Kids these days

I had a conversation with a teenage boy recently that went something like this:

Me: Hey! How are things?!

Teenage Boy: Good.

Me: I heard you were dating someone. What’s her name?

Teenage Boy: Kat

Me: That’s a cute name. Is it short for something?

Teenage Boy: I don’t know.

Me: Oh. Well, do you know her last name?

Teenage Boy: No.

Me: Oh. Um, do you know what grade she’s in?

Teenage Boy: No. I think she’s in my grade. We have percussion class together.

What I really wanted to ask next was, “Is she aware that she’s your girlfriend?!” Because, given how little he knew about her, that could be a real possibility. Perhaps he thinks they’re dating and she has no clue.

These kids these days, they are afraid to talk to each other face-to-face and when they do they really struggle. Unless I’m just old and names really aren’t that important anymore…

Check out this article that talks about teens and the lost gift of casual conversation: https://www.heysigmund.com/strengthening-teens-social-conversation-abilities/