Amazing Quotes That Perfectly Describe Being in Your 20s

So you’re in your 20s. You’re officially an adult but not always prepared for adult experiences like getting married, having a 401K or maintaining a corporate job, and this adds another layer of complication to an already confusing time. It’s a decade of lessons, letdowns, excitement, growth and a little regression every once in a while. For everyone—even famous people—that 20-something life is full of defining moments and unforgettable experiences (for better or worse). There’s a reason they call it a quarter-life crisis. Here’s what some familiar folks have had to say about surviving the most turbulent (and kind of wonderful) decade of them all.

Nicole Richie on maturing after her 20s

“I don’t know anybody who can look back at who they were at 20 and say, ‘I’m the exact same person.’ It’s all about evolving and growing. Who we are in our 30s is obviously very different than who we are in our 20s.”

Lena Dunham on imperfect relationships in one’s 20s

“Positive, healthy, loving relationships in your 20s . . . I don’t know if anyone would disagree with it: I think they’re the exception, not the norm. People are either playing house really aggressively because they’re scared of what an uncertain time it is, or they’re avoiding commitment altogether.”

Jon Hamm on achieving fame after some serious struggles throughout his 20s

“Most of us are different in our 20s than we are in our 30s. I may have gone off the rails—who knows? You’re less comfortable with who you are. I’m thrilled that [career success] happened later for me.”

Whitney Cummings on questioning the certainty of her 20s

“Right now I’m coming out of a really bad breakup that kind of leveled me and I’m confused about what love is. I thought I had all of the answers in my 20s and now I have no idea.”

Louis C.K. on knowing everything’s going to be okay

“You’ll be fine. You’re 25. Feeling [unsure] and lost is part of your path. Don’t avoid it. See what those feelings are showing you and use it. Take a breath. You’ll be okay. Even if you don’t feel okay all the time.”

Kristen Bell on the heartbreak and pleasant surprises in one’s 20s

“Every woman in her late 20s goes through a period where she just doesn’t believe love is out there anymore, but it is. And I think the minute you stop looking for it is when it comes for you.”

Abbi Jacobson on what being in your 20s is all about

“[It’s] that time when you’re really, really trying to figure sh– out. . . It’s just about trying and creating and putting stuff out in whatever form or medium that you do, and not being precious with it. And in that you’ll find your voice.”

Blink 182 on universal unpopularity

“Nobody likes you when you’re 23.”

Hey, maybe they’re all just jealous? Anyway, nobody stays in their 20s forever, so you might as well enjoy it.

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