I don't know what 25 is supposed to feel like. All I have are conceptions born in youth when even 18 seemed old. But I'm not married, I don't have kids, I don't have a career, or my own house or any of those trappings most people associate with adulthood. And, for the moment at least, I live with my parents.
I am responsible enough to be 25. I've lived on my own and managed to not mire myself in anything terrible. I don't have any debt (thanks to generous family and good intrinsic money management skills) and I can do my own laundry. However, I don't feel this old. In my heart I am still twelve. My idea of fun is dressing up in old prom dresses and vintage hats and holding a tea party with my best friend. I still build blanket forts and I'd rather stay home and watch a Disney movie than go out to a bar.
There are days when my body feels old. When my shoulders are heavy and tight with the stress that comes from life. Sometimes I will come home and be so exhausted that all I want to do is go to bed, even though it is only 7 o'clock. Those are the days where I need most to remember that jobs and stress and responsibilities are a choice. Success isn't the same for everyone and age is a state of mind. I will not let my happiness be defined by some idea society has promoted. I'm happy with my imagination; I wouldn't be happy with a mortgage. I am satisfied with life's little pleasures, such as the smell of bacon cooking on a snowy morning. I don't need a fancy car or a husband I can facebook about. Just give me a good story and a way to use my creativity.