I guess we were all BAD KIDS in our own way.
A survey asked people about a bunch of things they could’ve done when they were underage and, well, if you’re like me, you did most of them.
Let’s walk through the list, because it reads like a greatest-hits album of youthful poor decisions.
Watched an R-rated movie at home or a friend’s house, 79%.
This is basically everyone. If you grew up in a house with cable, DVDs, or parents who went to bed before 10 p.m., congratulations, you saw things you were not emotionally prepared for. 90% of us watched an R-rated movie and pretended we totally got the jokes.
Bought alcohol, 54%.
More than half of people pulled this off, which explains why every small town had that one gas station clerk who did not ask questions. Fake IDs, older friends, or just raw confidence did a lot of heavy lifting here.
Bought cigarettes, 39%.
Different era, different rules. Back then, all you needed was cash and the ability to not look nervous while saying “Marlboro Lights.”
Watched an R-rated movie in a theater, 27%.
This was the elite-level crime. You had to buy a ticket to something innocent, sneak into the “cool” movie, and hope no employee cared enough to stop you. Absolute adrenaline rush.
Had sex, 25%.
One in four people checking this box feels surprisingly low, which suggests either honesty was optional or people are still lying to surveys.
Drove a car, 14%.
These people drove before they were legally allowed, which is terrifying in hindsight. At the time, though, it probably felt like freedom and zero consequences.
Gambled, 13%.
Some of you were underage and still managed to lose money legally. That takes initiative.
Got a tattoo, 6%.
This is the wildest one. These people convinced an adult with a tattoo gun that this was a great idea. Somewhere out there is a regrettable ankle tattoo that tells this entire story.
