are the things you should know how to do by the time you’re 20 (it doesn’t mean you have to like them), no exceptions:

• Cook simple meals.
• Buy work appropriate clothing.
• Shop for groceries and use coupons.
• Budget.
• Pay bills on time.
• Create a resume and apply for jobs.
• Keep a plant alive.
• Keep an animal alive.
• Care for a small child.
• Do laundry.
• Clean.
• Make a doctor’s appointment.
• Open a bank account.
• Manage a credit card responsibly.
• Check the oil and tire pressure in your car.
• Have a conversation without looking at your phone.
• Contribute to your retirement.
• Get insurance-car, health, renter’s.
• Unclog a drain.
• Own and use basic tools-hammer, nails, screwdriver, tape measure.
• Stop bragging about your inability to handle basic real-world tasks.