The 10 signs you’re adulting in 2017

What does it take to be an adult today?

Water your zygocactus the day before repotting to reduce stress (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Once upon a time, being a grown up meant getting married, paying the bills and providing for your family.

That was before the days of housing crises, soaring unemployment rates and, er, Brexit – all of which have played their part in rearing a generation of millennials struggling to fly the nest, for whom remembering a parent’s birthday and doing the washing up are great feats.

Such banalities are the markers of modern day adulting, claims a new study by Kinder Bueno.

According to Urban Dictionary, the catchy phrase is used by “immature 20-somethings who are proud of themselves for paying a bill.”

The average Brit doesn’t feel like an adult until the ripe age of 26 – eight years after the legal marker of 18 – the study claims.

Whereas 50 years ago, adulting was defined by landmark events such as buying a house or a car – the ambitious youth of today aspire to drink wine and make their own bed in the morning.

“Our research suggests that growing up milestones have moved on, with having a professional email address, an up-to-date CV and watching box-sets on a Friday night rather than going to the pub all referenced as signs you’ve mastered ‘adulting’ in 2017,” said a Fererro spokesperson.

So, wondering whether you’re adulting or just playing dress up?

Here are the top 10 ways to nail being a grown up:

1. Being in a permanent job
2. Paying for your own holidays
3. Paying for your own car insurance
4. Doing your own washing
5. Having a relationship that lasts longer than six months
6. Being able to drive
7. Having a credit card
8. Having a sensible email address 
9. Having an up to date CV
10. Going on holiday with your partner

Pass the Persil.