I was thinking about this last night before I went to sleep. There is such a simple, precious innocence that comes with youth. But there is also the warmth of wisdom that comes with age. While I mourn a certain loss of innocence in my life...an amazing treasure...I have come to value other things as well.
Interesting thought, Jewels.
How do you think your age affects your relationships with the opposite gender?
Well, psychologically there are several factors. The very young are usually innocent, unassuming, and blissfully oblivious to this whole love, lust, romance game of chance, some might say providence, and just life. We become aware, and things start off awkward, but somewhat positive.
This is where, sadly, we often find a turn or intervention of unfortunate events, vice, ext that can either be tough, growing experiences, or the making of what was discussed via references to baggage, being jaded, and other general and specific forms of pain, loss, cynicism, negativity, ext.
Now, for many this is the case, and for others it is not. Perversion or purity? Regression or maturity? There are many choices we must make each day, experience, and fork in our journey.
For me, well, I suppose I've never had much trouble with gender. There are some areas I struggle with. I find it difficult to hand people of other sexual orientations than hetero, but I try my best to love, life with, and understand them as I believe Christ did and does.
Really, most of my problems lay with age, so to speak. I've lived my life in many adult situations, Christian from before birth, and not often around those my age. This lead to a sort of disconnect with my generation. Those younger often take a shine to me, and those older even more so. Ironically, within my generation, those with, shall we say, the most problems, seem drawn to me.
I appreciate this. I believe it is Christ in me, and broken, selfish, and sinful as I am, I will do my best to try and die that Christ may live in and through me. It's really hard, but I can do no else.
The short answer: Yes and no. Regardless of general or collective experience, most everything always depends on the individual.
How do you think it affects dating in general?
Well, age, as place of life, will affect everything from how you relate, to how you feel, to how you act, to what you believe, and the list goes on. Some things are transcendent, but most often, people change. Nearly everything changes! It's a fact, lesson, and part of the intrigue of life.
That said, it affects dating in how one views it, treats it, experiences it, and even feels it. Physiologically, hormones, emotions, and other things vary dependent on age. There are also social and cultural aspects to consider. Not to mention belief structure, background (as in how, where, when the individual was raised), experiences, and further list of factors, facets, and frustrations.
Short Answer: Again, it depends on the individual. Age can play a part, as most commonly found, but it's not the sole factor of who or how a person is.
How does it affect your perspective on life?
Well, for one, each stage of your life sees from different perspectives. Seeing a world through child's eyes is often innocent, naive, straightforward, and simple.
Arguably, as one grows, it becomes complicated, more difficult, sometimes wise, sometimes jaded or cynical, practiced, deliberate, and transformative.
As you mature (different from growing), though you might not have all the answers, you begin to figure things out a bit. You learn, change, struggle, and become (possibly) who you were made to be (or not). The pieces of life, as well as its grander universals, are different now, and you accept, realize, and take comfort in your understanding (or lack thereof). Not to mention of variety of other reasons...
Short Answer: Noticing a theme? It depends on the individual. Often pursuits change, as do behaviors, desires, ext. The choices, experiences, and focuses of our lives shape what perspectives we hold.
Has it caused you to view the world differently over time or how you view others?
But, there comes a time when that isn't enough. You've had the fun and entertainment, and want more than that. Something deeper, something richer. Fun too...but it's not the priority.
