Introduction

Adulting can often feel like an endless juggling act where you need to keep track of a million different responsibilities. Among the many "joys" of adulthood, paying bills stands out as both a necessity and a frequent source of stress. If you've ever found yourself staring at a pile of bills while simultaneously trying not to cry, you're not alone. Welcome to "Adulting 101: How to Pay Bills and Cry."

The Arrival of the Bill Pile

One day, it hits you—bills are here to stay. And they keep coming. Whether it's the electric bill, water bill, rent, student loans, or that mysterious "miscellaneous" charge that makes no sense, you need to handle them. Here’s what a typical "bill pile" could look like:

• Rent/Mortgage: Because sleeping on a park bench isn't a sustainable lifestyle choice.
• Utilities: Electricity, water, gas—because living in the dark ages might seem charming until you need a hot shower.
• Internet and Cable: Because you need to stay connected to Netflix and your cat videos on YouTube.
• Student Loans: A constant reminder of that "once-in-a-lifetime" educational experience.
• Credit Cards: For all those "emergencies" like online shopping sprees during a midnight sale.

How to Pay Bills Like a Pro

Step 1: Gather Your Bills

Start by finding all your bills. They might be hiding in your email inbox, your physical mailbox, or that drawer where you stuff everything you don't want to deal with immediately.

Step 2: Organize Them

Sort your bills by due date so that you know which ones need your attention first. A good rule of thumb is to put the "most urgent" bill on top so that it stares at you until you pay it.

Step 3: Check Your Bank Balance

Before you start making payments, make sure you have enough money in your bank account. This is usually the part where you need to make some "tough decisions"—like "Do I need groceries, or should I pay the Wi-Fi bill so that I can at least watch food videos?"

Step 4: Pay Them

Log in to your banking app or website (or write checks if you’re old-school) and start making payments. Some bills allow you to set up automatic payments which makes the process easier but requires you to always have enough money in your account (which is another issue altogether).

The Emotional Rollercoaster

Experiencing "Bill Shock"

The first time you see a bill might be a bit of a shock. For instance, opening an electricity bill that’s higher than expected might make you wonder if you’ve been running an Alaskan husky sled team in your living room all month.

The "Is This Even Real?" Phase

After opening a bill for $2000 from a service you were sure only cost $50, you might question reality itself. "Did I somehow accidentally sign up to sponsor a small village?"

The "Crying" Phase

"It’s okay to cry," they say. So, make sure you have a box of tissues handy because once the reality of all these daunting amounts hits you, it might be hard to keep those emotions at bay. For added dramatic effect, make sure to cry in a well-lit area where someone might see you and offer to make you a cup of tea.

Coping Mechanisms After Paying Bills

1. Retail Therapy (With Caution): Buying yourself something small can make you feel a little better. However, make sure it’s "small" because your next credit card bill should not be the cause of another round of tears.
2. Call a Friend: Sometimes, a sympathetic ear can make a world of difference. Call a friend who’s also "adulting" and commiserate together over a glass of wine.
3. Plan a "Bill Paying Party": Invite friends over, make some popcorn, and make a game out of it. The first one who finishes paying their bills gets a round of applause.
4. Reward Yourself: Promise yourself a reward after handling the bill pile. Whether it’s a nice meal or a day out, make sure you have something to look forward to.

Conclusion

Adulting is tough and part of it involves managing the financial responsibilities that come with independence. Remember that while paying bills can be stressful, it's an important part of being an adult. Just make sure you find healthy ways to cope with the stress because crying alone might not make the bills go away, but a well-organized plan can make them much less intimidating.

So, the next time you find yourself sitting in front of a stack of bills, just remember that you’re not alone. Whether you need to laugh or cry (or a little bit of both), take a deep breath and tackle those bills one at a time. And if all else fails, there's always that "drawer" where you can temporarily stuff your worries until you’re ready to face them again.