How can I finally "grow up"?

My advice would be this - prove to your parents that you are an adult. It's not an age thing, it's a maturity, responsibility and a respect thing.

99% of the one (it's really not hard to tell especially if you're 17) your parents only want what's best for you, and 99% of the time they can't figure out what that might be. So before you can start partying and having all of the freedoms of an adult, you need to start playing a role as one first - because in adulthood, responsibilities should come first. So get a job, focus on your schoolwork and EXCEL. Go beyond their expectations, not just to prove to them you are an adult, but also to remind yourself that life isn't all play (kind of a big thing you need to figure out before considering yourself an "adult")

But by no means should you disrespect your parents, because at the end of the day - yes you'll soon be a legal adult and should be treated as so, but you're parents will face the decision of forcing you into the world or assisting you in your journey into adulthood - and you don't want to be forced into it by getting kicked out and damaging your relations with your parents. No matter how much you hate their rules, you need them - or rather, you're better off with them. Parents (in most cases) are our number one support team, they can be asses when our lives are seemingly well, but they'll save the day almost every time it isn't.

Good luck, OP - I really hope you figure this out and tread lightly into the first stages of your adult life.

Side note: I hate using the word "adult" in such a derogatory(?) way, but it's important that you understand it isn't just a word, but an actual transition in life that is earned through more than just age.

/r/Advice Thread