(A major part of this article, I originally wrote 11 months ago, almost exactly to the day. Obviously, back then, Blink 182 had not announced their re-union then and they were just one of my favourite bands that I liked to listen to when I travelled to and fro to class. Everything still rings true though.)

It’s not only because of Blink 182’s song that I’ve been thinking about the matter of my real age and how old I may come across in interaction with other people.

Frankly, when I look at young women and men of my age, I sometimes wonder if it is them who are too serious about living their lives as adults or whether it is my perception and pursuit of life that is slightly out of line.

In eight weeks from today, I turn 24. If we believe one of the most influential rock bands of the current century, 2009, at the age of 23, must have been the hardest year for me yet.

Having left the better days of 16 behind to find purpose and direction at 17, no one apparently likes you when you are 23.

Of course, we shouldn’t take the lyrics too seriously and regard them with a certain sense of irony but just how much of truth is left behind witty words and snarky remarks?

Looking back on the years that have passed since I became an adult, turned 18 and graduated from high school, just how many aims can I have claimed to have reached?

To be honest, I did not have a lot planned for after school and maybe that already made me less mature at the time but the day I left school for good, I promised myself to go to university and do English studies as well as I spelled out the wish to one day live in London.
Guess what? Already at 21, I could cross both of my list of two. I can look back on a few years of studies and while I’m still so far from my degree, I already learned so much. As of now, I have fun part time job in which I just received a promotion and raise and I’ve gone to fend for myself abroad.

That is a lot more than some people of my age can say for themselves.

Still, a lot of my peers aret done with their degree while I couldn‘t decide for a long time just which course I wanted to stick to. Those who went to get an apprenticeship after school instead of attending university have long become full members of the working society. And some are even starting their own small families now and settling down.

What I see happening to a lot of the couples around is that they hardly ever go out anymore and if they do, of course, they are inseparable. They adopt a routine in which the only highlights are birthdays, the holidays and well – what else really?

My intention is not to call anyone out as boring, but call me crazy, naïve or immature –I believe growing up is not so much about settling down and who will be the first to pop a child.

Growing up means to show that you can handle life and all its odd moments gracefully and sometimes admit defeat. It means being mature about important topics like politics and religion, having your opinions about current issues and staying informed. But it also means never forgetting the fun in life while you are struggling to get yourself by in any situation.

My life would be pointless if I didn’t spice it up by going to shows and even if the bands are a current hit with people a decade younger than I, so what?

It doesn’t change the fact that those are good bands or the quality of the lyrics.
Look at Blink 182. They were popular with a generation of confused teenagers who all dug the ironic lyrics and urgent beats. Ten years on and any 30-something music critic will agree that Blink were one of the most innovative, influential bands in their genre.

Sure, the band members themselves have moved beyond the age of 23 and the band has split up and re-united recently but that doesn’t mean the lyrics were just a bunch of words at the time and have lost their meaning today. I can still identify with them (and sometimes wish oh so badly to be the girl at the rock show).

And thus, liking punk bands, going to shows and enjoying drunk nights out at the club doesn’t make me less of an adult.

I like to think that I have distinct opinions on politics and education and hey, I do religious studies at university, so somewhere inside I have a sense of right and wrong as well as a conscience.

I struggle to support myself and think about how to pay of the debt caused by my student loan. I pay for my own health insurance and enjoy other less outrageous activities like reading and cooking.

Just because I don’t want to start a family of my own until I’m at least 30 (or maybe never at all), I shouldn’t be called an escapist or immature.

Living life differently, that is what I do.

I keep myself balanced on my toes, so when life strikes hard I’m always prepared to stand back up again because I have things to look forward to.