The Rise Of Fake Adulthood

The on-demand economy + other economic realities peppered us to this spot.

A few months ago at Book Club, I had an 83 year-old neighbor of mine describe the cruising experience to me: “It’s a good way for those who aren’t actually rich to feel rich.”

Having been on two cruises now myself at 44, both of them in the past 18 months, I would say that resonates.

Now, cruises are generally considered the domain of “the old” and/or “the very old,” but this insight kinda resonates down the youth ladder as well.

In fact, there’s a very small subset of thought-driven content creation that talks about “fake adulthood.”

What is that, you ask?

Well, it means that the conventional concepts of adulthood have eluded you, I.e.:

• Car
• Home
• Spouse
• Babies
• Well-paying job
• (Sadly) Friendships

As these things elude you — and again, I am speaking broadly, not accusing you specifically of lacking friends — then you need another way to feel good and successful in your own skin.