Being an Adult Doesn't Mean Giving Up the Things You Love

 

I honestly don't understand why so many people believe adulthood comes with an unwritten rule that says you have to stop enjoying colorful, playful, or "childish" things.

Isn't the whole point of being an adult that you're free to enjoy whatever makes you happy—as long as you're responsible, respectful, and taking care of your life?

It's amazing how many miserable people feel the need to shame others simply for enjoying harmless hobbies.

I still love Care Bears.

I baby-talk my pets like they're my children.

I collect Littlest Pet Shop figures.

I watch cartoons and anime.

I love rainbows, pastel colors, and bright clothing.

I play video games.

I draw original characters.

I collect Pokémon merchandise.

I have stuffed animals, cozy blankets, and cute decorations.

I blow bubbles.

I play in the dirt.

I dance around the house for no reason.

I joke around, prank friends, and generally try to make people laugh.

And guess what?

I'm allowed to.

Over the years I've also realized that these hobbies aren't just about nostalgia—they genuinely help me relax after stressful days. During a conversation with a mental health professional about managing everyday stress, they explained that creative hobbies, play, and recreational activities can be healthy ways for adults to unwind, express themselves, and maintain emotional well-being, provided they don't interfere with responsibilities or harm anyone else. That really stuck with me because it reminded me that enjoying harmless interests isn't something to be embarrassed about. In many cases, it's actually part of maintaining a balanced and healthy life.

Being an adult doesn't mean becoming dull, colorless, or pretending you've outgrown everything that once brought you joy.

If anything, adulthood means finally having the freedom to enjoy those things without asking anyone's permission.

What really feels immature isn't enjoying Pokémon or cartoons.

It's grown adults mocking other people because their hobbies don't match some imaginary rulebook about what "mature" people are supposed to like.

I've lost count of how many adults—many much older than me—have acted incredibly judgmental simply because someone enjoys something they personally consider childish.

That's not maturity.

That's insecurity.

Real maturity is shown through how you treat people, whether you keep your responsibilities, and whether you show kindness and respect.

It has nothing to do with collecting plushies or watching animated shows.

Ironically, many of the people criticizing "childish" interests spent their own childhood enjoying cartoons, toys, comics, and video games—things that only exist because adults continued creating them.

Without adults who embraced their imagination, many of our favorite movies, games, books, and cartoons would never have existed.

So if someone enjoys stuffed animals, LEGO, Pokémon, anime, colorful clothes, dolls, cartoons, crafts, or anything else that's harmless...

Let them.

Life is hard enough without policing other people's joy.

Edit: The same idea applies to gender expectations. People should stop telling men what they're "allowed" to like or women what they're "supposed" to enjoy. Hobbies don't have genders, and happiness doesn't have an age limit.