At the beginning of the new year, were you also touched by the words of your parents and relatives, "I have grown up a year older"? It seems that overnight, we need to take on more and face all the challenges of life. However, deep down, do we really feel that we are already "adults"?
Do we still want to escape from complex relationships? Are we still the same children who seek comfort in times of difficulty? Perhaps, we seem mature enough to outsiders, but deep down, we know that we still have a lot of shortcomings.
This feeling is actually quite normal. Because our definition of "adult" is often full of idealization. We expect ourselves to be able to deal with everything calmly and rationally, but in reality, everyone has their own weaknesses and confusions.
That doesn't mean we're failures or that we're not growing. On the contrary, it just shows that we are growing, that we are trying to understand the world and accept our imperfections.
Growing up does not mean that we should abandon our past selves, but that we should accept our imperfections and embrace our growth. We don't need to be perfect "adults", we just need to be our true selves.
When we dare to face our shortcomings and admit our confusion, we have taken the first step towards growth. Because true maturity is not to cover up one's weaknesses, but to face them bravely and work hard to overcome them.
So, if you feel like you're still "pretending to be an adult," that's okay. Because everyone goes through such stages. It is important that we maintain our love of life and self-awareness, and keep learning and growing.
Finally, may you find your own rhythm and direction in this world full of changes. You don't have to rush to become an "adult" in the eyes of others, just slowly grow into what you like.