Young men must become an individual before he can become a partner [see photo]. BUT... The world needs families more and more if humans are to survive the impact of an aging population and ideologies that celebrates groups but not family units.
Young men face a dilemma. Should he be true to himself and remain single until he grows up and becomes a mature adult [aged 30 to 40] OR should he mate with a female whose fecundity peaks much earlier [aged 18 to 28]. With life expectancy [of both males and females] stretching further and further out; it is difficult to urge immature males [aged 25 to 30] to saddle up as a life long partner to a more mature mate. For they/them who are determined to live an alternative lifestyle most of this post is irrelevant.
Young men who enter into a loving relationship that bears children are taking a huge risks. The first risk is that there is an important mismatch between him and his female partner not only due to the difference in maturity but also pressures of fecundity on a young female. The second risk is that the young male must celebrate being an individual or become a recluse within an era when the group is placed on a pedestal and male individuality is denounced. Third risk is that a young male can not satisfice his urge to be an independent individual with more access to sex [assuming that his young wife does not get bored with him]. Fourth risk is that there is a lack of obvious, accessible, or practical mental support for young males who are able to forego relationship bonds with casual sex or pornographic assisted masterbation. Fifth risk is that many young males use immersion games [perhaps even the Metaverse] to escape mundane life on this planet. Sixth risk is that escape from this planet [when humans establish colonies on Mars] is a promise and not yet a practical option for the affliction of being a young male [aged 14 to 30].
Young men face "first order mental challenges" that are unique [many will die due to self inflicted wounds, drug abuse, homelessness, social isolation, etc]. Of course it is important to note all those young men who went off to WWI or WWII also faced "first order mental challenges" [many of them died] which was huge but not unique. The fact is that young men must create, and sustain, great mental health because they will face a life full of challenges and setbacks. Young men will survive and thrive; but, the struggles they face are real and must not be played down or continue to go unrecognised.
Richard.
Comentarios