High school is a special time. We all have fond memories of falling in love for the first time, going to prom, and learning how to drive a car. Many people look back at high school fondly, which is why certain high school behaviors follow us into adulthood.
Now that we’re adults, our acne has hopefully cleared and we have ditched the braces. However, there are still many ways that our teenage years are present in our everyday lives. Here’s a look at 12 high school behaviors that frequently persist as we grow older.
1. Clique Dynamics
Just like in high school, adults often form cliques at work or among their friends. These groups can feel exclusive and have hierarchies, just like there was a “Queen Bee” at every high school.
2. Peer Pressure
High school behaviors are often toxic, but some people can’t seem to shake them even as adults. For instance, many people still have the desire to fit in and conform to their peers, whether it’s adopting certain lifestyles, keeping up with the Joneses, or even following certain parenting methods.
3. Procrastination
Did you wait until the last possible minute to write your papers in high school? If so, you may still be dealing with this bad procrastination habit as an adult. In this case, more is at stake than a failing grade. Procrastination often leads to increased stress and burnout.
4. Seeking Approval
In high school, we just want the popular crowd to like and accept us into their group. Even adults seek this same validation from others, especially in the age of social media where likes and comments are even more valuable.
5. Bullying
Unfortunately, bullying doesn’t stop in the schoolyard. Workplace bullying and cyberbullying are common issues in adulthood. The boss probably isn’t giving you a wedgie or knocking your books onto the floor. Adult bullying is often more subtle, but just as emotionally damaging.
6. Overly Competitive
Competitiveness in sports or academics were common high school behaviors. As adults, this sense of competition shows up in our personal and professional lives. We may feel inferior to someone else based on how much money they make, or whether they exercise more than we do. At work, we also get competitive if we feel like we deserve more recognition than a colleague.
7. Insecurity
By adulthood, most of us have gotten past our awkward stage. However, insecurities developed during the vulnerable teenage years can persist into adulthood. Many adults feel self-doubt about their appearance, abilities, personality, or worth, which can affect their personal and professional relationships.
8. Gossip
Unfortunately, talking about somebody behind their back is a behavior many people don’t outgrow. The rumor mill is still going strong among your family, in the office, and even in the car line waiting for your kids after school.
9. Identity Exploration
Figuring out who you are can be a lifelong journey. The quest to define “who I am” and “what I stand for” are questions adults need to ask themselves on an ongoing basis, especially as they experience changes like getting married, having kids, or starting a new career.
10. Rebellion
Whether it was rebelling against parents or school rules, high schoolers refused to conform to what everybody else wanted. Sometimes, this behavior remains strong in adulthood. Many people don’t respect authority or societal norms.
11. Crushes and Infatuations
Maybe you had a poster of a heartthrob actor taped inside your locker in high school. Some crushes and infatuations remain strong as we enter adulthood. Even if you’re married, you can still be attracted to certain movie stars, singers, people at work, or the latest contestant on The Bachelor or Bachelorette. Just don’t let these harmless crushes lead to inappropriate relationships!
12. Hero Worship
In high school, we may have admired the star athlete on the baseball team or the popular cheerleader who was also in the school musicals. This hero worship can easily translate into idolizing mentors, celebrities, or industry leaders in adulthood.
Graduate to Adulthood
Recognizing these high school behaviors in yourself can be the first step towards personal growth and becoming more mature. Life is different now that you’re not studying, embarrassing yourself in gym class, and trying to figure out who to sit with at the cafeteria. Work on becoming the adult you always wanted to be when you were in high school!
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Alyssa Serio has been a writer and editor since graduating from Aurora University in 2014. In her free time, she loves reading, playing volleyball, and watching any horror movie (even the bad ones) with her husband.