Is it a moments' folly or a well-thought out plan?

While gaining experience at the corporate sector, I became more of a "people person". The term "people person" was given to me by my former Personnel and Administration Manager (now Human Resource Manager). During my interview with her with another person, she noted that I was more towards people and I like working with people. As such began the first change in my career. And now, in the "next change", out of the corporate world into the education industry, I noticed many things relating to youth, of which, I find very disturbing and alarming.

1) Relationship with older generation

I may be wrong in this. (Comments very much accepted) Many young adults (those within the age of 16 to 20) do not get along well with their elders (parents, grandparents and other older relatives). The term "generation gap" does it exists? Is there really a difference in opinion and thinking? I do agree that the environment has changed. But does that make a huge impact until the younger generation can not get along with the older generation. From my observations, I have noticed and heard these comments / remarks:

a) The parents are always the last person to know of their problems
b) My parents do not understand me
c) My friends say that going out with parents is not happening
d) We want to try new things
e) We are adventurous people
f) We want to be happening people

Many young adults tell me that they seldom confide in their parents. As they are afraid that their parents might nag at them, thus spoiling the mood at home. Personal issues like boy and girl are deemed to be "shy subject" or a "no no subject" to be discussed with their parents. Problems with their cliques at school is another issue that they will least discuss. Many a times, they will seek solace with their friends. I do agree that friends can play an important role. However, if the friends lead this person astray then what happens? Shouldnt the parents be in the know? Some of the young adults will say that, my parents will kill me! (metaphorically speaking) So they say, better tell my best buddy.

I have a story to share. A friend's friend shared with us her story. She was led astray by a playboy. She thought she was the most luckiest person. The guy was a rich man's son and so had the privilege of owning sleek cars and has a house of his own. They dated for a very short period. All of us were shocked when we were given the red card. Ten years later, they are apart. What I am trying to say is during the courtship, the parents were against the relationship saying oil and water dont mix but she was adamant saying thats her prince charming. Her "rosy world" lasted just a few months. Her prince charming was spotted with another person. And during the hard time, her parents were the one that brought and nurtured her back to sanity. She is doing pretty well now.

The moral of the story is, your parents are the one that will stick with you through thick and through thin. Never ever go against them, understand their reasoning. They have tasted more salts than you!

2) Starting a relationship

Meeting people is interesting. Finding someone that understands, cares and gives you all the attention is what many are looking for. However, finding THAT person is not as easy as it seems. As the axiom goes, never judge a book by its cover, likewise, when you meet the first person, never pass judgment without knowing this person properly. You could have missed what could have been a good friendship.

Many young adults like the lure of luxury, fast cars, fine dining and fame. After awhile, does all these stay? I once watched a film about a very rich girl, she fell in love with a monk! As the story goes, the monk is very handsome and so the rich girl fell for his good looks. The monk told her this,"now when I have my youth, you love me, what happens when I grow old and become wrinkled, bald and toothless, would you still have the same love as now"? Despite watching this movie 10 years ago, this part of the story line still remains vivid.

The moral of the story is ,"go slow". Enjoy your youth, take your time and develop long lasting friendship and relationship.