A hilarious guide for those raised by wolves, born in a barn, or otherwise unacquainted with the standard rules of adulthood

Once upon a time, young adults with a modicum of social skills and the basic know-how to run a household were let loose upon a grateful world. But no longer.

How did this come about? Why are so-called "grown-ups" often unable to make their beds and clean up their own kitchens? Perhaps Mom shouldn't have done all of Junior's science projects for him. Maybe Dad should have made Tiffany take that summer job in college instead of paying her way through Europe.

But fear not! Christie Mellor is here to help you prepare for the real world with essential skills like these:

How to poach a chicken (and what to do with it when you're done)

How to make the perfect martini

Twenty-five amazing uses for baking soda

How not to annoy your friends when you break up with your boyfriend

And so much more! In short, here's everything you need to know in order to jump into the deep end of the pool with the rest of the adults.