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annundrielAfter much thought, I feel the need to join my friends in their rants about growing up. However, I'm going to happily set up camp on the other side of the argument. I have no idea if the friends in question will even read this, there is a good chance they will not, but now that they've got me thinking about it there are things I want to say. This is my journal in which I can share my opinions. These opinions are not meant to upset anyone, particularly the friend in question. :) Simply to get my thoughts out there. This is what I had to say. It gets side tracked and doesn't always make sense or apply, but it's what I have to say at the moment. So, please, no one take offense.
Not that I plan on being offensive. But when I write my opinion it is sometimes construed that way.
Growing up is not a bad thing, so get over it. I think maybe my issue has to do with the fact that I personally went through the holiday thing when I was twelve. It's frustrating when it happens, I'll grant you that, but it doesn't last. You can still rip stuff open. At EB's we're supposed to wait turns, and we do, but when it's EB's turn she just attacks things. (It's really hilarious.) I don't remember being this type of person. I'm actually embarrassed when I have to open gifts in front of people because the focus is on you and your reaction. Makes me really nervous. So at family gatherings I've gotten very good at sneakily opening things while no one is looking. Never underestimate the power of the sneaky.
But, yeah, there are certain situations where you are expected to act like an adult, or at least your age. In my experience, these situations don't actually happen that often. Many times we can get away with acting like we're twelve. (EB and I do all of the time.) And that's fun. It's fun to let go and be goofy, but I know plenty of adults who are just like that. Goofy and silly and funny, but still responsible people. You can have both.
And really, what's so bad about growing up? There are so many more opportunities and chances and openings once you reach a certain age. There's a freedom that comes with getting older and I'll take that freedom even if the price is my childhood. You have to move on if you're going to be happy. You can't cling.
I really learned this my senior year of high school, and some of you may or may not know that. I spent a lot of the time feeling alone in a crowd, ignored and pushed aside. This made me angry at the other people in the crowd, the ones doing the pushing. It was partially my own fault, most of my friends were younger than me. Many of my friends were less mature than I was. But I liked and loved them and felt sure they felt the same, which is why I was so hurt about feeling this way. (Thankfully, this is all behind me.) I felt like this for a long time, even through summer and the start of my brother's freshman year of high school. I basically felt this way until I went off to college.
Attending SU helped me move on with my life. I met amazing people who shared my interests and understood my eccentricities and obsessions. I met people who I didn't grow up with who liked me for me and not because I could help them with their English homework. I don't feel bitter any more about what happened my senior year, only sad that I didn't feel I could share it. I am extremely grateful for the chances I've had to grow up.
It's funny how unhappy we can be before we learn how to let go and move on. It's funny how much better life is once we do.
Not that I plan on being offensive. But when I write my opinion it is sometimes construed that way.
Growing up is not a bad thing, so get over it. I think maybe my issue has to do with the fact that I personally went through the holiday thing when I was twelve. It's frustrating when it happens, I'll grant you that, but it doesn't last. You can still rip stuff open. At EB's we're supposed to wait turns, and we do, but when it's EB's turn she just attacks things. (It's really hilarious.) I don't remember being this type of person. I'm actually embarrassed when I have to open gifts in front of people because the focus is on you and your reaction. Makes me really nervous. So at family gatherings I've gotten very good at sneakily opening things while no one is looking. Never underestimate the power of the sneaky.
But, yeah, there are certain situations where you are expected to act like an adult, or at least your age. In my experience, these situations don't actually happen that often. Many times we can get away with acting like we're twelve. (EB and I do all of the time.) And that's fun. It's fun to let go and be goofy, but I know plenty of adults who are just like that. Goofy and silly and funny, but still responsible people. You can have both.
And really, what's so bad about growing up? There are so many more opportunities and chances and openings once you reach a certain age. There's a freedom that comes with getting older and I'll take that freedom even if the price is my childhood. You have to move on if you're going to be happy. You can't cling.
I really learned this my senior year of high school, and some of you may or may not know that. I spent a lot of the time feeling alone in a crowd, ignored and pushed aside. This made me angry at the other people in the crowd, the ones doing the pushing. It was partially my own fault, most of my friends were younger than me. Many of my friends were less mature than I was. But I liked and loved them and felt sure they felt the same, which is why I was so hurt about feeling this way. (Thankfully, this is all behind me.) I felt like this for a long time, even through summer and the start of my brother's freshman year of high school. I basically felt this way until I went off to college.
Attending SU helped me move on with my life. I met amazing people who shared my interests and understood my eccentricities and obsessions. I met people who I didn't grow up with who liked me for me and not because I could help them with their English homework. I don't feel bitter any more about what happened my senior year, only sad that I didn't feel I could share it. I am extremely grateful for the chances I've had to grow up.
It's funny how unhappy we can be before we learn how to let go and move on. It's funny how much better life is once we do.
