So, you’ve officially left the nest and started living in your own place for the first time. Whether you’re studying for a degree or working a yuppie job in the city, and whether you’re sharing the unit with stranger roommates or living solo like the independent person that you are—the situation definitely makes adulting too real.

True, the idea of being on your own is exciting. You would get to live on your own terms, set your own rules, and finally have a space that’s 100% yours. Curfew? What curfew? Instant ramen for dinner three nights in a row? Why not? Unmade bed? Who cares!

But soon enough you’ll realize that living alone is not as glamorous as coming-of-age movies and series make them out to be. In fact, it takes a lot of hard work, discipline, and maturity. Because, well, adulting is just hard, and doing it in your own place is even harder.

That’s why, every so often, you need to look back at your adulting journey. Pat yourself on the back—you’ve made it and are still making it, and you deserve to recognize that—maybe even have a few laughs. Here are the realities of adulting that can make you want to laugh, cry, and scream, sometimes all at the same time:

1. Your mind goes into auto-panic mode when it’s that time of the month.

… That time, being when all kinds of bills need to be paid. Survival mode, on. Whatever happened to my monthly budget?

2. … But you feel a sense of fulfillment once you’ve accomplished everything.

Payables, check! Good job, you big, responsible adult, you—even if it means living off of 500 pesos for the rest of the week, at least you got the job done!

3. You have a favorite cooking pan and a tupperware you absolutely can’t lose.

You’ve probably realized by now these things aren’t just kitchenware—they’re investments! They’re also magical tools to keep you away from food delivery apps. Speaking of which…

4. You’ve learned to eat alone.

You’ve learned (and maybe even learned to love?) the art of eating alone, whether it’s cooking for yourself or eating out. It’s just a part of life.

5. You actually work these into your schedule: doing the laundry, a general cleaning, going to the supermarket…

You realize the necessities of routine, and it actually calms you down because it helps assure you that everything will get done… eventually.

6. You develop new skills.

You can now unclog a toilet and defrost a refrigerator. You can now also fillet a chicken breast. Plus, you now know which detergent makes your clothes smell fresh from the laundromat, and which makes it smell like an over-perfumed aunt at family reunions.

7. You can also develop bad habits.

With no one to check on you, it can be easy to just do the things you want, and the truth is this does often involve developing bad habits, like eating too much junk food or consuming too much alcohol. Remember, you’re responsible for yourself, so know when to say enough.

8. You learned the hard way that getting sick is the worst.

Speaking of not taking care of yourself well—being sick is hard enough, but having no one to help take care of you is hellish. On top of that, you also have to manage your work and taking care of your place. As much as possible, try to stay healthy and physically active, even when no one’s looking.

9. You do actually feel lonely.

Sometimes (often) you miss being home more than you’d actually care to admit. Sometimes you just miss the feeling of having someone physically being with you in one place, just co-existing. Being a strong, independent person is tough work.

10. You’re scared 98% of the time.

Living alone comes with lots of worries. What if intruders come? What about ghosts? What if you accidentally leave the gas on? What if there’s a huge earthquake? What if you lose the Internet connection? There’s no antidote to these stresses, but the best you can do is to always try to be responsible and prepared.

11. But the 2% really makes it worth it.

Being alone is not actually just about the fun you have, but learning about yourself and how much you can do. More and more challenges will come as you go along, but what matters is that you know enough about yourself now to keep going. You’re on your own. It’s a great and difficult thing. Celebrate it.

Ready to start your own journey living on your own, or just looking to make a change? Amazing options await you at The Paddington Place. Nestled in Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong, The Paddington Place offers spacious and breathable spaces ranging from studio-types to 2-bedroom units. With the best amenities available, such as a lap pool, playroom, indoor gym, and even a shopping mall, you can have fun without even stepping foot out of your building. The best part is, you can do it all on your own and actually enjoy yourself. You deserve it!

For more information, check out their website here. INQUIRER.net BrandRoom/MF