“You are young, and you’re dumb.”

I remember those words so clearly being uttered by my mother’s fiancé on a regular basis before he passed away a few years ago (Manny, may you rest in peace). He never said it in a condescending way, but more from the perspective an older and much wiser man than the person he was speaking to. It was always in the context of him imparting knowledge to me. I always listened intently when he spoke those simple yet brilliant words to me. And it seems that each day I reside on this planet, they become more and more accurate.

I am not sure what biological process occurs during adolescence, which triggers the “omniscient” hormone, but it seems to remain in our systems until at least the mid-20’s. We all remember that time when we thought our parents knew nothing about life and were always wrong. We had all the answers and there was nothing they could tell us about OUR lives. They didn’t understand us. Things were different than when they grew up. They were just trying to control us and be nosey.

Yeah, that is what we think until we are out on our own for the first time (college or otherwise) and all of those life lessons that sounded like “noise” and “nagging” are what get us through those “crisis times.” I can only imagine the feeling my mother and father had the first time I called them to say “Remember when you used to say this?…Well, you were absolutely right.” I pray that I have children to impart those same lessons to that I continue to learn each day.

The funniest thing about this whole process, and what prompted this piece, is that I feel “younger” and “dumber” than ever. Many of the things I thought I was sure of a few years ago, and were becoming comfortable with, are now just as much in the air as they ever were.

I thought I would have figured out what I want to do with my life by now. I have nothing except a few educated guesses, which are difficult to attain, and may end up being as unfulfilling as what I am doing now.

I thought I would be married by now. I am not, and I do not see it happening anytime soon. Additionally, I am becoming comfortable with that.

I thought I had the relationship thing down to a science. I do not, and I have no more insight than any other clueless person trying to figure the whole thing out.

I thought I understood women. I don’t understand sh!t. And I don’t think I ever will. Additionally, I am becoming comfortable with that.

I thought I would know something about love. The only thing I know is that I have lost it before. I have no clue how to maintain it.

I guess the only progression I have really made is realizing the depth of my “young and dumbness.” Maybe recognizing your own shortcomings is the growth and the wisdom. Maybe understanding that you do not know what you do now know yet, and being open to learn those things is where the true knowledge lies.

Imagine what we will know tomorrow.

** Have a question or comment for Knowfrillz? You may e-mail him at knowfrillz@highergroundonline.com**