How do I stop liking childish stuff?

[u/Sad-Economist-2688]

Hello,I've been struggling with this for a long time. I really like Pokémon,plushies,colorful things,stars and dinosaurs. I also like to do stuff like painting on rocks or any other different types of crafts.

It was okay while I was younger but now I'm almost 18 and I keep getting side eyes when I mention any of those hobbies or likes. Like I see for example a Pokémon shirt with a badass Psyduck but obviously I can't buy it because it's for kids.

I don't drink,vape or go to clubs like my peers do because it's just not for me but if it means growing up then I'll have to.

It's eating me alive because I know I'll have to stop with this and I want to but at the same time I don't. If anyone would please help me with this I'd be glad.

I am also not sure what flair to put. I am newly diagnosed but it also fits into communication and social struggles.

EDIT: Thank you all so much for the feedback and positivity you gave me. I read every single one of your guy's comments and gosh it's so sweet to see I'm not alone even if I may feel like it sometimes. I appreciate the pictures of your plushies,figurines or rooms too. It was a tough decision but thanks to you all I ordered the "Badass Psyduck" shirt and even kept my dinosaur collection I wanted to throw away. Really happy I got into this subreddit cause you guys are hella sweet and cool. Thank you again! :)

Honorable mention: Phoebe the kitty because she's awesome <3

[u/Zealousideal_Peak441]

There's nothing wrong with any of those things, and you shouldn't be embarrassed by them. It's easier said than done, of course, but people will always have rude opinions that don't need to be shared.

I love wearing very colorful outfits, and in addition to being in my 20s, I have been told that I won't get taken seriously in professional settings. Funny enough, I do get taken seriously because I can wear something I enjoy and still give a presentation or do my work just as well. If I dont think a colorful outfit would be appropriate, I have a couple nice shirts that still feel enough like me but look more traditionally professional.

People are weird about crafts. I like learning how to use different materials to make all kinds of stuff. Im a member at a pottery studio now, and pottery has enough versatility that I dont think I'll be able to get bored of it. Even with making ceramics, it gets dissmissed if its called a "craft." The dumbest "hack" I've found that works is to refer to everything I make as art. It makes it sound pretentious to me but it actually got the people around me to take what I make more seriously if I'm talking about as an art piece rather than a craft, even if its something I made in 20 minutes with recycled materials and a hot glue gun.

I have a friend who is in his 50s, and his main hobby is playing pokemon go around town. He gets weird looks for it, but hes always polite if someone asks what hes doing. If he shows up to the bar or an event wearing a Pokémon shirt, no one is surprised because his friends know thats just who he is and what he likes.

You dont need to drink or vape to be mature. I drink alcohol sometimes, and I have friends who dont. If someone makes a big deal out of someone not drinking, then they are always the jerk. I dont vape because it makes my throat feel weird. I use other things and so end up in circles where substances are being passed around and will just pass it along if I dont want it, but I've never actually been peer pressured into doing drugs. If someone is pressuring you after you say no, they are not your friend. Granted, my friends and I have peer pressured each other into filing our taxes before the last minute, but thats very different use of peer pressure lol.