How much have you changed?
By Shiva
@Shiva49 (28385)
Singapore
June 15, 2016 11:32am CST
We change over time mainly due to circumstances. This point is driven home when I meet relatives and friends after a lengthy hiatus. With some I had shared great camaraderie but changed circumstances mean we have drifted apart in common interests we shared. Some become disillusioned too to distance themselves and do not want to revive the past chemistry we had.
I admit I too have changed, become more circumspect. I used to crack jokes at my expense mostly but the occasional misunderstanding has made me guarded. And then the age factor with the young more into latest gadgets that hold not much interest for me.
As one gets older, it is tough to make new friendships as people my age generally lack independence we enjoyed in our younger days. It is more so in Asia where parents lean on their children and the other way too at times. That has made inroads into time needed to pursue own interests.
My parents’ generation called the shots and we obeyed but the younger have their way now. I am trying to come to grips with the situation to adapt with the times.
Thanks to online sites I have been able to find a firmer footing to pursue my interests for over six years. Frankly, I would have felt like a fish out of water otherwise – unable to reach out to the new with the past ways still casting their shadow.
What is your take on this issue?
Image from Wikimedia Images
6 people like this
7 responses
@salonga (27775)
• Philippines
16 Jun 16
I'm an Asian but my parents did not really control my decisions and have given me the free will to decide for myself when I grew older although of course they were always there to give me advice and guidance for my own good and now that I am a parent, I am doing the same to my son.
2 people like this
@Shiva49 (28385)
• Singapore
16 Jun 16
Nice to hear this.
My parents were anxious that I do my best and earn an honest living.
Beyond that they left me to my own devices.
Now times have changed from those times.
The reality of day-to-day life has changed with time a big constraint though technology has made it easier to keep in touch - siva
2 people like this
@Hannihar (130150)
• Israel
26 Mar 18
@Shiva49
I know I have changed. I try to be a better person now. I try to be more helpful to people now. I am not the same person I am that when i was growing up in MInneapolis. I am my own person and have my own mind and decide how I feel on things.
1 person likes this
@responsiveme (22923)
• India
22 Jun 16
There is a generation gap but also we should keep an open mind about youngsters. We have this same thing here about relating to youngsters.I am lucky to be surrounded by them and so can see their point of view too.I may not agree all the time.
As for making friends at a later age, when I thought I wouldn't ever interact with anybody new...I find i'm enjoying the discussions on MyLot.:)
1 person likes this
@Shiva49 (28385)
• Singapore
22 Jun 16
We have to enjoy all company and go with the flow but chip in with wisdom from the past that made us who we are.
Each generation has to endure the test of fire and better that no generation has to reinvent the wheel. They should press on from where the previous left, take the baton and continue the journey with renewed vigor.
They are lucky that the previous generation is still around to remind them of the pitfalls along the way - siva
1 person likes this
@responsiveme (22923)
• India
22 Jun 16
@Shiva49 I know .I did say I don't agree with all the next generation is saying.
I am very well aware of the contributions of my elders. all I'm saying is to instill our wisdom into the younger generation we have to be more flexible too :)
1 person likes this
@innertalks (23740)
• Australia
20 Jun 16
We change in our ideas, thoughts, and likes, even in our very make-up.
There is probably nothing that is not changing about us, I think.
I find it funny in a way, when I talk to one of my brothers, who I grew up closely with, more than fifty years ago, or so.
He still thinks that I am that same "boy" that he grew up with. He still thinks that I should be thinking and acting in that same way.
He just doesn't seem to understand that I no longer like reading "phantom" comics or watching "star trek, or "Doctor Who".
He keeps giving me "phantom" comics for a gift, for example, or a "Doctor Who" DVD.
Our past casts shadows onto other people too, not just onto ourselves!
1 person likes this
@innertalks (23740)
• Australia
20 Jun 16
@Shiva49 Yes, when they appear in our dreams they might be prompting us to to remember something about them as well.
1 person likes this
@Shiva49 (28385)
• Singapore
20 Jun 16
The child in us try to shine through at times!
When I meet those I grew up with I try to recall my days with them.
I have few cousins who looked up to me as I was older.
Then I see the physical them now and then and wonder about the passage of time.
I am one who likes to think of days spent with especially those who have passed on.
I feel in a way they are prompting me too as sometimes someone appears in my memories out of the blue! siva
1 person likes this
