When do we become adults, really?

3 PrevalentThemes in the Discussion

1. Adulthood as a Shift in Responsibility
   Users argue adulthood centers on prioritizing others over self. ReptileMan: "Kids are the only burden you can't easily shrug off [...] If you abandon your kids you are." sethammons later adds: "Accepting responsibility for your (and often someone else’s) condition is a big part of it." 2. Childhood Trauma and Dysfunction Shaping Adult Perceptions
   The link between early trauma and adult dysfunctionality is highlighted. Blueflow cites rising CPTSD diagnoses since 2018 as a critical shift: "It’s finally connecting symptoms to how you got treated as a child." Another user notes autism diagnoses in abuse cases delaying appropriate treatment, underscoring systemic gaps.

2. Maturity Defined by Emotional Competence, Not Age
   Surveys suggest adulthood hinges on social-emotional skills, not age. TheOtherHobbes defines it as "a basic level of emotional stability [...] accurate modeling of consequences, and handling imperfect social situations." vintermann adds maturity is "a value judgment... sometimes a power move," critical of societal pressure to externalize responsibility.

Key Quotes:
- ReptileMan: "Kids are the only burden you can't easily shrug off."
- Blueflow: "CPTSD connects symptoms to childhood treatment."
- TheOtherHobbes: "Emotional stability and consequence modeling [...] define adult competence."