dark, the absolute horror of childish nightmares. adults can share their fears with other adults; children invariably face their fears alone. but the most painful part of childhood is the period when you begin to emerge from it: adolescence. teenagers may rebel violently against parental authority, but this causes them great unhappiness. there is a complete lack of self-confidence during this time. adolescents are over-conscious of their appearance and the impression they make on others. they feel shy, awkward and clumsy. feeling are intense and hearts easily broken. teenagers experience moments of tremendous elation or black despair. and through this turmoil, adults seem to be more hostile than ever.
what a relief it is to grow up. suddenly you regain your balance; the world opens up before you. you are free to choose; you have your own place to live in and your own money to spend. you do not have to seek constant approval for everything you do. you are no longer teased, punished or ridiculed by heartless adults because you failed to come up to some theoretical standard. and if on occasion you are teased, you know how to deal with it. you can simply tell other adults to go to hell: you are one yourself.