With Pokémon GO being all the rage, and people realizing that a great portion of the game's fanbase are grown adults, one must question: how is playing Pokémon as an adult make one feel? I'll tell you: it makes me feel amazing. Here are 10 reasons why people of all ages can still "catch 'em all:
1. You meet a lot of awesome people
Even prior to Pokémon Go, when you found someone playing Pokémon, you instantly found a connection that you could quickly build a relationship off of. I can't count how many times I walked in the park, found a person playing Pokémon, and a smile formed on our faces as we realized that we loved the same thing.
2. Pokemon teaches acceptance and tolerance.
There are lots of moments in the Pokémon franchise — from "Black" and "White", to "X" and "Y" to "Omega Ruby" and "Alpha Sapphire" — where they talk about accepting other people who have different ideals than you. In "Black" and "White," they tackle one of their biggest controversies — animal cruelty, and come to the conclusion that yes, there are some awful trainers out there, but Pokémon are the strongest and happiest when they form a strong, mutual connection with trainers who love and care for them. The truth always lies between two competing ideals, and no one side is blameless.
In a world of bipolar parties and demonizing "the other", what could be a better message for both kids and adults?
In "X" & "Y," we see an ancient king named AZ come to terms with his regrets of war crimes that led to him being abandoned by his beloved Floette. We defeat a team who is bent on destroying those who don't fit their definition of "perfect".
In "Omega Ruby" & "Alpha Sapphire," we help two competing teams, Team Aqua and Team Magma, realize that their conflict and inability to listen to each other caused a catastrophe to befall Hoenn. The leader of Team Aqua, Archie, even says "We should make a better world for our kids". Can I elect him for the next president? Please?
3. Loving Pokémon as an adult has helped you be better with kids.
I used to be afraid of kids. I mean, absolutely terrified, even when I was a child. I was bullied constantly as a kid, so I developed a sort of phobia. Though once I got back into Pokémon after a seven-year-long break, I started to slowly get over my fear of kids by realizing that not all of them are the bullies that picked on me constantly in school.
I'm not the greatest nanny in the world, nor am I sure that I want to have kids myself (if I do, I'll definitely adopt) but Pokémon has played a huge role in getting over my phobia of children.
4. Loving Pokemon as an adult has also helped you develop a thicker skin.
Something that I don't get is that Pokémon Go helped people get outside, yet some of older Americans complained about it. There were some who saw it as a business opportunity and others who just thought "if it gets kids outside, I'm all for it", which I totally understand and support.
If you say to some of your co-workers that you play Pokémon in your spare time, they might give you some harsh looks, but don't let that get you down. Just tell them that everyone has their ways of coping, and just because your method seems a little quirky doesn't mean that its wrong.
5. Playing Pokemon GO has helped you drop five pounds.
Walking in the scorching heat of July to catch a Bulbasaur has definitely helped countless millennials lose a decent amount of weight.
6. You love de-stressing after writing a long paper or coming home from a hard day from work by playing with your favorites on Pokémon Amie.
Few things are more comforting after a long day of writing papers, articles or work than coming home to pet the fur of your favorite Pokemon. For me, it's my Absol named Dominica. Feeding her and playing berry-catching games just melts off all of the headache-inducing issues of the day.
Don't touch her horn, though. She doesn't like that.
7. Breeding Pokemon has taught me patience and persistence
I got into breeding soon after I defeated "X" & "Y."
Prior to my seven-year-long break, I was just starting to understand breeding, but didn't quite comprehend the mechanics. However, now that I understand, I've found it addicting. I love just spinning around the Battle Resort on my bike if I'm bored or decide to procrastinate on something.
8. I get to share my favorite Pokémon with others through Wonder Trade.
Since I've gotten into breeding my favorite Pokémon, I've begun to share them with others so they can hopefully fall in love with them just like I did!
9. I've become better with real-life animals.
That's me and my beloved Snickerdoodle.
I've grown to love and care for animals more and more because of the constant message Pokémon sends: bonding and caring with others is important.
10. Your journey to get better at whatever you do doesn't end with childhood!
Remember that it's always important to improve your skills, have fun and enjoy life, no matter what your age!
