Growing up? (getting things off your chest)
How does a person 'grow up' or begin to move on from being a child/teen to being somewhat capable of looking after oneself? When does it become unacceptable (if it ever does?) for a person to have no idea of what they're planning to do in their life, even in the short term?
I'm almost 17, half-way through my second-last year of high school, have no hobbies nor talents, never had a 'real' job (outside of my school's mandatory 'work experience', and helping around my aunt's shop), don't have a driver's license/learners, don't have brilliant grades, etc.
I wake up early on Saturdays to watch cartoons and going into town by myself (or even with people I know) is daunting. I've quit most things I've tried - things like choir, soccer, orchestra, painting. Switched schools and moved to another country about 3 years ago because my mother was emotionally abusive/parents divorcing/I had no friends to keep me there. My two friends at my new school were both a couple years older than me and have graduated, and I've done a poor job of keeping in contact with them. The people I hang out with now are nice, but I feel uncomfortable around them and often don't find their conversations interesting. Unsurprisingly, I've never had a romantic relationship, which isn't really a concern to me but adds to the feeling of "missing out" or something? I've had a crush on the same person for 2 years that seems like it has only killed any chance of friendship and also adds a layer of awkwardness with one of the people I hang out with, as its their twin(? Triplet? They're triplets) brother.
I don't know what I might do for a career, or what I'll study in university/college, or even if I want to go to university. My grades are mostly average, I've skipped a lot of school in the past, and I don't even know what I enjoy doing or would be comfortable doing.
Long story short - I procrastinate and experience social anxiety. Any tips on how to improve?
Feel free to vent, too!
CaliforniaSh33p
Blue Jay
![User avatar](./download/file.php?avatar=69941.jpg)
Joined: 30 May 2012
Age: 25
Gender: Female
Posts: 75
Location: (Near) Old York, Old England.
I'm in a similar situation. I'm struggling to move from a 6-10 year old to my correct age, 13. Going into town by myself is fine but with others its daunting. I to, quit most things I tried. Dancing, choir, violin etc; It just didn't work for me! I'm trying to engage in things I don't like to do - expect drugs, drinking etcetera. Though non of my friends do that kind of thing! but I really dont know how to really grow up. Let me know when you find out! Don't worry -
Your not alone.
"Growing old is mandatory (more or less); growing up is optional."
Many people reach the ages of 18, 28, 38, and even 48 without having a clue as to where their lives are supposed to be directed. Thus is the reasoning behind the concept of a "mid-life crisis." If it makes you feel any better, many teenagers have not the slightest clue what they are to do with their lives. You'll find some cadence to slip into, eventually.
As long as you can manage to be somewhat self-sufficient, or at least be dependent in a way that pleases others, then you shouldn't worry too greatly about reaching maturity. Maturity will happen when it happens, if it does decide to happen.
*Points at own avatar*
Plus, that.
For procrastination: think of it as a "if I get this done now, I won't have to do it later, I'll be less stressed, and I'll have more time to do [insert whatever here]" sort of thing.
As for the social anxiety: I'm not entirely sure I can help too much here.
![Embarassed :oops:](./images/smilies/icon_redface.gif)
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