What does it mean to be an "adult”?

Answer 1

What it means to be an adult will vary from person to person. While no universal answer exists, many people would agree that the willingness to take accountability for one's actions is a key component of adulthood. Recognizing that you're responsible for what you do is a big part of being adult.

Relatedly, being adult involves considering how your actions will affect other people. For example, if you drop gum on the street, it could end up on someone's shoe. An adult person has a positive effect on the community. Being an adult is a lot like having character. To quote someone wiser than I: "Character is what you show when no one is looking." Being adult means being kind, fair, and reasonable. You can have fun too.

If you're on this site, you're growing your knowledge base to advance your life. That's an adult step. Pat yourself on the back. You could be wasting time doing all kinds of things, but you're choosing to be here. You're taking responsibility for your future. Bravo!

Answer 2

You are an adult the moment you realize that your personal choices have consequences. When you accept the results of your actions, and bear the full responsibility for those decisions, you are nearly there.