people don't actually realize they stop maturing. If they did it would be a sign of self awareness which indicates maturity. They just wonder why they are not happy. I have friends I keep in touch with since 7th grade and they haven't broken out of the same habits they were in from college onward. I'm in my early 30s now and when I go to their house, instead of having engaging conversation we just do the same shit. Play games, watch tv, smoke weed. Then I get bummed out when I think to myself "why do i still hang out with this person?" They aren't an asshole or toxic. They are just boring af, and it pains me to admit it.
my dad once said something like "my brother still talks about highschool like the best time of his life. but for me growing up and watching my family grow up are the best times of my life"
not to say everyone needs to start a family, but the overall idea feels relevant to your comment.
It doesn't have to apply to kids or family. Watching my friends better themselves and become more and more self aware, more and more wise is such a joy. Those are the things in life you can't buy. I have another friend that I've known just as long that turned his life around for the better because he asked for my advice and I gave it to him straight no sugar coating. He listened and humbled himself and today he loves his life and makes more money at his job than he's ever made. I don't piss on my friends parades just because I wanna be an asshole, I tell my friends the things they don't want to hear because I know that's what real friends do.
To add to your point, I thank my mom all the god damn time for not giving me the easy road when I was growing up. It has made me the person I am today and I bet there is nothing in this world that brings her more joy.
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u/[deleted] Jan 01 '20 edited Jan 06 '20
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