One of the things about emerging from the bubble of childhood is that with the loss of the local superstructure of authority, so much more responsibility is now placed on each individual. As adults, we have so much agency to thrive, as well as (frankly) to go the opposite way. For me as a new adult circa half a lifetime ago, that newfound sense of independence was thrilling. Perhaps encouraged by the fact that I was an only child and who grew up largely without the presence of my parents at most hours of the day, I relished being able to finally and officially plan and act by myself. Getting a driver's license, a credit card, a job, a life. It was great. It was naïve of me, however, to assume that the great "unshackling" granted by adulthood was universally positive. (Trigger warning on following content)
