Who's the Big Baby? You Are.

Turning from a 17 year 364 day old child to a fully-grown, mature 18 year old man/woman is difficult. Adulthood is a mula they hang above your head and tell you that the moment you grab the mighty mula you'll be your own king who can stay out as long as they please. Before you've become an adult, you might get the vibe that your mom would stop telling you which outfit to wear for your maternal aunt's sister's wedding only to discover that the mula was simply the tip of the iceberg and there's an entire farm of them you must find out to be old enough to make your own outfit (or life) choices. Though not everyone gets treated as a kid in their family, for those of us who do, I've set out to narrate the tragic tale of our eternal childhood.  

Not old enough for a job.
You may feel awkward asking your parents for allowance and want to earn a little something for yourself. Sorry son, this is not going to happen. Rare but existent, these parents will not let their offspring grab the noble opportunity of privately tutoring a student because, "You don't need to do that; we can pay for everything you need." This also may be alaal er ghor er dulaal put in English language. 

Let me sympathise with your poor soul while you jealously stare at your newly rich friends who are earning in quintuple numbers and you're here reading this pointless article. 

Not old enough to make your own decisions.
Be it applying for a university or buying an outfit for Eid or getting married, you are grossly incompetent to make your own choices. Your parents might even let the neighbour aunty decide what career you're going to choose but not you because what do you know about life?

The University mula.
This mula is the most potent of them all. As long as you haven't gotten into a university, this card will be played by your parents more times than Dhanmondi 27 has been flooded this year. On days when you're particularly charged up after watching numerous BuzzFeed videos about enjoying your life to the fullest and achieving average LifeGoals, your parents will calm you down saying that you can stay out of home till 8 pm once you get into a university whereas in reality you find this to be all lie and betrayal. Your fate hasn't changed a bit. 

Not old enough to legitimately have a (in)significant other.
If your mother ever vaguely indicated that they would support whatever decisions you take about getting married to the person of your choice, know that it wasn't true. In fact, chances are that you will be entirely ostracised if ever found to be in a relationship with a living being, despite the fact that they would totally approve of that person if they themselves found him/her for you. 

Being the LokkhiShonaChaaderKona is the common reality of our lives and not being able to go on Cox's Bazar expedition with friends is the tragedy we must face. I would suggest you throw some hissy fits and tantrums as a child would to get others to treat you like an adult. 

Anupoma Joyeeta Joyee is a perpetually sleepy Law student who emotionally identifies with ducks and occasionally sets out on writing spree. Find more of her needless banters on https://www.facebook.com/joyee.anupoma