[andywood]

This post misses the mark widely, IMO. Instead of being alarmist about the perennial decline of society, realize that there has been a real cultural shift, and it may be for good reason.

I think the brighter bulbs in my generation noticed that our parents weren't happy. Now, instead of asking "how can I do what's expected of me so that all will praise my sense of duty and commitment to family and community", we're asking "how can we be happy?"

I'm 33. I don't think of myself as an adult in every sense. Rather than shouldering the traditional trappings of adulthood, instead I think about what I want to achieve, and seek the most efficient, least burdensome ways to get there. My bills are on autopay. I clean when it's messy enough to bother me. I'm not married, and I'm not all that interested in having dependents. I date women who are as successful as I am, so I'm never supporting them.

The idea that any of this has anything to do with my work ethic, and my commitment to delivering the highest quality output in whatever I do is ludicrous. Hyperbole indeed. If anything, my mind is greatly freed up to focus on what matters most to me, precisely because I care not for being socially accepted into the mature, responsible adult club. There is precious little in my life that is burdensome, and it's by design.

[enjo]

I don't think that's what the author is suggesting tho. You said it yourself "I date women who are as successful as I am, so I'm never supporting them."

That implies that your out actually DOING something. That you choose not to adhere to social norms is no problem at all (I'm the same way). You've still embraced the trappings of maturity. Your pulling your own weight. That's great! I salute you sir.

It's when you decide that even pulling your own weight is a bit to much to handle that things get dicey.