Trash-talking Millennials has become sport. "They're so self-centered!" Really? To clear this up, we went to the source — you. We asked American Eagle Outfitters and Pantene to partner with us on a study of the attitudes and dreams of women ages 18 to 34 and hired research firm Millward Brown to conduct it. We learned, 750-plus surveys later, that you prioritize taking care of others, you're realistic about serious issues, and you want to make a difference. And you kick ass. Which is good, because 20 percent of you (Walking Dead fans?) also worry about a zombiepocalpse.
You + Relationships
We read a lot about bullying among teens and in school, but unfortunately, the issue doesn't go away as soon as you're legal. A full one-third (34 percent) of you have felt bullied by people at work — including your boss. That's when your girls come in handy — 62 percent of you say your friends are the people who make you feel good about yourselves. The one draw-back? Many of you (40 percent) wish you had more friends, perhaps because once you leave college, it can be tough to maintain #squad status when you're spread all over the country. But your family is there for you. Seventy-eight percent say you're super close to your parents, and 1 in 4 say that your mom or dad is your BFF.
You + The World
Who runs the world? Millennial women may be gearing up to do just that, but for now, you're a little worried about this very question! Only 15 percent of you think America is the greatest country. More than half (59 percent) say the U.S. isn't heading in the right direction, and about 85 percent of you are worried about money and the economy, civil unrest and race issues, and the environment. Speaking of money, if you got a spare hundo, most of you wouldn't blow it on swan floats, you'd save it or pay down debt. And FYI to the next White House resident: You want the president to focus on the economy, health care, and student debt. As for how you identify politically, 43 percent are Democrats or Liberals, 24 percent are Republicans/Conservatives, and 17 percent are Independents. (Anarchists? 2 percent.) You're making yourselves heard: 61 percent of you speak up when you have a strong opinion — no holding back for fear of being pushy or wrong. Only 4 percent of you don't have strong opinions. Holla.
You + Purpose
You're thinking beyond just paying rent when it comes to your work life. You want a job that means something, which, for 31 percent of you, translates to being your own boss, for 22 percent, it's a career in medicine, and 17 percent say education. But finding that perfect gig can be super anxiety-inducing. More than half of you (56 percent) say you stress about your career "all the time" and 73 percent worry about debt. You're similarly no-nonsense about your reputation. While intelligence and success come in at nos. 2 and 3, you most want to be known for how much you help others. And 69 percent of you support causes you have personal connections to, often giving of yourself. Think: delivering meals to the elderly, donating blood ... or even your hair.
You + Sex
In typical Cosmo girl fashion, Millennials are having all the sex. You got your start in the sack (on average) at 17. Most of you are getting it on with a serious partner — a third are married, a quarter are in a committed relationship, and 7 percent are engaged. That said, 28 percent of you are single and 4 percent casually dating. More than half of you meet hot guys (or girls) through friends. If you don't have BFFs kind enough to hook a girl up, 37 percent of you meet people by going out, and 25 percent are swiping right (aka online). When you do meet someone worthwhile? Fifty-seven percent of you flirt but wait for the other person to make a move. Only 14 percent start things up yourself. Get on that! And whether or not you're seeing someone, you're not one hundred percent sure about the future. While 70 percent of you want to get married (Your average goal age is 29!), less than two-thirds are committed to having kids. Choices are a good thing.
You + Happiness
The big takeaway on what spells happiness for you? Good people matter — and so does a good job. The top three things that make you happy are time with your fam, having great friends, and pursuing your passions. And y'all fancy: Your ideal activities are going to a show or concert or hitting the new foodie hot spot. As for your not-so-hot days: Your top three stresses are your career, your bod, and your relationship. Hello, pinot. And you world-changing Olivia Popes are not stressing the vino: 83 percent of you have never worried about your drinking habits (and 50 percent of you think that pot should be legal).
Cheers to you, Cosmo girls.
This article was originally published as "The State of You: Cosmo Report 2015 " in the October 2015 issue of Cosmopolitan. Click here to subscribe to the digital edition!
