Everything I read about today’s young people- ages 25-45, the “Millennials” — fascinates me.
I am fascinated because their world and the way they perceive it, is totally opposite from what my age group wanted out of life when I was that age. According to a number articles that I have read recently, this group does not want to make long-term commitments. “Renting” seems to be their preferred path forward. They don’t want to own a home; they don’t want to own a car. And, according to these articles, they are not much interested in marriage or parenting, either.
Comparing this approach to my own age group, the differences are startling: I couldn’t wait to get married, have children, own my own home, have a nice car. I hoped to have a long marriage, grow old with my partner and dote on my grandchildren.
What has changed in their goals and perspectives? And why has it changed?
I understand that not all Millennials feel this way, but it does concern me. And my concern is about the future of these young adults. Primarily, who will be there for them when they may need the kind of unconditional commitment to help them through difficult times? I have seen so many friends of mine who have been a primary support to their partner in times of illness.
What I see is the result of an investment that was made many years earlier and is now getting a return.
This kind of support cannot be rented.
From the Heart 