CLUELESS AND 21.

Turning 21 is quiet a big deal. You get to earn your own money, some of you live on your own, and most importantly, you finally become an adult. But let's be honest, it also means no more afternoon naps. Or bunked lectures. Or 3 PM breakfasts. The twenties are your most formative years, and while we are all for making the most of them, we are also okay about bending the rules a bit to suit ourselves. Here are ten things that are more or less on the cards, you wonderful adult, you; but honestly, you don't need to accomplish them on a deadline. Take it easy...

Dream Job: In an ideal world, you did have a job right out of college. But it's okay if you are not too sure of what you wish to do. Or, if you are stuck with a bad job. Seriously, there's no harm in those coffee runs and working overtime. You will actually get to learn a lot more than way.

Moving Out: The best part of being in an Indian family is that you can move out in your twenties, or not move at all till your thrities, and there's no one to judge you. So, don't stress out about having your own place until you are absolutely ready.

Borrowing Money: Moment of truth: sleeping hungry can be a real pain. Instead of trying to be all grown up and responsible, accept that you messed up (Charles & Keith non-sale shoes, we are looking at you) and ask your parents for help. Word of caution though, better to not make it a habit. And of course, you are going to pay them back, right? RIGHT?

Having The Perfect Relationship: If she/he ain't worth it, dump her/him. Move on. Period. No point breaking your heart trying to make it work simply because you have to follow an arbitrary rule someone, somewhere decided to make. Many more fish in the sea, in fact, far better ones.

DIY Sundays: We all love the idea of being a desi Martha Stewart - prepare perfect Indian meals now that we are adults, DIY everything in the house to impress parents, friends... While that's great, learn to CHILL. Yes, you are 21, but it's still okay to take a break (or breaks) and move at your own pace. Or do nothing.

Healthy Lifestyle: Poached eggs in the morning, salds at night don't even sound like fun... on paper. We don't promote fries for Friday dinner (okay, maybe we do), but don't beat yourself up if you eat that extra slice of pizza. The whole point of being in your twenties is that higher metabolic rate! Now, where's that pizza outlet menu?

Queen Bee: The FOMO syndrome (if you don't know what that means, consider yourself lucky) is the biggest curse of your twenties. But if you don't really care about your social status, that's okay too. Miss out on that party that everyone HAS to be seen at. Welcome to team 'Netflix and Chill'. We have cookies.

Non-Toxic Friends: We all want healthy relationships but 21 is probably not the ideal age to be able to tell the nice ones from the not-so-nice ones. So if you end up with a horrible friend whose only good quality is her awesome makeup bag, we promise we won't judge.

Doing What Our Parents Did: We have all had that talk. Most of our parents were busy becoming super productive adults at 20 while we did rather eat a pizza and hate people. Did you just nod, too? It's okay. You will get there, at your own pace.

Becoming A Morning Person: It ain't gonna happen. We know the perks of being a morning person, but hey, quick outfit decisions and managing to do your entire makeup in the cab, are essential life skills too.

---Based on article by Ainee Nizami, published in The Times of India dated May 01, 2016. 

C.S. Chakravarthy

H. NO. 12-13-301, St. No. 9,

Lane. No. 1, Flat. No. 203,

Satya Classic, Tarnaka, 

Secunderabad- 500 017

Telangana State

e-mail: chakkuresearchscholar13@gmail.com

Cell: 09985732397.

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