There are actual, physically grown people walking around who were born in the 1990s. It's a wild concept, but we encounter them every day — people in their twenties. Some of them might even be reading this article.Also, September is Healthy Aging Month — a time to focus on the positive aspects of growing up. While some of us lament what our knees could once do upon hearing "Cash Money Records takin' over from the '99 and the 2000s," getting older isn't all bad.
The early twenties, in particular, can often be a time where things seem overly dramatic as you try to navigate the new responsibilities of early adulthood. If you happen to be one of those twenty-ers reading this, don't fret. There are more than a few things to look forward to that only gets better with age.
1. Breakups.
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A breakup in your twenties is basically like a breakup in your teens. Your feelings are valid and those teardrops on your pillow are very much real, but the drama that surrounds a breakup is oftentimes all-encompassing. The pages of text messages, the not being able to eat or sleep, the countless group chats to your friends — it's a lot. Furthermore, it doesn't even touch on the fact that usually, the first breakup isn't a clean breakup; it's typically a test-run pre-breakup. In your twenties, a breakup can last three to six months until you ultimately decide to block one another in the final rage that serves as the last straw.
When you're past your twenties? You ain't even got to do all that. You can state how you'd like the relationship to end, decide if you'd like to maintain a cordial relationship or not. If things get really heated, you can get right to the blocking. There may be some tears, but you're probably too busy with other things, and one monkey certainly doesn't stop the show.
2. The clapback game.
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As you get older, your clapback game doesn't just get a little better, it totally evolves, becoming refined like a polished stone. The clapback category could take the form of graceful shade, ending with phrases like "God bless," or super unconcerned, disinterest in the foolery, like the godmother of non-foolery Ms. Aretha Franklin.
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After you've come out the other end of twenty there's simply no energy for the extra back and forth. A well placed clap back in the form of blessing the offender or completely writing them off is way more effective.
3. Paying bills.
Let me be clear: Bills suck — paying them, even more so. While financial literacy is something you're becoming familiar with in your twenties, gratitude is something that will be introduced into the game a little later. Nothing will make you more grateful about having a shaky bank account then knowing you've managed to pay your rent, utilities, car note, insurance, loans, credit cards and whatever other necessities you or your children need, while still being able to eat and drink something that isn't primarily bread and water. You'll feel better about paying bills, because you'll know you're handling your business.
4. Sex.
I know you think you know what you're doing — what's not to know, right? WRONG. Sex in your twenties is like a tennis match between two powerhouse servers with no court game. Sure there's a lot of noise, stamina and hard-hitting moves happening, but where's the finesse? Where's the back and forth? Can we get some showmanship?
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Sex past your twenties becomes infinitely better simply because you actually know what you’re doing. You've had enough experience (and bad sex) to truly understand the way your body works, sexual chemistry, and intimacy.
5. Going to bed.
There's no simple pleasure more decadent than simply getting in the bed after a long day. You're probably saying, "But I enjoy going to bed now." I'm not talking about the Monday through Thursday getting in the bed. I'm talking about getting in the bed on Friday night at 9 p.m. I'm talking about being invited to something on Saturday at 7 p.m., looking at the phone and pretending you didn't see it.
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6. Talking on the phone.
Recently, I've noticed a new phenomenon in my communication style. I find myself in the middle of a long text message, usually when I'm explaining something in detail, and halfway through something says, "Ugh. I'm tired of texting — let me just call."
After this happens, I actually click on the person’s name and call them — it's wild! It was shocking to me when I did it the first time but after I got into the practice of it, I realized that I saved even more time by simply relaying my message via phone. I could then get off the phone, or I could continue to talk to my friend! This has opened up a lot of opportunities to maintain friendships, especially long-distance ones. You'd be surprised how refreshing catching up on the phone can be and how much time it creates to do other things — like going to bed.
There's no reason to speed through your twenties, goodness knows it'll be over soon enough. Enjoy the mistakes, the ability to stay up and your metabolism. In the meantime, know that there's plenty more to look forward to.
