" today is the oldest you've ever been, and the youngest you'll ever be again. "
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There are numerous controversies revolving around the subject of age.
People debate on counting age by the number of memories and not the number of years.
People debate on whether age or experiences define maturity.
Women lying about their age. (Men lie about their income too, so it's pretty fair)
Babies start crying at the age of 0, start walking at the age of 1 and start talking at the age of 2.
People are segregated and classified into different groups according to their age -Toddler, Children, Teenager, Adult, Senior Citizen.
But, do age really mean anything?
Is it more than simply a noun to describe the physical appearances of a human? What else does the age of a person tell you? Nothing.
Most, if not all are not living by their age.
Theoretically, a 17 year old should be going to school and enjoying the time of her life with her friends and families, just like the lyrics of 'Dancing Queen' by ABBA.
However, many 17 year olds are struggling with family problems, financial issues and studies all at the same time. Homework, house chores and bills are not something a 17 year old should be juggling with.
Similarly, a 40 year old may not be settling bills and taking care of the family. Instead, he may be attending school in pursuit of his college degree.
A 30 year old working adult strolling across Orchard road glimpsing at a gloomy teenager might ponder :" He's just 15 years old, how big can his worries be pfft. "
Little did he know that they share the same routine and worries.
This means to show that you should not judge someone based on what you see. A person's age only tells you the duration in which he has lived, but not the duration of his suffering or pain.
A friend of mine was feeling depressed but all she received was doubtful comments after visiting a counsellor. The counsellor apathetically advised her to 'just move on' and that 'everything will be alright in the end since you're still so young.'
Do not be like that counsellor, instead bestow every individual the same amount of respect and opinion. For a 17 years old may be as 'old' as a 45 years old. Be kind to all ages.
" Anyone can find the dirt in someone. Be the one that finds the gold. -Proverbs 11:27 "