Awwr. Thank you guys for sharing some facts with me. You’re all gems 😀
It was great to learn some more about you, and nice to hear that I’m not the only Disney loving, granny schedule following, emetophobic out there. Actually, that’s probably one of the things that I love most about the blog world – it let’s me see that I’m not alone in some of my more… unusual… habits.
And speaking of habits…
But I digress…
Truth be told, I have a pretty hard time relating to the people that I come across in “real life”; and while I have a decent amount of acquaintances, the number of them that I consider true friends is pretty small.
For the most part, I get along with people superficially – friendly on the surface, but it hardly ever goes much deeper than that. I always thought that it was because I’m extremely introverted and don’t really enjoy having people around, but the more I think about it, the more I believe that that’s not necessarily the case. I do enjoy the company of others, I simply can’t find a common ground with most of them.
Take today, for example. Saturday. A day where most people my age sleep in past noon, laze about for most of the day, and party for most of the night. But me? I was up before dawn, productive all day, and I’ll probably be in bed by 10:30. Oh, and did I mention that I also decided to bake bran muffins?
Bran. As in, the stuff that your grandmother eats. How old am I again?
Too old, apparently, but that’s been the story of my life for as long as I can remember. Even as a young child, I always acted more mature than my years would suggest. Of course I played with toys, believed in Santa Claus, and was incredibly afraid of the dark, but even then I wasn’t really able to relate to my peers. I almost felt more comfortable around adults than I did with kids my own age.
And to be honest, not much has changed.
These days, I still don’t really relate to most of my peers – I actually feel a lot more comfortable interacting with children or people who are a good 20 years older than me than I do with those in my own age group. Why? I have no idea. Maybe it’s because I’m an old soul stuck in a young body.
Or maybe it’s because I can’t seem to grow up.
See, the whole concept of becoming a responsible adult kind of terrifies me. Starting a career. Supporting myself. Getting married. Starting a family… I just don’t feel ready for it. So, I cling to the comforts of my childhood and seek solace in the serenity of seniority (yippee for alliteration!!), just to avoid that uncomfortable in-between phase that I’m not so sure I’ll be able to handle.
Factor in the fact that I don’t drink, I’m not big on partying, I can hardly keep my eyes open past 10 o’clock, and I enjoy quiet evenings at home, and… what’s my age again? I know it would be wrong to assume that everyone in their 20’s lives that way, but it probably wouldn’t be a stretch to say that my preferred lifestyle isn’t exactly the norm.
I guess what I’m trying to say here is that I really don’t know how to act my age… if there even is such a thing. Maybe there isn’t. Maybe growing up doesn’t mean abandoning your inner child. Maybe being young doesn’t mean you can’t partake in occasional instances of senioritis. Maybe age is just another useless number that no one should concern themselves with.
Mmm. Yes. I quite like that idea.
And I quite liked my muffins, as well. Grandmotherly or not.
. – . – . – .
Can anyone relate?
I know exactly what you mean; I’ve never really been able to get along with people my age for one reason or another. All my friends have always been older than me… and now that most of them have “grown up” and moved on, and I’m still stuck here, I don’t have very many good friends anymore. And other teenagers kinda scare the bejezzers out of me… they’re crazy. I don’t know why, but I’m just not. I don’t have any desire to drink, party, do drugs, break the law, stay up all night, or even go on Facebook… its just not me. I’ve always accepted it as part of my personality, but lately I’m starting to think that its actually really weird and might be a bad thing…
Wow, that is EXACTLY how I feel! I struggle SO much relate to people my age or even around my age. I’m 20 and I find myself often calling our neighbor next door to see if their 2 year old wants to come over and have me read books to her or go for a walk or something like that…I’d so much rather be with her than I would another person my age or, lord help me, a BOY. lol
I think I have the same fears about growing up. I’m afraid of exactly what it means to be an adult and exactly what doing so will require me to give up.
grandmotherly or not.. I bet those muffins rock! and a good muffin transcends labels 🙂 haha and I can totally relate <3
Oh my gosh I am just like that, too! I just don’t relate to people my age-only really little people or people twice my age…hahaha…oh well. Age is only relative, anyway, so who cares?
And like Ben Franklin said, “early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise!”
Definitely relate to a lot of this… why is it that I prefer spending time with my mother and her friends more than many of my own? Or older workmates? I seem to have much more fun and laughs and good conversations with these people than with my own peers…
This whole topic is something that I am finding difficulty in accepting, that I am not like the typical 20-something… but hey, who wants to fit into the typical? We should all own their individual characteristic and good on us for not conforming if the norm doesn’t suit our tastes!
I’ve always felt older than I really am. But I don’t think there is anything wrong with that! There is something to be said about being organized and responsible…maybe I’m not as fun as some of my other friends but I’d rather be asleep by 10:30 am and eating bran muffins for breakfast than nursing a hangover at 35!!
Okay…you seriously have no idea how much I can relate to this post. More specifically, to the beginning. I loved it when you said you related to people in “real life” superficially, because the same exact thing happens with me. It’s really hard for me to let people in sometimes, and just like you, the number of people I consider true friends is quite small. Acquaintances? Many. True friends? Not so much. But, I guess that’s just the way I am!
PS- LOVE the muffins!
I’m 22 and I go to bed before 10. Yeah…
Um, hi. We’re the same person. I do drink. but it’s not something that runs my life or even makes frequent appearances. I’ve never been to a club, and both Friday and Saturday this week I was asleep in bed by 10:30. I “slept in” today until 7:00, went grocery shopping and I’m about to bake some brownies for the people in my office. I’ve never ever known how to act my age – but I like it that way!
I can definitely relate to that. I like talking and working with kids more than meeting new people my own age sometimes. I feel more confident and useful when I’m helping someone that’s younger than me and sometimes peers can be judgmental and intimidating. On the other end of the spectrum, older people often times have better insight.
Seems like many people can relate!
I’ve always felt so alone on this! So yes, I can definitely relate. Ever since I was a kid my mum would call me a 102 year old. I guess I’m a really old soul then 😀 It’s funny though because most people say I look younger than my actual age. I’ve always been very shy so I think that might be a reason why I’ve had trouble really connecting to people, but just like you said, I can’t seem to find common ground. I woke up at 6 today and went to bed at 10:40-ish last night. I bet my grandma’s less grandma like than me!
Can I relate? Oh goodness, can I ever! In fact, I breathed a huge sigh of relief while reading this post…I thought to myself, “wow, somebody else really understands!” Ever since age 12 or 13, I’ve struggled to relate to people my age. I kept waiting for things to “click”–for that magical moment when I’d *finally* understand the joy, excitement and satisfaction (or whatever it is) that my peers glean from late, drunken nights. I wanted so badly to “fit in,” and grew more and more disappointed when that magic moment never came. Sure, I enjoy going out and socializing–in fact spending time with lively, *genuine* people invigorates me. But I’ll take a movie, popcorn and cup of hot chocolate en casa over crazy, out-of-control nights on the town, alcohol gorge-fests and superficial conversation ANY day (or night). I used to feel insecure about my preferences, but now I know that they’re what make me ME. That’s not to say that I don’t struggle from time to time. Washington DC–especially my neighborhood–is a very young place, and it’s considered abnormal if you’re not out with friends until at least midnight every night of the week. I frequently grapple with the “should I? or shouldn’t I?” scenario, and if I choose the former, I rarely enjoy it. So I’ve learned to go with my gut…Even if choosing to keep most of my evenings tame makes me an outlier in my age category, it’s what feels right to me. Just as our culture tells us that we’re all supposed to be tall and thin, it also demands that we “act our age.” Does that mean culture is right? Heck to the NO! Life would be pretty mundane if those “rules” weren’t challenged. And it would be far less delicious too…Because yummy homebaked bran muffins beat greasy “drunk grub” 100% of the time (in my 60-something-year-old opinion) ;-p
Hope your weekend has been fab!
I can definitely relate. As proof, I’m 20 and my fiance is turning 34 next month! I’ve always felt far more mature for my age.
Uh yeahhh, I can totally relate! 🙂
There has been quite a few instances when I’ve been hanging out with friends where they find things so incredibly funny, yet I just don’t feel like it’s all that interesting/funny. I used to think it was because I was boring (which I know I am…), but I realized that maybe its because I’m just an older person stuck in a younger persons body sometimes. It’s so strange though, because I’m also still a kid at heart a lot of times. I’m just glad to know there are so many more people that feel this way out there! 🙂
I wish I could fall asleep at 10, and get up at 05.30! Im more like falling asleep at 1 or 2, but still waking up between 5 and 7- so annoying 😛 But I love early morning hours, and I dont want to waste my day sleeping 🙂
I like to go outt, but not every weekend like many of my friends does. I rather stay in, make dinner, watch a movie and gossip 🙂
Yet again, I so know where you’re coming from! I get on 10x better with people twice my age, and I just feel awkward and unsure around people my age. I don’t drink, I don’t party, and I like quiet nights in. I don’t really like having friends around my house, (ok, I hate it!) cos I like my sleep and getting up at a reasonable hour and being productive. BUT I am very scared about actually Growing Up, like you said. It’s very odd :/
& I love that this post is literally EXACTLY how I feel 🙂 Your mind is my mind! Or something less creepy sounding…
I don’t usually comment, but I just have to say that this post absolutely describes me as well! I always feel like I’m 22 going on 40, mainly because my prime pursuits border on the middle-aged as well haha. A good Saturday, in my mind, involves waking up at 8, having breakfast while reading the paper, baking bread and going for a leisurely walk around the neighbourhood, then reading a book until I’m tired enough to go to bed, at 10:30 or 11! Needless to say, it certainly feels like the exception to the 20-something rule 🙂 Thanks for writing this, it’s good to know I’m not the only one who bakes bran muffins for a good time!
it’s a pretty deep subject isn’t it!! i have a few core group of close friends and over the past year i have really become focused on trying to allow myself to open up more and expand my social circle. my best friend is literally addicted to people and if there were a clinical addiction classification for it, i would use her as a guide…and that’s not to be mean because i actually am so intrigued by her philosophy of friendship and she definitely has a joy of life that comes from her relationships. we both agree that no matter how many people you are acquainted with, having a stable core group of friends (whether its one or 4) is so important. i think for myself, i was always afraid to trust people i didn’t know and let them into my life because i knew it was scary for me to allow people i didn’t know to love me because i didn’t think the world could (may seem weird but i guess more people feel this way than i thought)… but when i saw that i could love a stranger and form a true friendship from that, it really opened my eyes. and now i see how much of my personality has grown from learning from the personalities of so many others of different backgrounds and beliefs! it’s really cool!
xoxo <3
Amanda – you definarely are not alone! I can totally relate. I believe age is just a frame of mind – another useless number in my book! I too have a small number of close friends, prefer waking up early and definately do not act my age! But i guess we are all unique with different lifestyles – why do we have to fit a “particular mold” – to each their own is my belief! As long as younare happy thats the most important thing!
Those muffins look fabulous!
I can really relate to this, I’m a total old lady and had my party animal days a long time ago. Now I’m much happier going to bed early with a book, getting up early and running, spending time in my own company and just chilling out and doing the things that make me happy rather than the things I think should make me happy if you know what I mean!
Yes yes yes! I used to enjoy staying out til 3 am and drinking, but I just can’t do it anymore! Sometimes I kind of miss doing those sorts of things though… now I feel like I’m missing out or something. And I definitely feel like it’s made me more introverted. Lately I’ve been trying to have a few fun, late nights where I just let loose and be my old self. Like last night I went to a party til midnight and drank 1 mixed drink. I got pretty tired, but I still had fun! I’m going to balance it out with early bedtimes for the rest of the week though lol!
last night I went to bed at 10:30 and got up at 6:30, typical Sat. for me 🙂 At one point I was thinking I would try to change my sleep schedule so I could “meet more people” my age. When I was younger and partied a lot, I had TONS of friends. Although, I have my boyfriend I ABSOLUTELY MISS connecting with people SO MUCH! I LOVE being social but not on a “surface level” as you said, I look truly connecting with other people. The problem is…. I find it hard to meet people I Have things in common with now. It’s frustrating beyond belief and I cant sub my need for connecting with others in the blog world. Its just not REAL enough for me. I cant have 850 long distance friendships! haha…Dont get me wrong, I love my blogger friends but it’s different when you can actually sit down and talk with someone FACE TO FACE. In the end, i decieded against changing my sleep pattern so I could meet people. WHY? Because I shouldnt have to change who I am in order to make friends. Thats a bit fake, no? I have hope that eventually I will meet people that I connect more with. I’m transferring schools next year for my dietetics program and im REALLY hoping that I will meet LOTS of people (or just a few) that I have things in common with. In the mean time….I guess i’m just a loner! It’s not so bad though. I quit enjoy spending time alone with a good book 😉
xx
Umm.. okay, so you just totally described me! I’ve felt kind of weird about my introverted personality, about not having much friends (’cause I can’t simply relate to them or find much things in common) and about my healthy food and exercise habits… until I found your blog 🙂 I am also in the process of recovery from and ED and I can say that reading your blog is very helpful for me. So thank you Amanda for being such a great person and keep up those great posts! I love your blog.. 🙂
You sound almost exactly like me, except for the fact that it is even worse in my case because I am only in my mid teens and I also drink tea, garden, sew, work with clay, bake, read advanced or educational books, etc. in addition, ever since I was tiny. If that wasn’t enough, I am vegan because of G.I. issues so not only am I “an old lady”, but my dad likes to call me a “crunchy vegan” (no idea what that is supposed to mean) and humiliate me when random people relatives come over. 🙁
Ah well, at least I’m not doing drugs, messing around with boys, getting drunkhigh at parties, failing at school and generally messing up myself like all the rest of the kids my age that I know….
I agree with Adara (holla fellow granny teen! Although if so many of us are “granny’s” it’s not really a granny habit anymore, is it?)
I push myself to go out sometimes because it always seems worth it in the end, but I definitely know what you’re saying. Usually I’m up by 6:30 and in bed by 10:30 🙂
Thankyou, thankyou, THANKYOU so much for writing this post! I was starting to feel like such an oddball. It’s especially difficult for me being a student and thankfully my first year has gone now where I had to live in halls with party animals but god, it was the hardest time of my life. I don’t drink, I don’t party, I like my sleep, I eat healthy and exercise and none of them got it at all. And as much as I try and get on with my peers, I just find them..childish? I love having a more intelligent conversation with someone my parents age! In fact, I’d probably say my parents are my best friends. Oh and my mum calls me a granny because I love dried fruit and she says old people like dried fruit haha! And the same with having muffins in the afternoon like granny’s have a slice of cake in the afternoon! But hey, it’s what I love <3 But then at the same time it's really hard because I don't look my age and most people think I'm like 16 or something and expect me to be all silly so it's really frustrating..
I AM 16, and I don’t act like that… I have been told I am too old for my age (I have almost all the “old people” habits and hobbies), but since I am really tall (five foot six) and have short hair and glasses lots of people ask me what college I go to, or old dudes try and flirt with me (It gets pretty awkward when people like shelf restockers try and pick me up…).
I’m FIFTEEN ad people ask me what college I go to (and I am only five foot five!). I even got asked that stuff when I was 14 sometimes. Although I have no idea if older guys flirt with me (I’ve had my suspicions…) becuase I am a total novice when it comes to identifying that sort of thing ;).
I can totally relate…I love the summer but find it frustrating that it’s too light out to go to sleep at 8:30pm! I’m accused of being a “hermit” at school and often forgo the party scene to read a book and wake up early for a morning run. Sometimes I think I’m mature for my age and other times I think I’m a little immature for my age…either way, I wish some of the other twenty year olds would stop focusing on getting black out and share some of my interests!
Haha I totally know what you mean about being frustrated with long summer days. It drives me crazy that it’s still bright out when I want to sleep!
Out of all my friends, we always joke that im the granny! My ‘sleeping in’ means sleeping till 10pm max and I’m always yawning by midnight!
D’oh 10 am, not pm!
We seem slightly similar you and I.
I wouldnt call many of the people I know ‘friends’. Im also up at 5:30 in bed by 10:30.. those exact times, everyday. Its like clock work. and I love it.
Its funny you post this, I was about to talk about something similar.
I can totally relate. I have 3 older brothers and I’ve always been surrounded by older people. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever had a friend that was younger than me! My habits and mentality in some ways differ a lot from most people my age, which sometimes makes me feel weird.
Sheesh. You just spoke what’s been on my mind lately. I’ve felt like I am a social bum. I think it originally stemmed from my fear of going to people’s houses, events, hang outs, parties and etc, because I knew there would be food there…. I mean, I’ve always been introverted, but I still loved to go to people’s houses and hang out. Until the disordered eating hit. Consequently, over the past few years, i’ve isolated myself a lot from social situations, and have not really made any solid friendships/relationships with people. Now, as I’m in recovery, I’ve really been longing for friendship, and people to hang out with and do things with, but I feel like I don’t have any friendships, other than acquaintances, because I didn’t allow myself to get too involved before. It has made me really sad lately, because I feel like people in the blog world would be such awesome friends in real life. But my ‘friends’ in my actual social circle don’t get me, have similar interests, have much in common, or etc. I’ve been thinking about how I wished I could find a friend who is the type of person who gets me…who understands me, who can encourage me, but still call me out on my crap. The type of friend who I can call when I just reached a new distance in running and they’ll be super excited for me (instead of not understand why I love to run so much), or the type of friend who I can call when I create a recipe that tastes BOMB (instead of wondering why I love food so much, and instead of thinking I’m ‘obsessed’ with eating healthy). Someone who values the things I value. I long for a friend like that. But….most people my age don’t have similar interests. Most people my age don’t have the values I have…they don’t enjoy doing the same things I enjoy doing, nor do they relate to me, or I relate to them. So….I totally understand, unfortunately.
hahaha i love your little grandma habits.
there are some things i can relate to, like not loving partying or staying out really late, and i definitely feel rifts between other people my age, but ultimately, i think for me personally, it’s really important for me to cultivate relationships with people my age and be around people everyday. it keeps me sane! i can be pretty introverted but i definitely love socializing and just hanging out with girlfriends!
Girl, you just WROTE my lief. Especialy the part about not being able to grow up but simultaneously being a grandma… my computer is being super slow otherwise I’d elaborate but I’m very much in the same boat (though I think it’s causing me more angst than it may be to you haha).
you are wonderful. 🙂 and I LOVE bran muffins!
<3
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