Childish vs. Childlike

I'm getting a lot of criticism for acting like a kid nowadays. So I kinda wanted to make a distinction between childish and childlike. Maybe we should start with definitions, eh?

childish--marked by or suggestive of immaturity and lack of poise

childlike--of, relating to, or resembling a child or childhood; especially: Marked by innocence, trust, and ingenuousness

Okay, so you see the difference, I guess. It seems that whenever I'm doing something that people associate with children, they're quick to say I'm immature or babyish, and say I need to grow up. Now I'm not talking about throwing temper tantrums; I'm talking about licking the bowl. I'm not talking peeing my pants; I'm talking jumping on the bed. I believe there are things one shouldn't outgrow . . . and even if some people decide they're going to, I'd prefer they didn't make their choice into some kind of standard.

[on my back]

I like frolicking in fields.

[sticker]

I like wearing stickers on my face.

[wings!]

I like wearing fake wings and playing with stuffed animals.

[my costume]

I like dressing up for Halloween and trick-or-treating, GOSH DARN IT TO HECK! Want to see how long I've been doing THAT?

I think that a lot of the time, kids have the right idea. They do things because they're fun. Coloring is fun; so is playing on the playground, making a mess, laughing at jokes about poop, and listening to silly songs. It seems these things are most popular with kids, but I don't think that that's any reason to say these things should therefore be restricted to children. I think that when adults lose the ability to find the fun in a lot of this kind of stuff, they're really missing out, thinking that it's better to be mature and all that garbage. Okay, if it works for them, fine, as long as they don't criticize me for enjoying what I do. I am very easily amused and find silly things interesting. It doesn't mean I'm a baby and I need to grow up.

[cuddle]

Okay, so maybe this page sounds like I'm trying to be a cute little punk hippie or something . . . if it sounds like that, sorry . . . that's not me at all. Just sick of taking crap from people over what's expected of me "at my age." Okay, so I'm a college graduate. Okay, so a lot of people have kids by the time they're my age and I still have no interest in a boyfriend. Okay, so most "adults" don't wear mismatched socks or day-of-the-week underwear, and they don't decorate their bicycles with streamers and clicky things on the wheels. OH WELL! I'm pretty happy with who I am and I'm pretty sick of being told how I should act . . . I don't want to "grow up" because most of the grown-ups I know are jerks! I refuse to lose the magic of childhood just because time marches forward. Argh. Leave me alone, you freaks.

This concludes today's pointless rant. :P Go back to the real world and purchase an insurance plan or something.

COMMENTS:

Any comments left here are PUBLIC. If you are not comfortable with that, mail me directly.

Comments from others:

Mikey: Hey I think its great that you like what you like and are just being yourself and "I am still a bowl licker as well".

Sarah: I wish I knew more people like you. Too often have I also received the "you're so immature! grow up!" comments from people I've known in the past. I usually get that when I try to have fun with them in public (I suppose they were embarrassed or something). Then again, they've said the same thing when there aren't other people around (so maybe they're just no fun). Those same people call my toys, cartoons, and kid movies and books "junk" and tell me I should get rid of them. Why do people do this? Probably because the majority frown upon it, and many people live off of the oh-so-desired acceptance of society. Most adults (not to mention teens) need to lighten up, play outside, and give their dormant imagination some exercise!

Roxie: Have any of you people heard of second childhood? Cause I've seen it in my bloody family. I have a great aunt now that acts more like a child than my 8-year-old niece. We can't take that old woman ANYWHERE!

Keep ranting!

Carrie: I agree 100%!! I've gotten the childish comment also, but the truth is, I just like to have some simple fun like playing with puppies, bouncing on the bed while saying "bouncy, bouncy, bouncy," being tickled or tickling someone else... it isn't about being childish! its about enjoying the simple pleasures!

Synesthesia: Dude, again, you are seeming cool. I am way too easily amused myself. The good thing about being an adult is I can pursue my childlike interests and fixations without being having anyone living with me lecturing me. I work, put on my adult drag so I can afford to be happily childlike.

And raise some moths.And some butterflies.

Backlinks:
MAIN PAGE
WRITING PAGE
RANTS PAGE