As teenagers with starry-eyed dreams, we all had a ton of expectations for what would happen in our life by the time we hit our mid-twenties. But  the reality is rather different! Between pesky bosses, combatting parental pressure to get married and scrambling for time to meet your friends and everything in between, it’s hard to keep your life plan on track. So we give you all the things every girl thought would happen by the age of 25, but never did.

1. You would still have your flat abs of steel and never need to visit the gym

 

Reality: You never thought it would happen, but your tummy has gotten flabbier and your behind has definitely grown too. Sitting on your butt in your free time, catching up on Game of Thrones, doesn’t help either!

2. A grown-up wardrobe full of mature, professional outfits, as well as some statement pieces from a few trendy designers

Reality: Your closet is a trendy-ish yet affordable mix of Forever 21 and Zara, but a far cry from expensive designers.

3. You would perfect the art of contouring, winged eyeliner and smoky eyes

Reality: A little bit of foundation and concealer plus kajal and red lips is your usual makeup routine for a big night out. And when you’re rushing out of the door to get to work, you just about manage to have your hair neatly combed.

4. You would travel and visit at least half the exotic locations on your bucket list

Reality: Between sick days and a couple of trips to Goa, you have almost no leave left to go anywhere far or remotely exotic. You have visited maybe one or two places from your list so far.

5. You would have a successful job that you enjoy and are good at

Reality: Even if you do like what you do (and that’s rare, trust us), your crazy, slave-driving boss and unreasonable work hours suck the pleasure out of it.

6. You would not care what other people think and live your life on your own terms

Reality: You hate to admit it, but you care very much about what people think – from how many likes you get on your Instagram posts to what your neighbours think when too many guy friends come over to your house.

7. You would not need to think about anti-ageing creams and products for a long, long, long time!

Reality: Though you may not use them as yet, you know that you probably should. You are painfully aware of how important it is to keep your skin moisturized and to use plenty of sunscreen to keep looking youthful.

8. Your hormones would have calmed down, and you would never have to worry about breakouts and zits like during your teenage years

Reality: Zits can pop up ANY time. During PMS, after bingeing on sweets or during a super-stressful work week. You’re sure you’re suffering from adult acne.

9. You would have found someone who loves you immensely and would be in a healthy, happy and committed relationship

Reality: For some of you, this has actually happened. For others, you’re still kissing a few frogs, but you’re hopeful that you will find your prince eventually.

10. That girl who always put you down in college as well as your ex-boyfriend’s new girlfriend would both have all their hair fall out.

Reality: They look prettier than ever and stalking them on Facebook is never going to make you feel any better about them. And your own hair is falling out.

11. A comfortable bank balance, which would allow you to quit your job if you have to and still survive for a few months 

Reality: Thanks to your shopping problem and drinking habit, your salary slowly disappears month after month. What are savings?!

12. You would have a fun hobby, like painting or writing, that makes you feel happy

Reality: Drinking and shopping are your favourite hobbies!

13. You would have finally learnt to cook and even have a few signature MasterChef dishes that your friends and family love

Reality: Your culinary skills are still pretty much limited to Maggi and eggs. And you can more or less make tea and coffee.

14. You would have mastered the ability to jump out of bed the second your alarm rings

Reality: Every morning sees you snoozing your alarm at least 4 times – until your mom finally comes in yelling that you should have been out of the door 5 minutes ago!

15. You would have a huge circle of friends and be insanely popular

Reality: You lost touch with about 70% of that large circle and have a closer-knit group of only your close buds who are the ones who actually matter.

16. You would have amazing work-life balance and attend plenty of social gatherings on numerous nights a week

Reality: You have absolutely no energy, nor the desire to socialize with anyone except your remote control once you get home from work.

17. You would no longer have frustrating arguments with your mom

Reality: You may be well past your rebellious phase and love your mother more than anything in the world, but that doesn’t stop you from getting annoyed when she nags you about your life. You are a full-grown woman, but you will always be a child to her.

18. You would get the pet puppy you always wanted

Reality: You don’t think your lifestyle or skills qualify you to take care of another living thing.

19. You would stop obsessing over Hrithik Roshan

Reality: Now that he’s single again, why would you ever?!

20. You would finally cut off your hair and get that short bob that looks so fabulous on Beyonce

Reality: You can’t seem to part with your long locks. They are fabulous, no matter what anyone else says.

21. You would have new favourite movies other than DDLJ and Mean Girls

Reality: You still have to watch them every single time they’re on TV.

22. You would be happy with your body and not be affected by the sight of models in glossies

Reality: They may be thoroughly Photoshopped and airbrushed, but they still make you regret gorging on your mom’s gulab jamuns the night before.

23. You would drink less and never show up to work hungover

Reality: You are hungover right now!

24. You would stop losing your keys, your favourite top, your spectacles…

Reality: You don’t know how you would find anything without your mom. Even if you live by yourself, you are at least one-phone-call-to-mom away from finding things in the house.

25. From your wedding day to where you want your life to be in the next 5 years, you would have it all figured out

Reality: Even if you do, what’s the point? Nothing goes according to plan and you never know what’s coming your way. That’s the beauty of life!

- See more at: www.popxo.com/2014/08/things-every-girl-thought-would-happen-by-the-age-of-25-but-did-not/#sthash.l6DnCPnc.dpuf