Growing Up
Posted by Stuart at 09:22 AM on May 10, 2003From Yahoo News today: "Most Americans believe someone isn't grown up until age 26, probably with a completed education, a full-time job, a family to support and financial independence, a survey said on Thursday.
"The poll found the following ages at which people expect the transitions to grown-up status to be completed: Age 20.9 self-supporting; 21.1 no longer living with parents; 21.2 full-time job; 22.3 education complete; 24.5 being able to support a family financially; 25.7 married; and 26.2 having a child."
Let's see how I stack up: I am slower on every single issue (except "no longer living with parents") by as much as 6 years. For example, the survey suggests that the proper ages to finish education and get a full-time job is 22.3 and 21.2. I was 28 for both. And of course married and having a child is no where in sight.
Does that mean that I am not "grown up"? :)
My goodness Tony ... how is your life?? haha!!
I would have to change the last one to state, "80+ has mastered the art of 'living' and can now truly enjoy what it means. Then due to this epiphany he lives until the age of 120, when one day, he lays down to rest after a 12 mile jog and quietly falls asleep."
aaaahhhhh
SG - I would have to say that if you're not a grown up, then neither am I, and quite frankly, I rather like it!! :-)
Love you!!
Beth, I was just trying to be sarcastic and funny (maybe it's not funny but rather sarcastic, I think:). I also wanted to make Stuart feel good about himself for not being a "grown-up" according to the Yahoo survey. Hope I didn't offend anyone. The phases of growing-up I mentioned earlier do exist to a certain extent in American society where more than half of marriages end up in divorce. For me, I was a grown-up when I was around 6 or 7 years old after my dad died toward the end of the Indochina war (aka Vietnam War). At 6 or 7 years of age, I carried my little sister on my back collecting firewoods for cooking and "hunting" insects for foods. I learned to take responsibilities at a very early age. I am doing quite well now in the US considering I had/have to do everything on my own - from sending myself to college, taking care of myself when sick, comforting myself when sad. I have a good job and send money home in Laos to take of my mom. I am quite happy with what I have and for who I am. Still not married at age thirty something so does it mean I am not a grown-up? LOL
Tony - I understand that you were being funny, sarcastic, and my response was intended to be sarcastic back. Gotta love the communication problems that sometimes do exist in email and written communication. No offense taken. Thank you!! :-) LOL!!
True, true .... what you wrote, Tony, is at least in some part, very real in American society ... which is extremely unfortunate, and which is one reason why I am being so careful when it comes to who I choose and who chooses me as a life long mate.
The 30s offer us the chance to enjoy all that we have learned and experienced the previous 30+ years, and really get to know who we are, where our voice stands, and gain some solid footing in this crazy, crazy world. I can hardly wait to see what all is in store!!!
Love you, SG!!
Dear Beth,
Never judged your writings. It would be too unfair to you without me hearing your voice, your tone of voice, and your facial expression. Merely tried to clarify my part in my last posting. Knew you were as sarcastic as I am, but just for fun:) I do acknowledge misintepretation of the mood and tone of written communication. I do look at the positive side first if I am not sure about something or someone. Thanks for arguing with me. I think we have something in common. How is Stuart in HOT Bangkok?
Tone, Toney, Tonee
How are you, Stuart, in HOT Bangkok?
I'm still waking up to 60 degree weather ... aaaahhhh. But pretty soon it'll be quite warm, of course nothing compared to Bangkok.
SG, where are you??? Love you!!
I am doing just fine thank you both Beth and Tony. What a fun little thread this was! And don't worry Tony, I wasn't feeling bad about not being married. I am where I am by choice, of course :) I have chosen to have a family of friends for now, rather than having lots of "little Stuarts" running around. hehe.
Yahoo forgot to mention the following growing-up transitions: age 27.5 divorced; moved back in with parents; 28.6 remarried; 29.9 having another child with the new spouse; 32.2 divorced again; 32.3 not being able to support oneself financially as wages are being garnished to pay for 2 child support orders, taking 2nd job, having a roommate to share living cost; 35.1 still divorced and single, frequenting single bars and nightclubs for thirty something people; 38.1 entering the 3rd marriage; 42.3 divorced for the 3rd time, facing serious mid-life crisis, loneliness setting in; 44.9 having cats and dogs and spending life with them until age 65; 65.1 retired, financially independent, mature, grown-up, remarried, having more cats and dogs, the grown-up life really begins at this age; 80+ becoming a child again.