Being Childish
“What’s the point of being grown up if you can’t be childish sometimes?”
–The Fourth Doctor, Doctor Who, “Robot”
When you were a child, dreaming of being “all grown up,” did you picture yourself sitting behind a desk, making phone calls, pushing papers, etc.? Or, did you fancy yourself in a somewhat more fun position? Probably, no matter what your dreams were, you were going to be having fun doing them, no?
And, even if you have a boring job, you can at least have a more exciting life in your off-time hours, no? But, most people don’t, do they?
Sure, some people continue to party irresponsibly well into adulthood, but for most adults, even parties are tediously dull affairs. People gather round, drinking alcoholic beverages, discussing sports, politics and all manner of horrendously boring topics that haven’t changed since the days of Caesar or even earlier. “Going out” means getting dressed up in nice, respectable clothes that are uncomfortable and so dastardly dull.
Then, you’ll get talked up by the social butterflies who will flutter around the room, introducing themselves, asking how you are, but never sticking around long enough to hear the answer. Or, worse, they will pretend to listen to the answer while looking around the room for their next target, and say “That’s great!” to your response that your life is a miserable cesspool and even your cat left you.
So, what is the point of being grown up, if you can’t be childish sometimes? After all, wasn’t doing the things you wanted to do the point of growing up and being your own person?
I never drank after turning 21. I would go to adult gatherings and have a Coke while everyone else drank all manners of spirits. And, it’s not easy being a non-drinker in a drinking world. My first taste of adulthood was that adults were just as childish as children, if not more so, and not in the good way. Just by the attitude projected by others, you feel like you’re less of an adult if you’re not drinking. Despite television ads and lectures by adults discouraging youths from drinking, it’s almost a complete 180° after you turn 21. Then, it’s like something is wrong with you if you don’t drink.
The first time I had a drink after 21 was well after I was 21. And, I shouldn’t have. I was, more or less, pressured into it, and I gave in more to prove that I could than anything else. That was a mistake, and I regret it. Why should I care what other people think? If they think less of me because I choose not to drink, that’s their problem. Not mine.
On top of that, it was a pretty lousy drink too. I don’t remember what it was, but the swill was no doubt created by fermenting the sludge from some polluted lake where cities dumped their untreated sewage. But, I drank the whole freaking glass, so I made my point, even if I should have not given in at all.
(The second time was a different situation. The drink was free with dinner, and, though I would have normally refused, you got to keep the glass. Free glass. I can’t easily turn down a bargain.)
Anyway, that’s the wrong kind of childish to be when you’re grown up. Don’t be the childish adult that doesn’t respect the choices that others make, and don’t be the foolish adult that gives in to peer pressure either.
Don’t worry so much about what other people think. Be you. If people only like the you that dresses and acts like them and not the you that’s you, forget them! Ditch the high heels and loafers and wear a pair of comfortable athletic shoes instead. Who cares if it’s not fashionable? Who cares if people think it looks funny with a suit or fancy dress? You spend more time with your feet than they do, so who is it better to keep happy?
In that respect, you can be a little childish. It’s okay to be childish when doing so doesn’t hurt anyone or neglect your responsibilities. Who’s hurt by you not drinking? Who’s hurt by you wearing comfortable shoes? No one. So, be childish!
Jelly baby, anyone?
I have no idea why adults drink so much! Beer tastes really bitter and nasty! I’ll never be a drinker since I know how bad the effects are and it tastes really bad; I would rather have a soda. Is weird how I act all childish in front of kids and they would smile and giggle! The worst part is that they just smile when they see me! Of course I’ll act more like an adult when I’m surrounded by adults (I guess surroundings influences your judgments). I don’t like being pressured to do things I hate and would never let people dictate my life.
Beer tastes like carbonated wheat. But, things cooked in beer are good!
there has to be a simple balance between being “grown up” and still being a kid at heart. if you can learn to appreciate the little things in life and have fun, then being an adult will just seem more fun overall. people need to relax more and stop worrying about being trendy or “in the know” some of my friends told me the name of my blog was kinda dumb, but to me it makes sense and i don’t care what they think. it’s mine not theirs.
cheers
Easy Tech Talk makes sense to me!
“Then, it’s like something is wrong with you if you don’t drink.”
You do excellent social commentary.
Hm, I don’t see drinking or not as an issue of proving one’s adulthood, but more of how the drinking is handled. I can drink a decent amount to be in a happy, social buzz and remember everything…and yeah, I’d feel the effects but that’s why you drink responsibly, over or underage. I’ve been lucky to never experienced a hangover, and I’ll admit that I’ve been immature enough before to push that limit…just to see what it is.
A lot of people use drinking as an excuse for doing certain things, and repeatedly. I don’t think very highly of people who NEED alcohol to have a good time. I mean, I’ve done a girls’ night in with and without alcohol–both were equally entertaining and fun. People who argue that alochol is just part of socialing pre-21 and definitely post-21 don’t know the true meaning of socializing. Like you said about the social butterflies not really paying attention to the conversation…that’s all mingling to be seen, not really living up to the meaning of being social perse. To really socialize, you can’t be drunk…how do you expect to be coherent or connect to another person on a memorable level??
I think trends give people the illusion of confidence, so when people follow “what’s in” it boosts their confidence level. When a person can be different, do something uniquely them, or just be daring…people will admire it if it’s done with a surety of confidence. That aura of confidence in being your own individual is attractive. It stands out in a good way, a way to be admired.
Agree there’s a fine line between being childish and just plain juvenile…sometimes people take it overboard or worse, use it as a justification or excuse (just like with drinking). I think of child-like as being curious, daring to explore, and in wonderment for the world. And being goofy every once in awhile is just something we all need to do, with all the seriousness of other things in life.
Are you sure you’re only 21? Check your birth certificate.
Life is full of excitement. After a boring day at work, we should have some fun too to cheer up our day and release tension. =D
After a boring day at work, it’s time to go home and do some more!
Hahahaha. 21 and a little over a month, if we’re to be exact here.
Wait, 2 months. Can’t count, too many late nights. And my mind is still blown over an awesome concert by Dave Matthews Band.
Wow! You’re very mature for being 2 months old.
Punk. =P