6 Uncomfortable Milestones That Actually Mean You’re Conquering Your 20s

20 something girl hands through hair
Cristian Newman

Our twenties are a time of self-growth, exploration, and mostly confusion. While we’re technically adults, we still spend a lot of time figuring out who we are and what we want. Our twenties can be uncomfortable in many ways. In our twenties we learn, A LOT. Like

1. How to be happy in or out of a relationship

In our twenties you meet a lot of people. Some of us find our soul mates at 20, while the rest of us may be wandering around wondering when we can find someone who has an ounce of decency. Dating can be annoying. You know you’re confident, and happy with yourself when you can be happy in OR out of a relationship. Being alone is better then being with the wrong person.

2. You have no problem cutting people off

When you were younger, you may have dealt with that friend with the condescending comments. You may have stayed in a noncommittal relationship. You might have stuck a job out because of the money. Now you’re older and wiser. You won’t take bad treatment. You shouldn’t have to. You have no problem losing friends or relationships that bring you down.

3. You like solidarity

Spending Friday night on your couch alone? You like it. Actually you prefer it. You’ve learned that you don’t always need to be surrounded by people. Sometimes you need to be alone, you crave it. Being alone and spending time with yourself is healthy, and sometimes necessary. You are able to say no to engagements and know when you need ME time.

4. You’ve learned the value of your time

This is huge. You are busy. We all have a million engagements and it’s impossible to be everywhere. You know what’s important and prioritize your time. You don’t agree to engagements that you don’t want to go to. You don’t go on dates just to “date.” You prioritize yourself and this is important.

5. You ask for what you want

You know what you want and you ask for it. This pertains to all aspects of life. As we get older we realize that we are the only ones who can ask for what we want. You will never get it if you don’t ask.

6. You’ve grown

Sometimes you look at yourself and wonder what happened to your younger self. You’re a totally different person now, and you should be. Our twenties allow us to grow. Sometimes the unknown is scary, but growing can only benefit us. Thought Catalog Logo Mark

Chicago born and raised. Stay strong but sweet.

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