11 Comments
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Ajmal Roshan's avatar

“Your friends become problems to solve instead of a story to understand” really hit the spot! I like that this began with parental pressure but widened into something more universal. Something like how easily experience turns into authority when we stop listening. I think of it like the tension between wanting independence and still wondering “what if they knew better?” Incredible work, Ethan! ✨

Ethan Obiejemba's avatar

Thanks Amjal! Glad the zooming out and lesson resonated with you haha. Thanks for this thoughtful comment :D <3

Ajmal Roshan's avatar

Always, brother! 🙌

Favour Nwaokorobia's avatar

Ethan as a Nigerian myself I can just say I understand you.

Growing up everyone has his or her expectations of the kind of like the would want to live put on the younger generation.

And when you say you want to express yourself. They older generation don't really give you an avenue to do that.

Ethan Obiejemba's avatar

Glad u could understand, thank you for reading :)

gaia ୨୧⋆.˚'s avatar

this hit me. my parents are similar in some ways, and i don't think they act like this because they're bad people. i think they love us and are just trying their best to make us grow “well”, as they understand that word. maybe it’s a bit of a generational thing too. we’re definitely more open about certain topics now. but i really agree with you when you say “Maybe good mentorship comes from seeing how much different you are with someone.” it’s something my friends and i talk about pretty often. lovely reading!!

Ethan Obiejemba's avatar

Aww thanks, I really appreciate this detailed comment and that u sit through my story here, means a lot! :D

alana violet⋆✧˖*'s avatar

Freaking amazing!! I know your generation often gets hit with the “ungrateful little brats who cuss at their teachers” narrative, but I think a lot of this comes down to younger people being more aware of certain patterns. Part of that is because you grew up with technology and have had access to so much more information from a young age.

A lot of older generations were taught to suppress their emotions, keep their heads down, and just push through things. Education, religion, politics, and even family structures became intertwined with their identities early in life. I think that’s part of where the disconnect comes from, especially when their children start questioning those beliefs and becoming independent. I know a lot of us, myself included, feel you. Great work Ethan!

Ethan Obiejemba's avatar

Gosh, what a wonderful and detailed comment Alana! Thanks for describing the “older” generation side of it haha, now I think I feel a bit more empathy lol :,) I appreciate you reading, it meant a lot! and tysm for your words

Shelby Grace's avatar

Ethan wow. This resonated very deeply for me. I too, have had these same exact experiences with my family and all I can say is being able to stay curious and love the things that make you well YOU are beautiful. Really respect your work and voice. Thank you for writing this! Never stop being you!

Ethan Obiejemba's avatar

Bless your heart, thank you for this amazing comment I appreciate it so much <3 I’m glad you resonated with my experience and thank you for your words, I hope things are a bit better now between u and your family