If you’ve ever wondered if you’ve got this whole “adulting” thing figured out, you’re not alone. According to Philadelphia Magazine, adulting is so freaking hard these days. But guess what? You might be way more independent than you’re giving yourself credit for. Yup, sometimes we’re so busy trying to keep it all together that we don’t realize how much progress we’ve made. So, let’s get into the signs that show you’re a pro at this whole independence thing.
1. You Make Decisions Without Constantly Seeking Approval
Remember when you used to poll your entire friend group before deciding what to wear? Or when you’d call your mom to ask if you should accept that job offer? If you’ve noticed that you’re making more decisions on your own these days, congratulations! You’re flexing those independence muscles. Maybe you chose your apartment without needing a second opinion from everyone you know. Or perhaps you decided to take that solo trip without asking if anyone thought it was a good idea. These might seem like small things, but they’re actually huge indicators that you’re comfortable taking the reins of your own life.
2. You’re Comfortable Being Alone
Here’s a big one: if you’re not constantly trying to fill your schedule with social engagements or freaking out at the thought of a Friday night alone, you’re showing some serious independence. Being comfortable in your own company is a superpower that not everyone possesses. Come to think of it, you actually enjoy those quiet evenings at home with a good book or your favorite Netflix show. This doesn’t mean you’re antisocial or that you don’t value your relationships. It just means you’ve developed a healthy relationship with yourself.
3. You Can Handle Your Own Finances
If you’re managing your own finances without constantly running to the Bank of Mom and Dad, give yourself a pat on the back. We’re not saying you have to be some financial wizard, but if you’re paying your bills on time, budgeting (even if it’s just mental math), and making decisions about saving and spending, you’re showing real financial independence. Even if you’re not where you want to be financially, the fact that you’re taking responsibility for your money situation is a big deal.
4. You Can Admit When You’re Wrong
Wouldn’t an independent person always stick to their guns? Nope! True independence actually involves having the strength to admit when you’ve made a mistake or when you need to change your mind. If you find yourself able to say “I was wrong” or “I’ve changed my opinion on that,” you’re showing a level of emotional maturity that’s a key component of independence.
5. You Take Care of Your Health
Taking charge of your physical and mental health is a major sign of independence that often goes unnoticed. If you’re scheduling your own doctor’s appointments, staying on top of your medications, or making efforts to eat well and exercise, you’re adulting like a boss. These actions show that you’re not depending on others to manage your health for you. You’re taking the initiative to take care of yourself, and that’s a huge marker of independence.
6. You Can Navigate New Situations
Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs, doesn’t it? But if you find yourself able to handle new and unexpected situations without falling apart, that’s a clear sign of independence. This doesn’t mean you never feel nervous or unsure in new scenarios. It means you’ve developed the confidence to figure things out as you go. Maybe you’ve moved to a new city and managed to set up your life there without constant hand-holding. It shows that you know that even if you don’t have all the answers right away, you can find them.
7. You Have Your Own Opinions (And You’re Not Afraid to Express Them)
Gone are the days when you’d nod along with whatever your friends or family said just to avoid rocking the boat. Maybe you’ve spoken up in a meeting to offer a different perspective, or you’ve had a respectful disagreement with a friend about a political issue. Perhaps you’ve chosen a career path that your parents didn’t initially understand, but you stuck with it because you believed in it. You’re not just going with the flow or letting others think for you, you’re forming your own worldview and you’re not afraid to own it.
8. You Can Handle Criticism Constructively
Let’s face it, nobody likes being criticized. But if you’re able to receive feedback without crumbling or getting defensive, that’s a sign of real emotional independence. This doesn’t mean you enjoy criticism or that it never stings. It means you’ve developed the resilience to see criticism as an opportunity for growth rather than a personal attack. You know your worth isn’t dependent on being perfect, so you can accept and learn from feedback without letting it crush you.
9. You Take Responsibility for Your Actions and Emotions
Maybe you’ve stopped saying things like “You made me angry” and started saying “I feel angry when…” instead. Or perhaps you’ve taken responsibility for a mistake at work instead of trying to pass the blame. You might have even ended a relationship that wasn’t serving you instead of waiting for the other person to change. These actions show that you’re actively shaping your life and taking responsibility for the results.
10. You Can Ask for Help When You Need It
Wait a second—isn’t independence all about doing everything on your own? You may think, but one of the most overlooked signs of true independence is the ability to ask for help when you need it, according to Manhattan Wellness. Perhaps you’ve hired a professional to help with something you’re not skilled at, like taxes or home repairs. You’re secure enough in your independence to know that asking for help doesn’t diminish it.
11. You Can Entertain Yourself
Remember when you were a kid and would whine “I’m boooored” every five minutes? Well, if you’ve noticed that you don’t get bored easily anymore, that’s a sign you’ve leveled up in the independence game. Maybe you’ve developed hobbies that you can enjoy solo, like reading, painting, or playing an instrument. You might even have creative projects that you work on in your spare time. The key here is that you don’t need others to entertain you or fill your time. You’ve become resourceful in finding ways to enjoy your own company.
12. You’ve Learned to Cook (At Least a Few Meals)
Okay, you don’t need to be the next Masterchef, but if you can whip up a few decent meals for yourself, you’re showing independence. This isn’t about gourmet cooking or never ordering takeout. This is you taking charge of your own nourishment. You’re not dependent on others to feed you or make food decisions for you. Plus, isn’t there something incredibly satisfying about sitting down to a meal you’ve prepared yourself?
13. You Can Handle Household Maintenance
If you’ve found yourself Googling “how to unclog a drain” or “why is my washing machine making that noise” instead of immediately calling for help, congratulations! You’re taking ownership of your environment. You’re not helplessly waiting for someone else to solve every little problem that comes up in your home. This kind of practical independence not only saves you time and money but also gives you a sense of competence and control in your own space.
14. You Have Clear Boundaries
Maybe you’ve started declining invitations to events you don’t really want to attend, instead of saying yes out of obligation. Or maybe you’ve set clear work-life boundaries, like not checking emails after a certain time. You might have even distanced yourself from relationships that were draining or unhealthy. Setting and maintaining boundaries shows that you value yourself and your well-being.
15. You’ve Overcome a Fear or Challenge on Your Own
Think back—have you faced a fear or overcome a significant challenge without relying on others to push you through? If so, you’re showing independence. Maybe you’ve conquered a phobia through self-help techniques or gradual exposure or you’ve pushed through a personal or professional setback without falling apart. Whatever it is, this shows your resilience and self-reliance—and this kind of self-efficacy is a huge component of independence.
