10 Life Skills To Learn In Your 20s If You Ever Want To Be A Real Adult

Adulting can be so overwhelming at times. If anyone in their 20s looks like they've got it under control 24/7, major props to them. But to be honest, your 20s can be such a weird transitional period in your life. You feel like you were just a teenager living at home, and now you're thrown into the real world and have to figure out what you want to do with the rest of your life. Your 20s is about making mistakes, learning from them, and growing into adulthood. It can be super difficult, but if you ever want to be a real adult, there are certain life skills to learn in your 20s.

Obviously, you can still be a kid at heart, but with these life skills, you can make everyone truly believe you're an adult and you're killing it. Some of these skills take practice, so it's a good thing you have your entire 20s to perfect them. The other pointers on this list are things you should learn and accept, which can also take some time. No one ever told you it was going to be easy being an adult, but I think many of us just assumed it would be. Don't fret, because here are 10 life skills you need to learn in your 20s if you ever want to be a real adult.

1. How To Cook At Least One Meal

Not all of us are going to be incredible chefs, but you should know how to whip up at least one home-cooked meal. And let's be real here, it'll feel so rewarding when you have your go-to dish you love to prepare in your kitchen. A true adult can host a dinner party for their friends, even if that meal consists of homemade pizza, or grilled cheese and tomato soup.

2. How To Properly Do Your Laundry

If you're out on your own, you no longer have Mom to help do your laundry every week, so you should establish a routine ASAP. You most likely won't be able to afford buying new clothes every time you damage them in the wash. It's the prime opportunity for you to learn how to properly do your own laundry.

3. How To Build Credit

You'll need good credit to buy a car or a house someday. To be better prepared for when that day comes, start building credit now. A simple credit card can build a credit score that will really be a huge help in the long run.

4. How To Clean… Regularly

A clean home is a happy home. Establish a day out of every week that's your designated cleaning day, without any excuses. Your living room carpet isn't going to clean itself.

5. How To Socialize Face To Face

Our generation is so used to dating apps and texting. However, we still need to talk to people face to face. It's an essential skill for job interviews, making new friends, and networking.

6. How To Take Criticism

In any job, you'll inevitably find some areas you can improve on. You can't always be perfect in every aspect of what you do. When you face criticism as an adult, it's necessary to learn how to take it properly. Sure, you may be upset about it, but turn that energy into something positive. It's the only way you'll ever succeed.

7. How To Deal With Loss And Rejection

As you get older, you'll become acquainted with loss in different aspects of your life. You may lose out on a dream job, go through a bad breakup, and might even lose loved ones. The loss is the most difficult thing to push through, but it's essential to learn how to deal with it and find a way to move on in time.

8. How To Keep Up On The News

With so much “fake news” out there, you may want to tune out and stop caring about what's going on in the world. But, as an adult, it's crucial to stay on top of things. Find a go-to trusted news source, and don't believe everything you read.

9. How To Budget

A real adult knows how to budget and understands that dress you really want might need to wait a bit to come home with you until it's on the sale rack. Getting a credit card and using it for the first time can be a tad dangerous. You should figure out the right budgeting plan that works best for you, and stick to it.

10. How To Be Comfortable Being Alone

Growing up, you most likely always had someone around, from your family to your roommates. As you get older, you should learn how to be more comfortable being alone. It's a valuable life skill not a lot of people think about, but your alone time is super important.