10 Ways Real Life Is Actually Just A Continuation Of High School

As teenager, many of us are so eager to grow up and turn into adults so we can live life according to our own rules. Most of us probably remember thinking the high school days were very suffocating and dreamt about what it would be like to step out in the real world.

However, there are some striking similarities between high school and life after college. Personally, I have never been able to relate to people who wish to relive their high school days.

It’s not because I didn't like being at school; I was pretty sound academically, always involved in sports and extracurricular activities and had a great time with my friends. But as soon as we finished high school, I felt like a huge burden was out of the way.

I guess I was more curious about living life in the real world without having to ask for permission for everything. That is, until I realized that there isn’t much difference between real life and high school.

Drama never stops.

I have to admit that one of the biggest reliefs that came with finishing high school was the end of unnecessary drama. Little did I know, I was wrong.

Drama is everywhere, especially, where there is a large group of friends or family.

Unless you are living in the North Pole, it is likely that there will be some amount of drama in your life. There is nothing majorly wrong with it as long as you can stay out of trouble and not let it affect your life in a negative way.

People still love to gossip.

When I graduated, I was convinced that I was entering a world of grownups and people more experienced and wiser than me. I thought that people in the real world were smarter and more constructive because they have a lot of responsibility and make a lot of money. Alas, I was wrong again!

A lot of people, no matter how old, still love to waste their time bickering and gossiping about each other. I couldn’t understand why these so-called grownups wasted so much of their time in just talking about each other when they could actually be doing something better.

Bullying happens outside the school premises, too.

Bullies who do not learn a lesson when they’re young grow up to be the reason for spreading hatred and crime in this world. That’s why bullying has become such a social issue.

Bullies not only exist in schools, but also at work, home (if you’re living with flatmates) and other places where you interact with people on a daily basis.

Secret crushes still exist.

You might think that having a secret crush was a very childish thing and it won’t happen once you’re out of school. Just wait until you meet the hottest woman or man at work who is completely out of your league.

You may never be able to gather the courage to ask him or her out, but you will always have those secret feelings.

Childish games are perpetually played.

Players and divas were probably cool in school, but in real life, they’re just a pain in the ass and a waste of time. As long as you don’t fall for their fake charms and learn to say no, you’ll be fine.

Rules are still enforced.

The only difference is that if you don’t adhere to the rules, consequences are more serious than just ending up in the principal’s office.

You're never too old for parents.

Parents have a tough time accepting that you are no longer a baby. It’ll take some time for them to get used to the fact that you’re an adult and have your own life.

It can be emotionally very hard for them to let go, so don’t be too harsh. Like it or not, you will always be their baby no matter how old and wise you become.

Peer pressure lives on.

Some of your friends might want to stay out late but you just don’t. They might want to get you drunk every weekend, but you've reached a point where you’d rather do something more constructive.

There will always be a certain amount of peer pressure, both at work and in your personal life. You just have to learn to say no when necessary.

Work (homework) and play balance is required.

Just like your time was divided between homework and playtime in school, in real life, you’ll find pretty much the same setup. You go to work, get things done and then take time out for play.

However, now what you do in your playtime is entirely up to you.

You remain clueless about the future.

There will be times when you’ll have mixed thoughts about the direction you’re taking in life.

It doesn’t matter how great your job is or how many children you have, you might still wonder at times if you’re doing the right thing or need to make changes.

These thoughts are very normal and, in fact, healthy for your future as long as you are willing to take action.

All these similarities between high school and real life have a lot to do with our individual personalities. If there was something about high school you didn’t like, you always have the option to change it and grow out of it.

We might look like we have become different people on the outside, but in many ways, we are pretty similar on the inside.

Photo Courtesy: Fanpop