My wife has a BFF at work. For the purposes of this article, we'll call her Kaylee – mainly because that's her name. Normally, one might refer to Kaylee as Heather's work wife, except that Kaylee is 23 and often refers to Heather as her work mom (which kind of makes me want to smack her – sorry, K – but that's all right). Anyway, I recently had the opportunity to spend some time with Kaylee, marking the first time I've hung out with a 23-year-old since I myself was in my early 20s. Why is this article-worthy? Because young twentysomethings get so much crap right now. They're painted with a broad brush that uses a horrifying color palette and I think it's a shame. I know this is only anecdotal – this is one 23-year-old among millions, if not billions. Spending time with her was delightful, though, and it changed my perspective.
These traits are prevalent in many adults too. Flakiness knows no age boundaries; you'll find it in colleagues who cancel meetings last minute or friends who ghost plans. Procrastination is like an equal-opportunity menace, affecting everyone from teenagers to retirees. So, before you start eyeing younger folks as the sole proprietors of this behavior, remember that many seasoned adults have mastered the art of inconsistency and indecision. Life's unpredictability makes it difficult to always be reliable, no matter how old you are. Cut some slack and recognize that reliability is a universal challenge.
At 23, many young adults feel like they have the world at their fingertips. They’re ready to take on the world and make their mark. But it takes hard work and dedication to get to where they want to be.
That’s why 23-year-olds hustle like nobody’s business. They know that to get ahead, they have to put in the time and effort. They have to be willing to work hard and take risks, and they have to be willing to make sacrifices.
It’s not just about working hard, though. It’s also about being smart about how you work and how you spend your time. 23-year-olds know that they need to make the most of their time, so they’re always looking for ways to be more efficient. They’re always looking for ways to get more done in less time.
23-year-olds are also great at networking. They know that having a good network of contacts is essential for success. They’re always looking for ways to meet new people and make connections that can help them in their career.
It's not just complicated, it's brutal – and frequently disgusting, and often threatening, and just generally messy, scary, and awful. Dating apps, originally designed to simplify connections, often exacerbate the confusion with endless options and ghosting becoming the norm. Social media adds another layer of stress, making comparisons inevitable and insecurities heightened. The pressure to "perform" on dates has never been greater, leading to superficial interactions. Moreover, the blurred lines around 'situationships' vs. traditional relationships often leave people feeling lost and exhausted. In many ways, the quest for meaningful connection feels more difficult now than ever before.
The article delves into the love/hate relationship with dating apps, particularly for women in their 20s. It discusses the common experiences of encountering misogynistic men on apps like Tinder and the rise of the "fuckboy" archetype. However, the author argues that this is not just a Buzzfeed trend or exaggeration, but a real issue that many women face in the dating world. The use of dating apps has also been linked to a rise in casual hookups and a decrease in long-term relationships. Despite the drawbacks, many women still use these apps as a way to meet potential partners and navigate the modern dating scene.
The article discusses the experience of hanging out with a 23-year-old and all the things that one can learn from them. It mentions that Blink-182's song "What's My Age Again?" was correct in saying that nobody likes you when you're 23. The author admits to referring to their friend as a fetus, but the friend found it amusing. This highlights the societal pressure and expectations that come with being 23, as well as the struggle to find one's identity and place in the world. It also touches on the humor and self-deprecation often associated with being in your early twenties. Overall, the article provides a relatable and insightful perspective on the ups and downs of being 23.
At 23, many people are in a transitional phase of life, between finishing college and starting their career. They can be feeling a lot of pressure to succeed and to make the right decisions. This can lead to taking themselves too seriously, and feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility of making the right choices. They may also be struggling to find a balance between their personal and professional lives. It can be helpful for them to remember that it's ok to make mistakes and to take time for themselves. Taking time to relax and have fun is essential for mental and physical health.
If there are any 23-year-olds out there, please weigh in. Hell, if you're younger than 25, I'd like to hear about the stereotypes you encounter from day-to-day.