What are we supposed to be doing with our lives in our twenties?

I’m 27, and looking at me and my group of friends isn’t giving me a clear answer. Some have moved into their own places. I moved out on my own recently, too, so I’m enjoying having a place that’s mine while discovering how often it needs cleaning and how often I have to buy groceries. Other friends still live with their parents. Some have moved in with their partners, and some have become parents themselves! We’re all around the same age. You can imagine our group chat has A LOT to cover.

Try to picture the different settings: I can be getting ready to go dancing on Saturday while a friend is getting a baby ready for bed. We’re both choosing an outfit, but one of us is hoping nobody spits up on it. I’d like to say that’s definitely the parent, but I’ve seen enough nights out to avoid making promises.

I also have friends learning what it’s like to share a home with a partner. I also tried that; it went wrong, now I live on my own. Long story short, I survived. But I know what it’s like to figure out routines together, deciding what to buy, making space for each other’s things without leaving your own. At least now I can put my books wherever I want. I’m also the only person who washes the dishes.