Afraid of growing up? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. In fact, the fear of adulthood and the insatiable desire to remain a kid is completely normal. Being able to enjoy life to the fullest without the artificial burdens enforced upon you by modern society is just about anything a man can hope to achieve.
And if you were under the impression that your youthful demeanor was detrimental to your livelihood, your future success, and even the success of your romantic conquests, you would be wrong. In fact, what you have is a unique trait, the ability to truly differentiate yourself from the crowd in a sea of monotony, to come on top as a truly remarkable individual worthy of success and genuine happiness.
However, there is a thin line that separates the charmingly youthful from the downright childish, so while you should never let the kid in you disappear, you should also learn how to mold and sculpt his personality to win big in life while remaining true to himself. Here are the seven signs that tell the people around you that you’re still living the life of a ten-year-old, and why they should love you for it!
1. You smile at animals more than at children
This comes as a no-brainer – a kid at heart will always smile more at animals than at fellow children. This doesn’t mean you hate other kids, or that you’re a douchebag playboy who will never be dad material, no, it just means that the sight of a cute puppy or a fluffy cat brings out true happiness from within. In fact, it might even mean that you’ll be an excellent dad one day, because of your innate desire to nurture and take care of otherwise helpless creatures.
The fact that you prefer the sight of a dog, a parrot, or a quokka to a child screaming at their parents while hysterically defying the simplest of requests just shows how little you still care about the “next logical” step in your life. Which is to have a kid.
In your eyes, that can wait a few more years, because for now, there are plenty more exciting adventures waiting for you and your furry companion to live out. So don’t worry, all in good time, for now, just enjoy playing fetch with your best friend.
2. Disney movies are your favorite
It doesn’t matter if you’re a dude, a girl, or gender-fluid, Disney movies are made to be loved and adored by all. And you, in particular, find it difficult to resist their charms. And why wouldn’t you? In a world overburdened by stress, negativity, and violence on a daily basis, there is nothing better than escaping the troubles of everyday life by putting on your favorite Disney (or Pixar, or DreamWorks) movie and losing yourself in the imaginary world full of wonder, laughter, and friendship.
The simple fact that you love watching cartoons makes you a more positive person all around, and others will take notice of your unique, feel-good persona. In turn, you will have an easier time surrounding yourself with positive, like-minded individuals who will feed your mind, body, and soul with their own energy. Who knows, maybe the love of your life is looking for her cartoon nut as you’re reading this.
3. You don’t mind asking questions
Have you ever noticed how a child won’t stop asking questions, no matter how silly or even dumb they may seem, until they get the answer they will fully understand? Questions parents seldom have a comprehensive answer to, like what does purple taste like or why do things have to die (this one is every parent’s nightmare, so watch out), are what defines a child.
While you don’t want to pose questions that will make people question whether or not you were left without oxygen for too long at birth, you do want to retain your unapologetic ability to pursue the matter mercilessly until you get your answer. This is not only a mark of a kid, but it’s also, wouldn’t you know it, a mark of a great man.
4. You’re doing your best to escape adulthood
Whether it’s through traveling, partying, or simply riding a bike or a skateboard to work, it doesn’t matter, you’re doing you, and you are refusing to grow up, at least completely. Traveling, in particular, can be an amazing way to keep the creative juices flowing, allowing you to experience the wonders of the world and get to know different cultures, while still being able to build a successful career.
Hey, it’s a digital age, so what’s stopping you from becoming a digital nomad and realizing your dreams on the go? Remember, no matter if you have a steady job or if you’re working on a per project basis, there is always something you can do to strengthen your relationship with the kid inside.
5. You are brutally honest
A kid can’t tell a lie. Or rather, they can, but it will be painfully apparent to everyone around them. You might refuse to hide your true feelings, or you simply find it impossible to tell a lie, even if it’s a benign white lie that will make someone feel better – whatever it may be, you tend to be brutally honest.
Now, this can be a double-edged sword in most scenarios, so you want to tread lightly. While it is great that you’re an honest, transparent person, you should know that there are people who won’t take kindly to your unique trait. This can be your boss, your girlfriend, or your mom or dad. Do preserve your honesty, but use it wisely if you want to get anywhere in life.
6. You have a vivid imagination
One of the essential trademarks of a child is their ability to effortlessly dream up new worlds and propose simple solutions to complex problems. If you have a vivid imagination worthy of a true ten-year-old, and you’re officially an adult, it can mean many great things for your success in dating, business, and life in general.
Not only does creativity drive success in the modern business arena, but it can also keep a romantic flame burning longer and brighter than in most adult relationships. So never allow yourself to believe that you’re weird or broken, but rather embrace your unique view of the world, and grow.
7. Material wealth means little to you
Finally, do you cherish experiences more than material things in life? Do you love spending your money on adventure, travel, friends, and family rather than on an expensive watch, or a new smart gadget? Don’t worry, not only are you a happier earthling because of it, but you’re also a true kid at heart.
The modern world does an amazing job at making people forget what life is all about, turning free, young spirits into brainwashed, avaricious zombies who waste their life on material things. These people, unlike you, can’t grasp the single reality dictating that everyone winds up in the same place sooner or later. So use your unique quality to truly experience life for all it’s worth.
Living the life of a kid in an oversized body is just about the best thing that can happen to you; provided that you find a healthy balance between your adult responsibilities and your youthful persona. If you found yourself in these seven characteristics, there is nothing stopping you from living life to the fullest.