Recently, I had a great conversation with a great friend about people who may be “adults” by definition but have not truly “Grown-Up” yet. Through the conversation we came up with some criteria that I think help to define what it really means to be a “Grown-Up”.

1. Understanding your limits and responsibilities. What comes first in your life?
2. Having priorities and keeping them. Whether that be time with friends, family or work.
3. Ability to be alone.
4. Having a career, not just a job. And if you don’t have the career you want, spending time to achieve it. Not expecting others to give it to you.
5. Being financially responsible and living within your means. Having savings. Knowing that sometimes you can’t go out every night if you don’t have the money.
6. Respecting others’ money.
7. Not sweating the small stuff. Seeing the big picture.
8. Understanding the value of friendships. And not letting them go.
9. Doing things you really don’t wanna do (like go to bed at a decent hour when you have a big day at the job).
10. (In my opinion, one of the most important) Respecting others and their feelings. Being honest and truthful. I think this also means that you understand how you make a person feel.

What am I missing? Do you know anyone in your life that, by definition, is an adult but hasn’t really grown-up yet?