They say experience is the best teacher, and I have come to realize how true that statement is. No one can become wise or knowledgeable without learning, either from others or from their own life experiences. Each experience, whether good or bad, has a lesson to teach. Sadly, many young people today don’t seem to value learning from experience anymore. I’ve noticed that communication, especially face-to-face, is fast becoming a lost art. Many young people, including some I know personally, struggle to hold meaningful conversations without hiding behind their phones or screens. It’s as if real connection is being replaced with virtual likes and comments.
In today’s world, the idea of setting boundaries has also been misunderstood. Boundaries are supposed to help us protect our peace and mental well-being, but many people now use them as an excuse to avoid growth or discomfort. I’ve seen situations where someone cuts off a friend or family member simply because they were told the truth or challenged to improve. Real maturity, in my opinion, comes when we can balance protecting ourselves with being open to experiences that stretch us. Growth never comes from staying comfortable. Sometimes, those difficult conversations and uncomfortable moments are what help us become stronger and wiser.
It’s not just the younger generation that’s struggling with this problem. I think the issue is gradually spreading across all generations. We’ve all become a little too sensitive and quick to retreat rather than face issues with understanding and good communication. Many people now prefer silence over dialogue, forgetting that silence doesn’t solve problems. It only buries them. I fear what will happen in the future if this continues because the youth of today will become the adults of tomorrow. If they do not learn the value of communication, patience, and real human connection now, what kind of society will they build?
Another problem I’ve noticed is the sense of entitlement among many young people. They expect life to hand them everything without much effort. Some believe that success can come overnight through social media or content creation without developing real skills or discipline. There is nothing wrong with using the internet to make a living, but when it replaces real-world experience, we lose something very important, our sense of purpose and resilience. Life will not always be easy, and the sooner we understand that, the better prepared we are to face it.
Life is truly what it is, unpredictable, challenging, and full of lessons. The best we can do is to guide the younger ones with patience and truth. They need to understand that life is not about constant enjoyment or avoiding discomfort.