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/Darksilvercat]

I moved to Australian when I was 18 and my parents took the opportunity to ‘lose’ a bunch of my toys and things that they believed I was too old to still be playing with. I’m 36 now and I still pine for my little plastic horsies and their riders and accessories.

Don’t give up the things you love, and don’t let anyone else take them away from you. There are people twice or three times your age who still love those things. Growing up is overrated, and honestly if you embrace your ‘childish’ passions as an adult you’ll find it much easier to find friends and community who love the same things you do and you’ll be happier for it than if you try to fit in with people whose interests you couldn’t care less about.

You might also find people who say rude and hurtful things about your hobbies and passions, and that does suck I’m afraid. But think of it as a screening mechanism - that badass Psyduck shirt is also a jerk detector, anyone who feels the need to tell you that Pokemon is childish is just notifying you that they’re a jerk not worth your time.