No

by Daffani Storm

Created on: July 26, 2010

While this world chooses to believe teenagers to be narcissistic; I prefer to reason my opinion and consider this fact: many teens are simply trying to find their own path. Growing up, teenagers are taught to trust their own judgment, make their own decisions, fight for what they believe in, and above all, be themselves. However, coming from a teenager point of view, it seems to me that when we try to play on what we’ve been taught, we get pulled right back to the very common, “What are you doing?”

“What were you thinking?”

“I didn’t teach you that!”

Or better yet, “You should grow up and be responsible – like your father and I.”

And the truth of the matter isn’t that we weren’t thinking, we didn’t care, or we weren’t being responsible! It’s not that were self-absorbed or ‘in with the wrong crowd!’ Simply put, we are utterly, to-a-tee just confused about life. We’re more than anxious to be out on our own! To put to use all of the vast advice given by our parents is usually one of our greatest pleasures! We may act as though were not listening or act as if we don’t care, but the truth is, we stride on our parents success! Being able to see the house they bought, the job they’re at, the family they built – it’s absolutely one of the most wonderful things to witness. And when we see it; we want it.

We are extremely hungry for life! But not just any life; our life! We want the same invigorating stories to tell our family! We want to make those mistakes so often talked about because we stride to learn right from wrong. We don’t just do or say the things we do because we can. Our underline cause for everything in our teen years is us just trying to find us. We may seem selfish and egotistical but in all honesty, we can’t find ourselves in this world unless we pay attention to ourselves and do things for ourselves. That’s how we learn our likes, dislikes, dreams, passions, etc. And most of ‘us’ can’t be found without the help of our friends and family.

We listen to you, mom and dad; however, we choose to go along with our friends because they understand our needs. They understand what it’s like to be a teenager of the twenty-first century. So many things have changed since you were teens! And NO; I am NOT saying your old! You are only old when you believe you’re old. Think of Papaw for instance – he’s up there, but he acts like a twenty-first century teen. He’s completely out-a-wak! Sometimes, we just feel as though you are trying too hard to keep us from danger. We love the protection, but go head and let us make those mistakes while we’re in your hands. Therefore, we have you to help us through it.

Friends, you know we listen to you! For some reason we just can’t grasp the idea of doing what we want to do without your approval. You’re always there and of course you always seem to know what you’re talking about. Although, you really don’t, it’s just easier to believe you because we are so close in age. I mean, that way, you got to understand! Right?

And for random people that may meet a ‘self-involved’ teen – please try and understand what we may go through. Peer pressure hasn’t changed much since your teen years. Truthfully, it’s gotten worse! Saying NO isn’t as easy as it’s cracked up to be. We get pulled into things we never imagined were real because we don’t know who we are. We think it’ll help us. We act immature to release pressure, stress, fear, and other bottled up emotions because otherwise we don’t get rid of those emotions. Being immature at times really allows us to be completely open with the world. And when were open, we find a glimpse of who we are.

Look, finding ourselves takes time and effort, and we find ourselves subconsciously more than consciously. That’s just how it works! But we do seem to need to do the things we do in order to subconsciously dream, and find who we are. Our self-centeredness will soon turn to kindness for the world. Maybe not in everyone; however, most of us, it does take that turn. So be patient (teens and adults), altruism is just a step away!

Keep in mind that some teenagers really ARE self-centered. I didn't write this because I believe all teens to be perfect little, learning themselves machines. I wrote it because I believe that this world is filled with good, honest people. Which mean, we have good, honest teens!       

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