The Depth of a Teenager
His mother asked, “Phoenix, what did you think of the party?” Phoenix was stretched out in the back of the van and Larissa was riding shotgun. He paused a thoughtful moment then replied, “People didn’t seem happy, Mom.” That observation was dead-on.
People, we meet either passing by or intentionally connect with generally do not appear happy. Many are the reasons for not looking happy but what did he see which made it notably a mentionable highlight of the party?
I think he observed what we -the adults- have grown accustomed to seeing, the effect of life’s disappointments, discouragements, and the grind of it all. We knew most of the people at the party, a family whose daughters are graduating, one from high school the into high school. Most of the people are creative, either artist in the visual arts or musicians, I wouldn’t call any of them depressed or troubled, so what did he see?
Astonishingly, the young adults were sitting in their own group being seriously silly and oddly adult-like. Phoenix witnessed a multitude of faces standing around in small groups each of them having a conversation while eating a delicious rice and bean dish. There wasn’t an abundance of laughter or a group exchange. Adults can be incredibly tiresome to teenagers who like to move and engage. He likely compared that gathering to our families get-togethers with grandparents, an uncle, a sister-in-law, an aunt and occasional a close friend or two. When it works seamlessly, we bring the house down with fits of silly witticisms and riotous laughter.
My interest in understanding his perspective is to continue a conversation about his well-being and the individual responsibility to monitor and adjust one’s behavior/environment to best suit his needs. Phoenix came over to where I sat and listened to the stories of astral projection our small group was sharing. I was surprised when our usual chit-chat took that unexpected detour.
I tired of chit-chat eventually and found Phoenix shooting hoops with another party guest. The three of us played a combination game of Horse and Around the World. BTW — I won, hehe.
