Adults in society undergo extensive pruning, much like shears do to a bush. We’re supposed to act more “mature” as soon as we’re old enough to drive and handle money, which frequently means giving up things we enjoy doing because they’re too juvenile.
There is this expectation that was must trade in fun for more serious activities once we reach a certain age. But what happens to quality of life when all the things we loved to do as kids are suddenly off limits?
From the fun stuff to the serious things, let’s explore the bits of ourselves we give up to fit in with what people expect.
1. Being Openly Affectionate
Many children give hugs, high-fives, and kisses without skipping a beat. As we grow up, public displays of affection tone down (due to societal norms or how we were raised) and dictate more reserved behavior.
2. Eating with Hands
Young children eat freely with their hands, not caring so much for dining propriety. Learning how to eat with a fork and spoon is a rite of passage, and those who have learned it are deemed exquisite. Adults feel pressured to use utensils even when they’d rather pick at their food with their hands sometimes.
3. Getting Excited About Special Days
Adults may downplay their enthusiasm for special occasions to appear more mature and composed. Children, on the other hand, wait with bated breath for their birthdays and special days.
4. Asking for Help
As children, asking for help with almost everything it normal, while adulthood is synonymous with independence. This expectation of independence may lead some adults to avoid seeking help or admitting when they don’t know something.
5. Skipping Around
Adults limit spontaneous physical activity in public spaces to avoid being perceived as childish or disruptive. The simple act of skipping even a few quicker steps makes everyone happier.
6. Asking Questions
Any adult who has dealt with a child will tell you they can wear you out with questions. As adults, the pressure to appear knowledgeable leads to limiting their questioning to avoid looking uninformed.
7. Taking Naps
In many cultures and today’s fast-paced world, napping during the day is associated with laziness, and adults may feel compelled to stay awake and active. It would be wonderful if we could all take a power nap daily, wouldn’t it?
8. Believing in Magic
The societal expectation is for adults to rely on logic and reason. Belief in magical or supernatural elements is deemed juvenile. Magic gives people hope; it’d be great if adults didn’t lose looking at the world with a spark in their eyes.
9. Not Worrying About the Future
Don’t you admire how children don’t seem stressed about what they will eat or what happens next week on Tuesday? Society often emphasizes responsibility, causing some adults to prioritize long-term planning over carefree spontaneity.
10. “Childish” Hobbies
Adults have little time for things that don’t bring them money, and the things we do for fun are thrown out the window. Some hobbies associated with childhood, like collecting toys or playing video games, may be abandoned to align with adult interests.
11. Wearing What We Want
Have you seen a child in a mall with a dinosaur outfit and no shoes? Many adults conform to societal dress codes and expectations, abandoning more eccentric or non-traditional clothing choices. It would be much more entraining if adults could wear whatever they want.
12. Having a Messy Room
Society often values cleanliness and organization, and adults are expected to maintain tidier living environments. While a clean environment is good, a messy environment indicates someone had fun.
13. Bouncing Castles
An adult on a bouncing castle sticks out like red on white, and that’s why most will shy away from taking a jump. But they’re so fun! And the kids think it’s fun when the adults join in (sometimes).
14. Watching Animated Movies
Animated movies are not just for kids; most adults love them, too. While this is true, some will shy away from watching or admit to watching animated movies even though they’d love to.
15. The Swings
Any adult who says they don’t love swings is probably not telling the truth. It may look awkward with an adult’s long legs on small swings, but most adults would still love to take a swing—literally.
16. Going to the Park
We take kids to the park for them to have fun and enjoy some time outdoors, but we don’t remember that adults could use some fun, too. They can join in with their kids (if they have them) or find fun ways to get their bodies moving as adults.
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I’m a Language and Literary Studies (Honors) graduate with 11 years of experience in magazine and blog writing and content creation. I’m passionate about storytelling for change and believe in the power of words to make a difference. My writing is thought-provoking, accessible, and engaging, focusing on the Psychology of human behavior, complex social issues, personal experiences, and the latest trends. I’m a wife and a Mom of three.
