Has anyone ever told you, "We're going to do it my way because I've been doing this way longer and I know what I'm doing?" If not, you're lucky. Being older is supposed to mean that you're "older and wiser." But frankly, I don't really care. Just because I'm younger than you doesn't mean that I'm less qualified.
I may be younger, but I have a list to show how qualified I am to do everything that you do.
1. I have more education than you.
Now, I'm not bashing you for not going to college. Back in the day, you could support a family on the minimum wage of a high school dropout. Now, you can't even afford rent on that income.
2. The way you think makes no sense.
One could assume that older and wiser would also mean more logical and planned out. PSA: It doesn't. Cutting someone off or speaking over them makes you look immature and unorganized.
3. I show people respect.
I listen to opposing views and attempt to compromise. The keywords here are LISTEN and COMPROMISE. When I suggest an idea, it should be at least considered. But don't immediately shoot it down, it makes YOU look like a fool. Especially when your plan falls through and you realize that mine would've worked.
4. Yelling DOES NOT equal respect.
Yelling at anyone really isn't necessary. It makes you looked frazzled and impatient all the time. Yelling DOES NOT equal attention. It makes you come off as mean and aggressive.
5. Have some patience.
Refer to number 4, please. When I explain something and someone doesn't understand, I try to change what I'm saying into something more clear for them. I try to break it down, making it simpler. Repeating yourself constantly when people don't understand makes you look incompetent.
6. I speak with proper grammar.
Contrary to popular belief, not every word in the human language has an interchangeable partner. When you try to use words longer than the length of your vocabulary skills, you look ignorant. DO NOT USE A WORD IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT IT MEANS.
My parents taught me to stand up for myself. I'm still trying to master sticking up for myself without saying something damaging to someone else's self-esteem. I'm not perfect. I'm not even close.
But I AM a decent human being.
Older and wiser doesn't mean better. Younger doesn't mean lesser.
