[QUOTE="Ixion, post: 5574505]I'd say it's a trade off. Being young brought less cares, more energy, etc. Being old brings drinking, sex, freedom, all that good stuff. Although, when you start to really get old (i.e. 40+), then I'm sure it just sucks. Although raising kids and amassing wealth might have its pluses.[/QUOTE]
I'll admit that becoming a parent and bringing a child up in the world is a truly amazing experience. I'll never, ever forget the moment when my little girl was born. I have no shame in admitting I cried when I first held her. And why should I be ashamed? It was the happiest moment in my entire life so far - and probably will be the happiest moment of my life right up until I die. But that doesn't stop me missing my teenage years - I was so full of angst and rage most of the time but it was just amazing to go out with your friends, get pissed near enough every night and generally have fun. I know I can just walk into any bar and get drunk now, but the whole thrill of getting drunk back then is purely the fact it was illegal and it was for that fact alone that I got such a kick out of it.
Another negative of getting old is money worries. You never had to worry about debts and loans and when you were 13-18, but when you become an adult and you have rent and bills to pay, it soon becomes stressful. I can't even begin to remember how much money I owe various companies. I know I owe Halifax at least £1500, thanks to the letters they keep sending, threatening to send the 'heavies' round to collect my goods as a payment. Tough break for them, as I don't actually own anything. My mum bought my PS3, and my laptop and iPhone are coming out of her card, and I pay her back each month - so until I've fully paid them off, it's hers so, technically, they can't take anything. Still, it's a downer to think I'm in such a crappy financial situation. Oh, the days where the only money worries you had was whether you had enough money to give the adult to buy a bottle of cider. I want them back. Where'd I put my flux capacitor?