10 Things We’re All Tired of Hearing (as the “younger generation”)

We’ve all been there. Too young to understand, too old to relate to, but regardless of the situation, we’ve all been put into a place where those around us think they know better. Here are the top 10 things that pull on my last string of patience when in conversation:

1. “Your generation…”

Umm, I’m sorry but we’ve all been told to not stereotype because of someone’s particular situation, but isn’t this exactly that? By putting me with all those out there who choose “YOLO” over a four year degree is basically telling me that it’s ok to act that way because it’s part of “my generation”. And don’t even start by saying “well no, you’re twisting my words. What I meant was…”

Stop.

If you want me to be my own person, then let me act like one without assuming I’m automatically part of whatever you think “my generation” consists of.

2. “College is the next milestone in your life, don’t mess it up.”

Wait.

Now I don’t know about you guys but that was kind of my goal… You know, to study hard and get my degree so I can be successful or even have a decent job in life for that matter. I mean, even if you’re not going to study hard, we all need that degree to have a chance at life. So thanks for your encouraging words of wisdom over there, I’ll plan on not messing this up (as I’ve tried to with the past however many milestones I’ve had).

3. “He’s older so you have to respect him”

In my house growing up, I was always taught to respect my elders, no matter how ridiculously unaccepting they are of your life choices.

RESPECT THEM

Now this summer I had this somewhat decent job at a food joint. Now don’t get me wrong it didn’t suck… but it wasn’t a walk in the park either. It can get pretty hot and crowded at times, leading people to their worst moods possible. I tried to stay peppy and optimistic about the situations at hand, but there seemed to be a tiny problem. One of my two bosses was a male chauvinistic monomaniac. Ok, even if I am exaggerating in the trifling way, believe me when I say that a woman in the work place was nothing more than an object that was submissive to his every word. Thankfully, the other boss, who I’ve grown to respect and care for dearly, kept him straight, but lets look at it this way. The chauvinist is about 64, and the other is 38. See where I’m going with this? How am I supposed to respect a man who looks at me as nothing but a piece of meat.

4. “Boys will be boys”

Like I can’t even be mad at this…

So you’re telling me that it’s ok to act ape because males can’t control themselves?

I understand

5. “Why can’t everyone just love each other”

Guys I understand you’re supposed to have somewhat of a care towards someone’s sensitivities, and I think I do a decent job of it, but sometimes I just cant do that. If you want me to care for you, I need you to try to do the same. If you’re going to act like a dick then no, go hide your face in a dark room until I tell you you’re allowed to come out.

6. “You’ll understand when you’re older”

OH MY GOD. SERIOYUSLY.

I swear I’ll be 60 and my 90 year old parents will be talking to me and go “I know you don’t understand now, but when you are our age, you’ll understand”. No, when I’m you’re age I’ll either be dead or hoping to die because I’d rather not deal with not being able to eat or hear for that matter. This I will never understand

7. “Girls/Guys need to stick together”

No STFU

8. “Technology is going to ruin us”

Actually, I believe knowledge of technology is going to separate and define history for the better if used correctly. So, instead of being a Debby Downer over there have a little faith will you.

9. “What are you going to college for?”, “Where are you going to college”

Is there really a need for commentary besides the fact that WE STILL HAVE NO IDEA WHAT WE ARE DOING WITH OUR LIVES AND YOUR ASKING IS ONLY STRESSING US MORE

10. “Be the best you can be” or “Be Yourself”

This one has always caused controversy for me and doesn’t even necessarily have to apply for the “just under 21” group. What does this imply exactly? The way I put it is be the person your mama would want you to be, but also the person your boss expects you to be, and the wife and mother your family needs, but still being the rock your friends look for, yet while also grasping on to the few strands of yourself that you want to hold. Honestly if we look at it, we can’t be completely our self without being selfish. It’s ok to hold back some of your thoughts and listen for once, and it’s ok to have to change who you are for the time being because you need to get a job, or set an example for the ones you love most.

The 10 things we are all tired of hearing can change of course with what is happening in our lives or as we grow older, but there will always be a phrase or saying that we’ve been told one too many times to count.