There are milestones in life that mark the transition from childhood into adolescence into adulthood. Beyond the obvious markers that including getting a driver's license and (legally) purchasing alcohol, I have found that there is one other significant milestone to which a specific age or law is not attached.
My first indication was when I was a 15-year-old camp counselor to a group of 4- and 5 year-old girls. Between piggyback rides and games of Red Rover, they would often ask me questions such as "Are you married?" and "Do you have any children?" These inquisitions clearly reflected how unaware they were that I was only 10 years their senior. To them, our age (and height) difference was so significant that I fell in the "adult" category.
I was reminded of this surprising classification the other day on the bus. Two little children were playfully fighting with one another, which reminded me of the relationship my brother and I still have. As I smiled at them, they froze and inched back towards safety (their mom).
I realized then - for good, this time - that I was no longer seen by children as a fellow playmate. I am officially a "grown up," one whom should not be approached, as taught on afternoon specials.
While this termination of childhood is a little melancholy, it is ultimately exciting that a whole new population of adults now sees me as their peer....and the whole purchasing alcohol legally thing isn't so bad, either.
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