The sign that you are officially an adult

I have always found the whole concept of ‘growing up’ quite vague. When are you considered an adult? Does it even exist, or is it a sneaky hoax? But I found it; the signal that you have officially become an adult. And that may sound intense, but secretly I quite like it... And also find it hilarious.

A year ago, I moved to another apartment in our capital, and I probably don't need to tell you that moving is always disappointing — but there are also fun things about it. I was eating and drinking for the first time in my new casa with friends when they asked me what was still missing in my home. ‘A vacuum cleaner,’ I replied, ‘I just don't know yet what the best vacuum cleaner is, so I still need to look into that.’

The conversation seriously took off with all sorts of tips and with an enthusiasm as if we had won the lottery. And that was the moment I thought: this is it. This is the moment when my friends and I have truly become adults. Because look at us now chattering, full of enthusiasm about why the best bagless vacuum cleaner is the only right option for me to buy, which is then met with all sorts of ‘yes, oh yes, I have that too’-like responses.

But to be completely honest: I absolutely love it. Because it genuinely makes me happy. I followed their advice (and have no regrets, bagless is really a breath of fresh air) and I find household chores are seriously becoming less bothersome. It's my daily I Want To Break Free moment (because vacuuming without the music blasting in the background just doesn't work for me) and I chuckle every time I remember that conversation.

Not everyone in my friend group is there yet, by the way; this conversation was also held in the group chat recently (‘which vacuum cleaner was it again that we recommended to Wiek?’) and then one of us decided to leave the group. They're not ready for it yet. But it will come, in about a year or two. The joy of vacuuming, the hype is verrrry real.