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Stuck in my ways

Okay, I'm 20 and I still like kids stuff. I like cartoons, especially the classic ones on Cartoon Network. And I like to watch the old episodes of Barney, like the ones I watched until I was 9. I mostly watch G and PG-rated movies because I'm most comfortable watching them. And I still read books that are intended for kids up to age 12, books like Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Judy Blume's Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. My mom and Grandma say it's okay and I should do whatever makes me feel comfortable, but some of my friends from my old school think my intrests are immature.

When I was 10, one of my friends said the way I dressed was too babyish, so ever since she said that I've been trying to find "cool" clothes because I didn't want others to laugh at me. When I became a teen I felt pressured to get into the latest trends of music, movies (PG-13 rated), and teen TV shows. When my mom saw me watching a rap music video on BET she told me to turn it off because she said it wasn't appropriate for me. And she wouldn't let me watch The. O.C. I thought she was trying to make me a loser because those were the things everyone was into. Everyone at school would talk about MTV, The O.C, BET, etc. and I felt out of the loop. I felt like I couldn't relate to anyone, so when I was 17 during my sophmore year of high school I switched schools. It wasn't great, but I made some friends who like me for who I am, not what I like. I swear, being an Aspie makes it so hard to keep up with the times. It's SO exhausting. :S Maybe my mom's right. I should probably just do whatever makes me happy and stop worrying what other people think.

Comments

Well, I've been known to enjoy a young adult novel or movie from time to time as well, but that's not the majority of my watching and viewing.

What concerns me is that it seems that neither you nor your mom seem to be very concerned about the future. I know when you are 20 it seems like you have a long time, but believe me time goes fast. Are you capable of working and living independently? When one of your peers says something is "too babyish", listen up. He or she is giving you valuable advice. The world is not kind to perpetual children and there is no island of the Lost Boys to hide out in.

Much as I'd like to say I agree with your mother that you should stop worrying about what other people think and just do what you like, it's not exactly facing reality. I have found that by learning when and how to conform to other people's thinking I find that I actually have more freedom to do the things I enjoy. I have always said, "Whoever controls your money, controls your life." Yes, for 8 hours a day I have to in effect give up my self and do what others want. But there are 16 hours left in which I can do whatever I like. I can make my own decisions then, go where I want. Kids don't have that freedom. I wouldn't want to be a child again for the world.
 
Spinning Compass;bt222 said:
Well, I've been known to enjoy a young adult novel or movie from time to time as well, but that's not the majority of my watching and viewing.

What concerns me is that it seems that neither you nor your mom seem to be very concerned about the future. I know when you are 20 it seems like you have a long time, but believe me time goes fast. Are you capable of working and living independently? When one of your peers says something is "too babyish", listen up. He or she is giving you valuable advice. The world is not kind to perpetual children and there is no island of the Lost Boys to hide out in.

Much as I'd like to say I agree with your mother that you should stop worrying about what other people think and just do what you like, it's not exactly facing reality. I have found that by learning when and how to conform to other people's thinking I find that I actually have more freedom to do the things I enjoy. I have always said, "Whoever controls your money, controls your life." Yes, for 8 hours a day I have to in effect give up my self and do what others want. But there are 16 hours left in which I can do whatever I like. I can make my own decisions then, go where I want. Kids don't have that freedom. I wouldn't want to be a child again for the world.

I'm actually trying to get into job training or become employed because I do want to become more independent and make some money of my own. My mother is actually trying to get me into a program called DORS which provides services to help people with disabilities become more independent. We tried to fill out an application and even called them months ago, but we haven't gotten any response. Transitioning to adulthood is easier said than done.
 
Don't feel bad, nintendogurl1990. I am the same age as you are, and some of my interests are geared towards kids. In fact, I plan on going to the movie theater in a week or so to see Rango! :) I also know plenty of other adults who enjoy kid's stuff. For example, one of my brothers-in-law loves Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and his wife (my sister) loves Spongebob so much she's even considering getting a tattoo of him! The things you enjoy aren't an indicator of how mature you are. What makes a person mature or immature is how they conduct themselves and how they handle the situations that come up in their lives. So listen to your family and don't stop enjoying what you love! :D
 

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