Knockoff Seniority

There's a such thing as a "fake" adult and a "real" one. 

A "fake" adult is one who, like a lamb in sheep's clothing, takes on the adult title without any real adult experience to back him up. This guy places the metaphorical "grown-up" crown atop his head, deeming himself "a man" as soon as he steps foot out of his childhood home. His mind has yet to mature fully. His parents pay half his bills. He doesn't know who he really is. Quite frankly, he doesn't even know he doesn't know. He uses tangible items such as brand name clothing and money to distract from this and to woo others. He allows others' opinions to wave him to and fro like a tumbleweed in one of those old country western movie scenes.

Then, we have the "real" adult (take notes, people). In order to avoid going back and rewriting the contrast to everything I wrote above, I will just say that the "real grown-up" is the opposite of his predecessor. 

This guy is independent, responsible, and wise. Personal experiences have shaped him, providing him with grit, drive, and something else very important in life that many still lack: sense. 

Sense

/sens/

noun

☞ a sane and realistic attitude to situations and problems

Hopefully, also, as a real adult, one practices bigger picture thinking, and can, therefore, be more appreciate, patient and loving on a daily basis. This does not always happen though...

I am slowly transitioning from fake adult to real. It can be pretty challenging sometimes but the rewards after the pitfalls are so meaningful and heartwarming. Every time I tackle a new difficult challenge, I feel like Simba defeating Scar - strong and powerful.