30 Signs You Are Reaching 30

In nearly eight months, I will be turning thirty years old.  I don’t expect to go through a life-altering metamorphosis.  Although, I will confess that I find it rather comforting when I Google search: “30 signs you are turning 30.”  I appreciate knowing that there are other twenty-nine year olds who can no longer pull all-nighters.  With that said, here is my "thirty-something" listicle.  Although they mostly pertain to my life, I hope my list can reaffirm that you too, are not alone in this strange quest for adulthood.    

1. At first, you are flattered when a waiter cards you and claims you look sixteen years old....until you recall how sixteen-year olds present themselves. 
2. You look more well rested because you get at least seven hours of sleep each night....unless you have kids.  
3. You have accepted the fact that you will never know everything; therefore, you are not too proud to ask questions.
4. You have invested in comfortable quality flats with a good sole.  (Begone flats from Payless.)
5. Your metabolism has officially slowed down.  Now you have to watch what you eat like "normal people."  Seriously normal people, how do you do it?
6. You wouldn't be caught dead wearing 70% of what H&M has to offer.
   
7. You have strong opinions, but you are still respectful of others when their convictions differ from your own.
8. Mid to late 90s Radiohead has held up quite well.  (You will still feel this way as you enter your 40s and 50s.)
9. Budweiser or sugary cocktails have now been replaced with craft beer or wine.                          
10. Vacation hours are reserved for destination weddings.
11. You have trustworthy friends that are able to provide you with honest advice.
12. You are most-likely either in a satisfying relationship, happily single, or single and searching for someone who is actually worth your time.
13. Concerts without seating are no longer permissible to you.

     14.  You have the courage to try something new.  (Food, career/life paths, travel destinations, art projects, etc.)

     15.  You can recall a time ten years ago, when hipsters actually roamed this Earth.

     16.  You start to exercise because you want to expand your life expiration date.  (Although losing weight couldn't hurt either.)

     17.  Even though you have been using Itunes for ten years, you still occasionally listen to to CDs and vinyl records because you know the sound quality can't be beat.

     18.  You voluntarily watch the news.  (Although you would prefer to dodge "news" commentators and their assessments.)

     19.  You can no longer relate to assumptions made about millennials. (Especially since most of these assumptions are more in line with Generation Z.)  

     20.  For example, you love reading the newspaper, because the news app just isn't enough.

     21.  In fact, reading the newspaper is one of your favorite Sunday pastimes.

      

        22.  You spend more money on home decor than on clothes.

        23.  You may belong to the "selfie" generation, but you acknowledge that the world does not revolve around you.

        24.  You have decided to read great literature on your own time; not because it was assigned in class.

        25.  You read novels that are intended for adults.

        26.  You are working towards a fulfilling career, (or you already have one) yet, you still realize  that your job won't stand beside you while you you are lying on your death bed.

        27.  You cook more than you ever have before, and your wallet thanks you for it.

        28.  You know whether or not you believe in God.  In fact, you also know why you believe what you believe.  If you haven't considered your existence or purpose in life within the first thirty years of your life, what have you been doing?

          29.  You may not always have everything together, but that's ok.  You have been humbled and you have learned how to persevere.  As a result, you have learned how to sympathize with others.

          30.  You google "30 signs you are almost 30."