I'm turning 23 and I feel old, is it normal? anyone else felt the same?

[Anonymous]

I'm wondering if it is just some natural feeling to feel old once you start turning 23 (associated with the beginning of the 25 years old crisis) or if there may be other reasons behind it.

I'm thinking that me mostly being surrounded by 18-20 years old people (because I started my studies over), who just recently graduated high school also has a lot to do with me feeling this way.

But overall it isn't a good feeling, I feel like I have missed most of my young and carefree years (which I only spent studying and struggling) and that this led me to nowhere and that now I'm just an old girl who has never had any kind of relationship, doesn't have anymore friends and who is unable to bond with people around me because I feel much older than they are.

It sort of kills any hope I had had about the "future" regarding social life.

Is this normal?

[SnoopyFrankoe]

Hello there. So you're getting that feeling, you're getting old? Its normal. I went through it, and most people do. Best advise I can give you is this.

First thing you want to do, is try to get out of the habit of "agreeing" with what you may hear people in society say. It will have you believing something is wrong with you, no matter what age you are. Stay away from stereotypical assumptions. 23 is not old at all. And to be honest with you, old is only when YOU agree with old.

Everything starts with thought. And if you walk around thinking you're old, then that's what you will be. And it's good to hang with the younger crowd. As long as they aren't doing silly things that will harm you, or have you jammed up with the law, then its cool. They will be the reason you stay forever young.

I went through what you're going through when I turned 25. And trust me, it mainly comes from the things you've heard, as you were growing up. Take every day one at a time. And DO whatever it is YOU wish or WANT to do. Stay away from trying to please everyone else. And don't fall victim to other peoples notions or opinions. This is YOUR LIFE and when it's time for you to go, no one else will go with you.

Remember to always do what makes YOU happy, and forever LOVE "YOU" FIRST. I hope this helps...be safe, one love

[McQueen]

I'm 24 and felt this when I was 20 as well. Some people mature faster than others that most people thought I was in my 30s (got hit on my older women). I suppose it is. I have the same problems regarding social life, I can't stand most people my own age. It's more to do with I no longer share the same interests as I used to. Before, I was obsessed with anime, games and getting p!ssed twice a week.

These days, I don't drink, I like going to the gym, I like reading non-fiction, I like seeing the world how it is. My hobbies now are more productive than my previous ones. I've become very jaded, because I want to rid my naivity.

My own social life is practically dead, but that doesn't mean it can't be reborn. I just need to find people with the same interests. It hurts that I get along with people more in their 30s, because I didn't feel like I had an interesting childhood. Then suddenly I come across people who are younger and more mature than me, it gives me hope.

[Anonymous]

I am in the Very Same situation here and since my 22 I felt like the way you said. I am 24 and I always keep in mind '' Live everyday like if it were the last day of your life!'' also do whatever you enjoy to do( hobbies, sports,arts, music, etc..).

Blank out your mind and leave those negative thoughts behind (easy to say but difficult to do, I know... but I succeed in that when I hadn't the will or energy for moving on).

Always focus in your dreams/goals (Very important) It is easy to fall into darkness but it is difficult to reach the light but you're the only one to make the difference/choice.

Now I fighting for my ultimate dream to be a doctor, I found a great job, I do whatever I like to do and leave it all the rest behind. Nothing is impossible if you live and struggles are an everyday Goliaths but you (David) can win!

[SuperPerve]

Totally normal.

I'm 23 and dating a younger guy. I think it's given me a complex about my age.

Not him more so the people that come with him.

And my god does it make me want to be younger and single. Wowweeeee

In any case, it's normal. Just use it as a positive comparison of yourself to them ... life experience is invaluable !

[TheThirdSeason]

Well I only feel old when I tell people my age and then they give me this look

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And then I feel like I am 60 years old right in that moment.

I am 21 by the way.

When I am also surrounded by elder people I feel like a 2 years old who knows nothing.

[Brando]

I just turned 23 on the 22nd of this month as well, and I still feel all young and vibrant. It's all in what you're doin in life. If you have regrets or feel like you're in a slump, then chances are that life has stagnated for you.

I too used to have regrets about missing my younger years because I had my own issues working against me. But within the last few years, I've really changed myself and accepted the fact that I can't go back, but I can do something moving forward.

I'd imagine people feel old or like they've missed out when they haven't been doing the things that truly excites them and makes them happy to be doing. see if you can't shake up your life somehow, motivate yourself to get up and go off doing something you've always wanted to do, start a hobby you've wanted to try, or just take a chance in some way that relates to your life and see where it takes you. 

[Konnour]

Normal is something what is widespread so according to such definition it is normal.

But common sense says that 23 is WAY too early to feel old. You got your reasons - but maybe try to make new friends, there are people around of every ages (mental and actual)

[SixStringSeal]

With age comes wisdom, good taste, and a great deal of other great qualities. The amount that I've changed from when I was 18 up until now (I'm 24) is simply unbelievable.

Regardless though 23 isn't old at all :p

[shumailkazimi]

im 21 never going old before 70...want to be like sylvester stallone and arnie jacked even at 66

[MakeLoveNotWar]

I hear you bro, my goal as well!

[Betwyn]

I'm not even 22 yet... and sometimes, I feel sooooooo oooooold :(

[pingupassion]

I'm 22 and gladly feel old. Young people annoy me. Most are illiterate morons.

[Yeahhbro]

i am 24 and I don't feel may age at all lol

[kartoos]

Lol I'm 20 and never getting old!:D